Not so long ago, after an assignment at Tikapur in Kailali, I took a detour to explore Bardiya National Park. While in the area, I happened to stumble upon Thakurdwara—a village right at boundary of the national park. Despite Tarai’s searing heat, Thakurdwara, as I would discover is a green and peaceful oasis that welcomes any passerby. In turn, connecting them to nature, in a way a few other places can.

But what’s more intriguing than the village itself, is its people. Thakurdwara is home to many ethnicities—Tharu, Thakuri, Bahun, Chhetri, and Newar—who only add more hues to this already colourful village. The people here are very welcoming and warm. Considering the fact that there is not much development in the area, the people are surprisingly very progressive. They are proud, independent and determined in growing stronger as a community. Even when life is not very easy, they believe in the power of love and kindness.

This is a collection of street portraits that I took while at Thakurdwara. I love taking street portraits because what I capture through my lenses while out there is not fabricated.  They are as sincere as it gets. Street portraits often reveal so much more than what a photographer intends on capturing: they bring about awakening of sorts, not in the subject but in the photographer.

Photos and text by: Asin Shahi Thakuri

Some things are granted, others you need to pray for.

Been there, done that.

It’s all about the right angle.

Life’s twists and turns.

Head held high.

Sometimes you have to look back to move forward.

The road less travelled.

First things first.

Freezing the moment.

Taking life as it comes.

Let’s see what the world has to show.

Twice a day.

More of the photographer’s work at www.instagram.com/anupclick