Tharu culture

Language

There is no one Tharu language unifying Tharu communities in different parts of Nepal and India. Several speak various endemic. tharu langauge . In western Nepal and adjacent parts of India, Tharus speak variants of hindi  urdu and  awadhi .  In and near central Nepal, they speak a variant of  bhojpuri .In eastern Nepal, they speak a variant of. maithili . More standard versions of these dialects are widely spoken by non-Tharu neighbors in the same areas so that there are no important linguistic barriers between Tharus and their neighbors. However, there are linguistic barriers between these dialects standing in the way of communication between Tharus from different regions. Tharu people have their own language often known as "Tharu Language". Many professors and well educated persons say that many others languages were derived from Tharu Language (like as Nepali, Maithli, Bhojpuri etcTharu were already living in the Terai before  indo  europeans arrived, raising the question of what they may have been speaking at that time. The only surviving pre-Indo-European language in the Terai is kusunda, santhali  further west.Marriage system


Traditionally, marriages were often arranged during the pregnancies of two women. If they gave birth to opposite sex babies, the two babies were supposed to be married if they grew up as friends. It was problematic if a boy or girl came of age and rejected their assigned fiance(e). Finding a replacement was difficult because most girls and boys were already engaged. However this custom has been disappearing. Most Tharus now practice conventional  arrange marriges . They also practice love marriages, inter cast marriage, international marriage, inter world, marriage after courtship and eloping.Religion

The spiritual beliefs and moral values of the Tharu people are closely linked to the natural environment. The  pantheon of their gods comprises a large number of deities  that live in the forest. They are asked for support before entering the forest
According to the 2001 Census of Nepal, 87.63% of the Tharu people were      Hindus   whereas 13.95% were  buddhists.    

Tharu Household structure

In the western Terai, most Rana Tharu prefer living in Badaghar called lough houses with big families of many generations, sometimes 40-50 people. All household members pool their labor force, contribute their income, share the expenditure and use one kitchen.  
Tharus from the mid west and far west of Nepal have been practicing the Badghar system, where a Badghar is elected chief of a village or a small group of villages for a year. The election generally takes place in the month of Magh (January / February), after celebrating theMaghi Festival and after completing major farming activities. In most cases, each household in the village which engages in farming has one voting right for electing a Badghar. Thus the election is based on a count of households count rather than a headcount. The role of the Badghar is to work for the welfare of the village. The Badghar direct the villagers to repair canals or streets when needed. They also oversee and manages the cultural traditions of the villages. They have an authority of punishing those who do not follow their orders or who go against the welfare of the village. Generally the Badghar has a Chaukidar to help him. With the consent of the villagers theBadghar may appoint a"Guruwa" who is the medic and chief priest of the village.
As Tharus society is mainly involved in farming, irrigation is one of the most important aspects of the community. Tharus in western Nepal built canals that irrigate thousands of hectares of land. Hundreds of years ago, without using any sophisticated tools, they built hundreds of kilometers of irrigation canals in the Kailali and Bardiya districts of Nepal. An irrigation canal could be used by several villages. Its water and diversion works need to be managed fairly. For this purpose, the Badghars of different villages elect a person for the position ofChaudhary to manage a canal system. When needed, the Chaudhary orders the Badghars to send people to repair or build the canals. In most cases the Badghars and Chaudharis are unpaid leaders of the community. However, they are exempt from compulsory physical labor for the betterment of the society. As a token of respect, the community members may also help them in farming for a day free of cost.

Culture

The Tharu people themselves say that they are a people of the forest. In Chitwan, they have lived in the forests for hundreds of years practicing a short fallow shifting cultivation .They plant  rice , mustard , corn and lentils, but also collect forest products such as wild fruits, vegetables,  medicinal plants and materials to build their houses; hunt  deer rabbit  and  wild boar and go fishing in the rivers and oxbow lakes.

The Tharus never went abroad for employment – a life that kept them isolated in their own localities   In this isolation they developed a unique culture free from the influence of adjacent India, or from the mountain groups of Nepal. The most striking aspects of their environment are the decorated rice containers, colorfully painted verandahs and outer walls of their homes using only available materials like clay, mud, dung and grass. Much of the rich design is rooted in devotional activities and passed on from one generation to the next, occasionally introducing contemporary elements such as a bus or an airplane  .  The Deukheri Tharu are known for their colorful, shell and/or feather decorated basketry, including ram topne water jug covers.

