Matholi Village: A Story of Women empowerment and Rural Tourism in Uttarkashi
In the peaceful hills of Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, a small village named Matholi is doing something amazing. This village, also called Bwari Village, has become a place where women are leading the way. What started during the COVID-19 lockdown has now turned into a big change. The women of Matholi are not only earning money but also making their village famous.
City dwellers seeking a break from their hectic lives are coming to this village to experience its natural beauty, warm hospitality, and the charm of rural living.
From Cowshed to Tourist Home
It all began in March 2022 when a local man named Pradeep Panwar came back to Matholi. He had an idea to turn the village into a tourist place. He changed a cowshed into a small homestay and started training women in cooking, hosting guests, and showing them around. They named it Bwari Village, which means “daughter-in-law” in the local Garhwali language, to honor the women running it. Since then, about 1,000 people have visited and enjoyed village life, forest walks, and local food.
Empowering Women
For the women in Matholi, this is more than just a job. It has helped them become confident and independent. About 20 women, like Sunita Devi and Anita Rawat, now run homestays and guide tourists. At first, they were shy and unsure, but now they are strong and proud. Their success is inspiring more women to join and start their own homestays too.
Celebrating Culture Through Tourism
Tourists who come to Matholi get to experience real Garhwali culture. They take part in events like the Ghasyari Competition, where women carry fodder on their backs—just like in daily life. Visitors learn about local stories, walk through farms, and buy handmade goods. This helps local people earn money and also keeps their traditions alive.
Ghasyari Competition
Overcoming Challenges
The road to success hasn’t been easy. Poor connectivity and rugged terrain make year-round tourism tricky, especially during monsoons. Many women faced skepticism from families wary of their public roles, requiring patient community outreach. Limited homestay capacity and skill gaps, like digital marketing, also pose hurdles. Yet, the women’s resilience keeps Matholi moving forward, proving that determination can outshine obstacles.
A Role Model for Other Villages
Matholi’s work is now getting attention across the state. The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, praised the village for its success. Other nearby villages want to follow their example. With more plans like eco-tourism near Gangotri, the future looks bright for the women of Matholi.
A Bright Future
Matholi’s story is full of hope. The women have proved that with support and courage, they can do great things. As roads improve and more people learn about them online, many more tourists may visit. For now, Matholi shines as a symbol of women’s strength and what is possible when they get a chance.
Rural Tourism and Women Empowerment
Rural tourism is opening new doors for women in villages, helping them earn income, gain confidence, and become leaders in their communities. By turning homes into homestays, sharing traditional food, crafts, and culture, women are becoming key players in local development. This form of tourism not only brings visitors closer to nature and heritage but also boosts the rural economy. Women, once limited to household roles, are now tour guides, hosts, and entrepreneurs. Rural tourism is more than travel—it’s a movement that empowers women and builds stronger, self-reliant villages rooted in culture and sustainability.
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