Introduction To Gurungs
Gurungs are the ethnolinguistic indigenous group of Nepal, living mainly in the Hilly and Himalayan foothills. A few of them are also scattered across India, especially in the regions with a predominantly Nepali diaspora population(Sikkim, Darjeeling area) In their language, they call themselves “Tamu“. “Ta” in Tamu refers to thunder, whereas “mu” symbolizes the sky. They speak the “Tamu Khi” language of the Tibeto-Burman family which is similar to the other groups in the hills of Nepal. Their language is oral literature as there is no written form of their language.
History of Gurungs
It is believed that the Gurung People migrated from Tibet to Nepal around the 6th century before Buddhism spread in Tibet. Therefore their religion combines both Animistic rituals and Buddhist beliefs. Their history is uncertain due to the lack of written script, as their generations are handed down orally from generation to generation. During the 15th century, a Gurung king named “Gale Raja” was overthrown by then Nepali kings. During the 16th century, the khas armies took over and Gurung was under their control. later they helped the shah kings to unify Nepal.
In the 19th century, Nepali Government signed a sugauli treaty allowing the British army to recruit Nepalese youth. Along with Magars and other natives of hills like Gurung, Rai, and Limbu were recruited into the British army. The recruitment of them is still prevalent in the British army.
Religion
Their ancients followed Bon Lama (a kind of Shamanism), Paju(Pachyu), and Ghyabri(Ghyabring). Later converted to Tibetan Buddhism and Hinduism. Today, Gurungs follow a mix of Buddhism, Hinduism, and their primitive religion.
Culture and Traditions
In Gurung tradition, they celebrate so many festivals and ceremonies in different seasons of the year. Among these, Tamu Lhosar is one of the main celebrations. It falls every year in January. It is also a New year for Gurung People. Family and relatives gather to celebrate. various cultural events are organized, where people can be seen in their traditional attires. Other celebrations include Buddha Jayanti.
The Gurungs have a rich tradition of culture, dances, and music. They have a tradition of Rodhi where people( especially youth) meet, sing, and dance to traditional folk songs to share their views in the form of Dohori. Dance like Ghantu and Chadka are still in practice in most of the Gurung’s villages. These dances are performed either in groups or solo. Music also plays a vital role in the Gurung’s rituals of Argun, which are performed when someone dies in the community.
Gurung Dress
Both males and females have unique costumes, styles, and ornaments. Their costumes are somewhat similar to the Magar community but not all. They generally wear their traditional dress during events, various celebrations, and functions.
Gurung Dress for male
Components of Gurungmale dress
- Dhaka toti (Black)
- Bhoto/Vest
- Bakkhu
- Khachhad
- Bhangra
- Esta Coat ( waistcoat)
- Malaya/Sikgapuri Belt
Gurung female Dress
Components of Gurung female dress and ornaments
- Cholo
- Patuka
- lungi Mugiya
- Ghalek
- Pachari(white)
- Tikis
- Dhugri
- Jantar
- Naugedi
- Rings
Livelihood
Most Gurungs are mainly dependent on Agri-business. They produce rice, wheat, maize, millet, and potatoes. They get their subsistence from sheep rearing for meat and wool. Most Gurung’s Youth along with the Magars) make up the bulk of the soldiers serving today in the Gurkha regiments of the Indian and British Army.
Also check: https://insightsnp.com/about-tamangs/
