Daily Times

Tharparkar, the land of rich culture, traditions, natural beauty, and peace – now invites families over a lavish dining experience. Café Thar has served to break the myth about Thar being a deserted area.

Women working from dawn to dusk in the district previously did not have any recreational options, but the café provides them a space for dining out, so they can enjoy some memorable moments with their family and take a break from their busy routine.

Piyaro Shivani, owner of Café Thar, in conversation with Daily Times, shared how he was able to use some land from his field, in a creative approach, to facilitate the lack of tourism and initiatives for locals in the area. “This is why I decided to establish a hotel with an agenda, a hotel where not only food and beverages should be available at any time, but it would also give an entire space to local food of Thar, with a variety of recipes.”

He added that the promotion of local food is not his only agenda, but the promotion of classical and folk music, musicians, artists, writers, and activists is also a priority.

Thari women working from dawn to dusk previously did not have any recreational options, but the café provides them a space for dining out, so they can enjoy some memorable moments with their family and take a break from their busy routine

Shivani said that due to its easily accessible location and inviting ambience, the café was a popular spot to host small gatherings like birthday celebrations, engagement functions, etc. The locals are exploring Thar’s specialties with visitors and commuters. Many local scholars and writers also prefer to organise their inaugurations and launchs at the cafe, as it was a platform to celebrate local culture.

“It will be a symbol of hope and strength when local females will be able to open their own hotels, encouraging female visitors to Thar. In this way, the message of freedom will spread.”

“This is the first time since I got married that our family has dined out,” said Sonia Kumari, a local. Sharing her dining experience at the Café Thar, kumara said, “Mithi, undoubtedly, is the hub of Thar, but civic infrastructure isn’t tilted in favour of the women. I think such type of initiatives should be encouraged,” she added.

Dr Sanam, from Naukot Thar, said that she was proud of the rich cultural heritage of Thar. “I love my homeland for its beauty. I have visited Café Thar many times and deeply appreciate its local menu. I would recommend every Thari to visit.”

Published in Daily Times, July 2^nd 2018.