Tharu in nepal

As of 2011, the Tharu population of Nepal was censured at 1,737,470 people, or 6.6% of the total population . In 2009, the majority of Tharu people were estimated to live in Nepal..  There are several  endogamous sub-groups of Tharu 

·        Rana Tharu in the   kaikali and  kanchanpur districts of the far western Nepal Terai; also in India, in  nainital   uttarakhand and   kheri terai  . Uttar pardesh.  Rana Tharu claim raiput  origin.

Who are Magar

Magar is one, of the 59 indigenous peoples of Nepal, recognized by the government as indigenous nationalities having own distinct language, culture, rituals and history. Their settlements stretch over the western and southern edges of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and eastwards to the Gandaki River basin.

Their homeland is divided into two sub-regions--the Athara Magarat (literally, 18 Magar region) and Bara Magarat (12 Magar regions), belonging to the Karnali and Gandaki River regions respectively. According to the officials, there exists slightly difference in the rituals, culture, and lifestyles of Magars from these two sub-regions.

Present day Magar settlements range from Tanahu district of Gadaki zone westwards included the districts of Palpa, Argha-Khanchi and Gulmi in Lumbini zone, Syangja, Kaski and Parvat in Gandaki zone, Dolpo, Myagdi and Baglung in Dhaulagiri zone, Rukum, Rolpa, Piuthan and Sallyan in Rapti Zone and Dailekha and Jajarkot in Bheri Zone. The Magars have spread all along the hills of east Nepal and to a few places in the Eastern Terai.Magar is the third largest ethnic/caste groups in Nepal as per the 2011 Census, which reveals that there are--1, 88,733 Magar, representing 7.1 percent of Nepals total population. The Magars are divided into different clans --Thapa, Ale, Rana, Budhathoki, Roka, Gharti, Pun to name a few and they usually identify themselves as belonging through these patrilineal inheritance.Before the unification of Nepal in the mid-18th century, Nepal was divided into different principalities (22 and 24). During that period, the Magars were said to be the King and rulers in mid-western and western region (18th and 12th regions) of Nepal and later on their estates were invaded by the Shah Dynasty and annexed to single Nepal. The interesting is; the most prominent historians namely Hamilton, Baburam Acharya and others claim that the forefathers of former Shah Kings of Nepal were the Magar descent.The language of Magar belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family. Even within this Tibeto-Burman family Kham dialect is spoken by Magars in Mid-Western region, Tarali or Kaike in Dolpa district of North-Western region, and Dhut, mostly in the West and Central part of Nepal. According to the recent Census conducted in 2011, Magar are the eighth major mother language speakers ethnic groups. The data reveals that as many at 788,580 people 3 percent of the total population of the country speaks Magar language namely Kham, Tarali or Kaike language.The basis of Magar economy in all areas is usually agriculture growing varieties of crops and vegetables; some are pastoralists who raise sheep and goats some work as craftsmen others adept bamboo work. But the larger communities of Magars engaged in dry-crop farming and buffalo-raising, many have earned name and fame by joining British and Indian Security forces.Their houses are built according to the style of the areas they live in ,l a standard which varies from one locale to the next. Most traditional is the two-storey stone house with thatch or in some cases slate roofing. Many of the smaller houses in the western communities are round oval in shape and washed with ochre or reddish mud. Magar houses in the eastern hills are never round and are most often whitewashed. They have stone walls and wooden shingle roofs, and are two storied with a verandah along the front. Some of the northernmost houses have flat roofs and consist of three storeys, the bottom one being a shelter for animal.

Religion and Culture of Magar

There is a controversy about the religion and culture of Magar, as there are both Hinduism and Buddhism followers. Most Magars worship the same god and goddesses and observe festivals, as Hindus do, majority of them follow Khas-Bahun religious traditions, observe the same festivals almost exactly and many of them use Bahun priest. However, they also observe a number of their tribal rituals and ceremonies, festival for worshipping clan deities, and also employ a Lama to perform life cycle ceremonies in place of Brahmin priest.Perhaps it is because, they had contact with the Khas-Chhetri for long, and therefore, their culture and religion is greatly influenced by Hindu practices. Although some cultural, rituals differences exist that arise from the distinction between these two Magarats-- Bara Magarat and Aathara Magarat. But, Magars from both the region have their own singing and dancing groups such as Sorathi, Ghatu, Kaura, Jhabre, Nachari, Salaijeu, Dohori and so forth.The Magars worship nature, idols, spirits, and supernatural beings. Similarly, they also worship hunting gods and goddesses within their own families and outside, the gods of dead ancestors or their grandmothers and grandfathers. They have their own distinct practice of worship. They bury their dead-body and they have their own belief system regarding life after death. From the perspective of their faith system, they are worshipers of nature or as animists. They believe in Shamanism and their Dhami (faith-healer only heals) is called Dangar and their Jhakri (shaman, who involved both in healing and social rituals) is called Rama. The traditional spiritual and social leader of Magar used to be called Bhusal who was very influential in the early days.Specially the Magar from Bara Magarath have an informal cultural institution, called Bheja, while the Magars from Aathara Magarat have similar institution called Pancha-Taluk or Pancha-Amal (where there are five-people elected democratically). These two institutions perform the overall traditional religious activities, organize social and agriculture-related festivities, brings about reforms in traditions and customs, strengthens social and production system, manages resources, settles cases and disputes and systematizes activities for recreation and social solidarity. 

