Official Name: | Duhabi |
Native Name: | दुहबी |
Settlement Type: | Village |
Pushpin Label Position: | bottom |
Pushpin Mapsize: | 360 |
Pushpin Map Caption: | Location in Nepal |
Subdivision Type: | Country |
Subdivision Name: | Nepal |
Subdivision Type1: | Zone |
Subdivision Name1: | Janakpur Zone |
Subdivision Type2: | District |
Subdivision Name2: | Dhanusa District |
Population As Of: | 1991 |
Population Total: | 5762 |
Population Density Km2: | auto |
Population Blank1 Title: | Ethnicities |
Population Blank2 Title: | Religions |
Utc Offset: | +5:45 |
Duhabi is a Village Development Committee in Dhanusa District in the Janakpur Zone of south-eastern Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 5,762 persons residing in 990 individual households.
Duhabi is an archeological, historical, religious and cultural village situated either sides of indo-Nepal border. The natural environment of the Maithili cultural village includes a river, ponds, mango groove and the historical and archeological sites. It is a natural, cultural, and archeological museum. The word “Duhabi” is derived from the Sanskrit word, which means plant of grass family. It is said that Saint Durbasha meditated for 12 years only eating ‘Durba’ in the same village. So the Gadh [place of meditation] got its name Durbasha Gadh latter got its name Duhabi. Historically the archeological remains and icons [stone idols] excavated in the village resemble with archeological remains of Simraungadh and Rajbiraj this proves a historical linkage of Karnat era in Mithila described by the Chinese travelers Xuan Zang and Zheng He.
The archeological, historical, religious, and cultural village, Duhabi is situated in Mithila. It is 15 km east from the historical, religious and cultural town Janakpur and at similar distance from a small business town Jaynagar (India). Nepal railway passes through the village. The archeological remains sites and the temples are at stone throw distance from the railway station.
Duhabi is steeped in the rich Mithila culture that extends all the way up to the Northern Bihar state of India. According to legend, Duhabi is believed to have been part of the historical Mithila kingdom, with ties to the palace of King Janak, the father of Goddess Sita. Sita is revered under various names, including Janaki and Mythili.
In Duhabi, the Mithila culture thrives, and the village is known for its vibrant Mithila arts and paintings, each carrying historical and religious significance. These artistic creations are primarily the handiwork of local women who skillfully paint colorful and thought-provoking depictions on the walls of their homes. These artworks often feature animals, gods, and goddesses, and are crafted using simple materials such as clays and mud, preserving the traditional essence of Mithila art in the heart of Duhabi.
Major religious celebrations include the Hindu festivals Vivaha Panchami, Dipawali, and Vijayadashami, followed by Chhath Puja, which is celebrated six days after Diwali and Makar Sankranti.
The primary language spoken in Mithila is Maithili. It has its own script and is an important part of the region's identity. Maithili literature has a long history and includes poetry, prose, and religious texts.
Main article: Maithil cuisine
Maithil cuisine is a part of Nepalese cuisine. It is a culinary style which originated in Mithila. Some traditional Maithil dishes are:
Main article: Jhijhiya
Jhijhiya is a cultural dance from the Mithila region.
Jhijhiya is mostly performed at time of Dusshera, in dedication to Durga Bhairavi, the goddess of victory. While performing jhijhiya, women put lanterns made of clay on their head and they balance it while they dance.
Main article: Domkach
Domkach is a folk dance performed in Mithila and Bhojpur regions of Madhesh Province.
Jat Jatin is based on folk songs of Mithila and Tharu community which they perform from Shrawan Purnima to Bhadra Purnima. It is based on the love story of hero jat and heroine Jatin and their lives.
Gauna dance
The Dance is based in Mithila Tradition and popular in Janakpur region of Nepal. This dance is performed in the religious occasions.