The Tamang are an indigenous ethnic tribal community who speak Tibeto-Burmese in Nepal.
The word Tamang could be derived from the Tibetan words Ta and Mak. They mean “horse” and “warrior,” respectively. History believes they were horse traders. Horse Rider, on the other hand, has no written documentation.
Tamangs are the most populated ethnic group among the 59 indigenous groups of Nepal.
They have their own religion, language, culture, customs, rituals, and way of life. They claim to be the original inhabitants of Yambu, a village in the Kathmandu valley. Many Tamang villages can still be found there.
A significant number of Tamang people live in Kathmandu and its neighboring districts. Tamangs have permanent residents in places like Rasuwa, Makawanpur, Nuwakot, Dhading, Kavrepalanchowk, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha, and Sindhuli.
Tamangs practice societal administration among themselves by electing leaders. There are six types of leaders. Each of them has their own job. They are as follows:
- Tamba – in charge of the cultural aspect and plays an important role in marriage ceremonies
- Lama – performs death rites and observes Buddhist religious activities
- Bonbo – provides treatments to the sick and needy of clan deities and propitiates the local gods and goddesses
- Labonbo (Laptaba) – keeps the history of the clan and lineage alive through the worship of clan deities
- Choho – investigates cases and dispenses justice
- Ganba– is involved in a wide range of social, political, and cultural activities.
Tamang culture and tradition are extremely rich. They have their own language, culture, clothing, and social structure. They adhere to the 12-year cycle of the Chinese lunar calendar. Colorful printed Buddhist mantra cloths called Thanka are popular among them. They are displayed in various locations throughout villages and towns.
Tamangs native language is related to Tibeto-Burman languages. It is called the Tamang language. Their original script is called Sambhota. But some groups, such as the Nepal TamangGhedung, use Tamyig. It is a modified version of Sambhota.
Tamang people practice Buddhism. It is estimated that 90% of Tamang people are Buddhists. Despite this, their population is quite diverse. They do not practice the Hindu caste system. However, there are numerous different clans and family sects. They are subdivided into approximately 100 sub-clans.
Institutions such as Nhangkhor play active roles in the community’s socio-cultural activities. The majority of Tamangs adhere to Nyingma. It is the oldest of the four major schools of Tibetan Buddhism.
They practice ancestor veneration and worship ancestors. They also worship deities of Khappa, soong, Foopshang, and Mraap soong. It is also common to worship family deities, place deities, and clan deities, among others.
The most important ritual performed by the Tamangs is the death ritual. One of the most intriguing aspects of these death feasts is that potential married couples are formed here, so it is held for this purpose.
A Tamang man may marry a female from any clan. But he may not marry a girl from another caste. This is different from the Hindu caste system. Cross-cousin marriages are preferred. Marriage between a man and his father’s brother’s daughter or mother’s sister’s daughter is strictly prohibited.
The main festivals of the Tamangs are Buddha Jayanti and Lhosar. Buddha Jayanti commemorates the birthday of Gautam Budhha. Lhosar, on the other hand, is a new year celebration.
Sonam Lhosar is the Tamang people’s Lhosar. It occurs in January or February, according to the Gregorian calendar. Locals feast and play their traditional instrument, Damphu while performing their traditional dance, ‘Selo.’ People also clean and decorate their homes and go to monasteries to pray and hang flags. The celebrations are for defeating the opposing forces and providing positive reinforcement.
The traditional folk music and dances are very significant to the Tamangs.
The musical instrument of the Damphu is an essential part of Tamang culture and lifestyle. It is used at every Tamang event. They are played at weddings, funerals, special occasions, rituals, and festivals.
Their folk dance is called Tamang Selo. It is a dance style that includes songs about humor, satire, joy, and sorrow. It has a quick movement and a rhythmic beat that is unique to the Tamangs.
Their traditional songs are called Hwai. These songs are ritualistic and hold tremendous importance in Tamang rituals.
A lot of the Tamang population is found in the military. They make up the majority of the British Gurkha regiment. Traditional Tamangs are involved in Thanka making. They are also involved in wood carving designs, mountaineering, athletics, farmers, coolies, and other activities.
They also work as carpenters, masons, builders, and wooden plough makers. They are popular for weaving sheep wool jackets, bamboo baskets, rain, and leaf umbrella receptacles.
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