NEPAL MAGAR TOURISM SOCIETY

Nepal Magar Tourism Society

Nepal Magar Tourism Society (NMTS)--the name itself is pretty self-explanatory that who we are and what we do. It was founded in the year 2010, with the aim to unite all the Magar tourism entrepreneurs from across the country and outside and promote tourism--together. It is a non-profit, non-governmental, and non-political organization formally registered with the District Administration Office, Kathmandu, fully dedicated to promote especially the cultural tourism, eco-tourism, rural tourism and home-stay tourism in the remote area where Magar indigenous community are densely settled and show-off their fascinating and distinct rituals, culture, rituals, lifestyle, language, their belief system etc. that are preserved intact and make a model tourism destination and equally to preserve the environment and cultural heritages of the area.

It is undoubtedly that the visitors who arrives in Nepal for the first time is confronted by a multitude impressions--spectacular mountains, dramatic monsoons skies, dazzling greens of rice paddy, the beautiful architecture of Kathmandu valley. Furthermore, it it is the people of here who make the greatest impression-- Magar is one of the 125 caste/ethnic groups so far recognized in Nepal. Magar is one of the 59 indigenous peoples of Nepal, recognized by the government as indigenous nationalities having own distinct language, culture, rituals and history. Their settlements stretch over the western and southern edges of Dhaulagiri Himalayan range and eastwards to the Grandki  River basin.

NMTS acts as an umbrella organization of Magar tourism entrepreneurs involved in the tourism sectors and who have fully devoted their life for responsible tourism.

Festival

Losar Festival

At a time when family mem  bers are dispersed and gath erings go without the in
volvement of the entire family, it gives a great sense of pleasure to see families of three or four generations together celebrating hesameevent.Thesedays,especially in major cities, Gurungs come together to celebrate Tamu Losar (Gurung New Year) at a common place and rejoice in various cultural processions, feasting and merry-making. In the old days in the villages, they gathered in courtyards to celebrate Losar. If you happened to be in Kathmandu around 28 to 30 December, however, you may have noticed the Tundikhel grounds at the city center vibrant with colorful stalls and people thronging inside. Tamu Losar is celebrated on every 15 Poush of the Nepali calendar (approx. 30 December).

Gurungs, who call themselves ‘Tamu’, are indigenous inhabitants of west-central parts of Nepal. Some also live east of Kathmandu. There are numerous clans of Gurung, the members of which are all well known for their valor, humor, singing and dancing skills. Their warm welcome and hospitality at the Losar celebration were evident from the plates with sel roti (rice flour donuts) and achaar (spicey pickles) being distributed around. The Tamu Losar marks the beginning of the Tamu Sambat or Gurung Calendar Year.

Gurungs divide time into cycles of 12 years (lohokor), to each year of which a special name is given, which is known as barga (lho). Losar also heralds the change in ‘Lho’. According to the oriental astrological system, there are 12 lhos–garuda, serpent, horse, sheep, monkey, bird, dog, deer, mouse, cow, tiger and cat. Therefore, each year is marked by a particular animal and they are arranged in a single circle (on paper), closely following the Tibetan calendar with its’ 12 animals. In early days, when there was no calendar system in Nepal, the 12 rotation system was used to calculate peoples’ ages.

Losar is a big celebration for Gurungs. Ganjasingh Gurung, Director of the Tamu Samaj (Gurung Society), joined a troupe of Tanahu District dancers during the celebration. He highlighted the significance of choosing this day for marking the New Year celebration. Poush 15 marks the end of winter and start of spring and it is traditionally celebrated for three days including a banbhoj (picnic). In the first two days, various sporting events took place including competition for prizes handed out on the third day. There were numerous stalls of food and drink, and happy dohori singing and dancing on a special stage. A group of men competed in a tug-of-war rope pulling contest, young and old, all in it for the fun.

