Kohbar Painting an Important Cultural Heritage of Mithila, Nepal: Coping with Natural Disaster

Abstract

Kohbar painting is a prominent intangible cultural heritage of the Mithila region of Nepal and its resilience in the face of natural disasters. Traditionally associated with weddings and fertility rituals, Kohbar paintings are richest in symbolic motifs and hold deep cultural and spiritual significance. However, Mithila’s geographical vulnerability to floods, earthquakes, and other natural disasters poses a threat to the preservation and continuity of this art form. This study explores how Kohbar painting not only endures but adapts to these challenges, examining the role it plays in post-disaster recovery and cultural resilience. Using a qualitative ethnographic approach, the research draws on interviews, field observations, and document analysis to assess the impact of natural disasters on Kohbar artists and their communities. Findings reveal that while floods and earthquakes have disrupted the traditional practice of painting on walls, many artists have adapted by using alternative mediums such as canvas and paper. These adaptive strategies enable the preservation of cultural identity and allow communities to maintain a sense of continuity and hope during recovery. This research contributes to the growing body of literature on intangible cultural heritage and disaster resilience by focusing on the unique case of Kohbar painting. The findings suggest that Kohbar art serves not only as a means of cultural expression but also as a psychological and emotional coping mechanism for communities recovering from disaster. This is based on primary data and secondary information. The primary data have been obtained from the field whereas the secondary information has generated through the literature review. It is based on qualitative data and qualitative research design.