Reshma Mahato and Sarita Bote make a variety of handicrafts from banana tham (plant) fibers to the green leaves of Thakal and Barua found in the forest. They have started making bags, pen holders and even slippers from fibers. 'Raithane Bazar' has been started in Bharatpur to sell these products prepared at home.

Raithane Bazaar was launched on Monday after New Year's Day at the Domestic Exhibition Center in Patihani Kamalpokhari Bharatpur-22 ward office premises. Bishnuraj Mahato, Ward President of Bharatpur-22 informed that local products will be sold in 22 stalls in the exhibition center.

This market will operate every Friday from 3 pm to 8 pm. "We hope that the goods made by us will be sold here," said Reshma Mahato. Reshma and Sarita are residents of Bharatpur-22 Patihani Bote tol. Tharu and Bote communities are tribals of Chitwan. They received training in making handicraft materials from fibers and Thakal, Barua four months ago. 

They also sell the same material to those who come to visit the ``Stone Park'' which is artistically made by placing stones on the Rapti bank. There are 22 people including us in the Laliguras Entrepreneurs Women's Group. All of us belong to the Tharu and Bote communities only,” Sarita said.

Ward president Bishnuraj Mahato says that Raithane Bazaar has been started to sell agricultural produce vegetables, honey, fruits, turmeric, mustard, tea, dairy products, ghee, honey, curd, khuwa, kurani, dal, rice, pulses and bakery as well as local handicrafts. Bishnu Gurung of Patihani Padampokhari, who has been cultivating vegetables for 21 years, also came to Raithane market with bitter gourd and cucumber. Padampokhari's long-suffering daughter-in-law group dusted