Tamangs--The oldest ethnic group in Nepal?

In Nepal, there are many different ethnic groups that still hold tightly to their traditional culture and customs--distinguishing themselves from other Nepali groups. The Tamang people are amongst the most well known ethnic groups in Nepal--mainly for their exuberant dress and the fact that they are found in numerous regions throughout the country. Tamangs make up around 5.6% of the Nepali population. They are ranked 5th in Nepal in reference to population and 3rd largest amongst the ethnic groups.

Tamang people can be found in the Sindhupalchowk, Rasuwa, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Dhading, Makwanpur, Nuwakot, Ramechhap, Dolakha, Chitwan and Kavreplanchowk districts of Nepal, as well as India, Bhutan, and Burma. 

The Tamang people trace their heritage back to Tibet and are part of the major Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group. Tamangs are usually darker in color and have  more Mongolian features. It is said that Tamangs are a direct lineage to Mongolians--and are therefore the oldest tribe to have inhabited Nepal--and specifically Kathmandu Valley, which was then called Yambu.
 
Tamang, in Tibetan, means ‘horse traders’. It said that during the Nepal/Tibet War--That Tamangs were horse riding soldiers. In modern day, this group has mostly settled in the hills surrounding the Kathmandu valley. Their main practicing religion is Buddhism and they are generally farmers, labourers, and porters. They also have their own language, Tamang, of which, as of 2001, 92% of Tamangs speak fluently. They also have their own form of tribal government. In this ethnic group there are different people appointed to different tasks such as death, cultural celebrations, marriages, holy days/ceremonies, & history preservation.

Tamangs are known for their hospitality and love of music. One of the favorite instruments used by Tamangs in the Damphu Drum (Tamborine). They are also renowned for their skills in weaving incredibly warm sheep wool jackets for harsh winters, and their beautiful basket weaving--generally used for grain/vegetable storage. 

Fall Festivals in Nepal

You may lose power in the middle of your favorite book or run out of water while shampooing your hair, but one thing you'll never be at a loss for in Nepal is festivals and celebrations..especially in Fall.

Every year in Nepal, the Fall season turns this country into one happy celebrating community. There are celebrations for Hindu Gods and Goddesses, for Lord Buddha, to celebrate women and the long lives of their husbands, and the Harvest season.

Women in beautiful colored sarees make Fall an exceptionally beautiful time of year. You'll hear music, prayer chanting, and the sound of laughter everywhere you go.

Here are a list of just a few of the festivals coming up this Fall season:

18/09--Teej: The celebration of Women & the long lives of their husbands, or for the unmarried woman--for the hope of procuring a good husband in the future.Women wear red sarees and green necklaces and bangles on this day to celebrate their womanhood. Thousands of women flock to Pashhupatinath Temple to make an offering.

29/09--Lord Indra's Day: Indra Jatra is 7 day long festival that celebrates and thanks Lord Indra, the God of Rain. There are carnival-like festivals and a procession through Kathmandu. Many people display images of Lord Indra (especially Newars--the natives of Kathmandu Valley) at this time.

06/10--Biswakarma Pooja: Biswakarma (Viswakarma) is said to be the architect of the Gods and is the son of Lord Bhrama. He is said to be the builder of all the God's palaces. This pooja can be done on the 9th day of Dashain, as well as during Diwali. Machinery and working equipment is worshiped and thanked for this pooja, usually in offices, factories, and work spaces. Red & white cloth and string are tied around them as an offering of productivity and sustainability.

16/10--1st Day of Dashain: The first day of Dashain is called Gatasthapana, which means ''establishing a pot.'' On this day, a clay or metal vase of holy water is placed in the prayer room of every household. Cow dung is placed on top of that and Jamara seeds are sprinkled on top--This plant will grow in 10 days time.This symbolizes the Goddess Durga. Throughout Dashain there are a number of family events and rituals, including the sacrificing and feasting of a goat.

12/11--Tihar: Tihar is celebrated in 5 days, with each day blessing a certain animal and finally sisters blessing their brothers with a 5-colored tika (holy mark on the forehead). The first day gives offerings to the crows, the second to dogs, the third to cows, the 4th to oxen and a self-cleansing pooja, and the fifth to brothers.

Click here to learn about all the other Nepali festivals happening in 2012!