Gurung men wear bhangra, a white cloth shirt-like apparel tied across the chest and open like a bag at the back (for carrying things), and a kachhad, like a short sarong or kilt. Gurung women, both children and adolescents, were seen in their maroon velvet ghalek (blouses), enhanced by large gold earrings and semi-precious stone necklaces. An enthusiastic Yogesh Gurung informed us that the stalls selling varieties of delicacies were set up by people from different areas, families or individuals set up. Good food, good company and music is the essence of good times. People in small and large groups sat on the ground enjoying   mouthwatering dishes. Others joined in the traditional dancing. There was also home-made raksi (alcohol). The three-day public Losar celebrations continued till the stars were out; then at home they invited visitors for gatherings for almost a week. 

 

Gurung people

Religion

They are Buddhists and large minority of Hindus. Centuries of cultural influence from Tibet and its northern neighbours – which adopted the Tibetan culture to a heavy extent resulted in many Gurungs gradually embracing Tibetan Buddhism particularly among Gurungs in the Manang region – over the centuries.

 Priestly practitioners of Gurung Dharma include  lamas ghyabri (klehpri), and pachyu (paju)  Shamanistic elements among the Gurungs remain strong and most Gurungs often embrace Buddhist and Bön rituals in all communal activitie  .

Traditions

Gurung music is one of the traditional form of music from the indigenous Gurung community of Nepal. Gurung society is very rich in its cultural heritage and music plays an important role in their everyday life. Whather it is a child's birth, a marriage ceremony or a funeral, music plays a vital role in the process.

gurung dress

Gurung Clothing in Nepal

Clothing in Nepal offers Gurung dress on wholesale price which is famous for Gurung people. Gurungs people are another ethnic people from Nepal who have their own language, culture and dress.

Gurung Clothing in Nepal

• Lungi Mugiya  = 400
• Lungi Mugiya With Jari = 550
• Patuka Blue = 170 – 210
• Cholo Makhamal = 570
• Ghalek = 390
• White Pachari = 400 – 500
• Tikis = 300 – 350
• Dhugri Non Gurantee = 250
• Dhugri Gurantee = 1300
• Ear Rings = Non Gurantee = 300
• Ear Rings = Gurantee = 1300
• Jantar = 500 – 900 – 1300
• Naugedi = 2600

Gurung  Boy Clothing in Nepal 

• Bhagra = 300 – 350 – 450
• Bhoto = 500 – 600
• Kachhad = 350
• Estakot Black = 500 – 650
• Topi Black = 200 – 250
• Topi Black with Knife = 300 – 250
• Belt Sikgapuri = 700

gurungs culture

history of gurungs 

History of  gurungs

The Gurung people are an ethnic group who migrated from Tibet in the 6th century to the central region of Nepal. Gurung, Sherpa, Tamang, Thakali, Manaaggi, Mustaaggi, Walunggi and many east Asian featured people of Nepal are the indigenous people of Nepal’s mountainous valleys. Their ancestors practiced Tibetan Buddhism and Bön (shamanism). According to the recent 2007 surveys, most Gurung people are Buddhist. They live primarily in north west Nepal in Gandaki zone, specifically Lamjung, Kaski, Mustang, Dolpa, Tanahu, Gorkha, Parbat and Syangja districts as well as the Manang district around the Annapurna mountain range. Some live in the Baglung, Okhaldhunga and Taplejung districts and Machhapuchhre as well. Small numbers are believed to be living in Sikkim, Bhutan and India’s West Bengal.

There are 686,000 Gurung (Τamu) (0.39% of Nepal’s total population) of which 338,925 speak the Gurung language. Their ancestors, culture and traditions are traced back to Tibet. Though, Tibet is called “Bhot” in Nepali language, the word “Botay” is consider derogatory to refer to Asian featured Nepalis. They coexist well with other ethnic groups of Nepal such as Madhesi and Khas. Khas and Madhesi people are Hindu, Indo-Aryan group who have migrated to Nepal after 12th century and brought with them the Hindu caste system. Most Gurung and other indigenous Nepalese of Asian features are Buddhist and so they are not bound by the Hindu caste system. Nepali of Asian appearance refer themselves as Mongoloid. Sometime, the term Mongoloid gets mistaken by youngsters and they think their ancestors originated from Mongolia. No study findings have pointed Gurungs origin to Mongolia. Instead, many studies and historians had confirmed their origin to Tibet.