About Tamang

The word ‘Tamang’ belongs to an ethnic indigenous people group of Nepal. Literally it has two meanings ‘Ta’-Horse and ‘Mang’- Worriers/Combatants. That means they were the horse riding worriers. According to the history, our ancestors were the worriers from Tibbet. They came to this land and made their habitats. Large numbers of Tamang people live in the middle hilly region to Himalayan range (200 to 2700 meter from sea level) of Nepal including Capital city Kathmandu. The land of Tamang is known as ‘Tamsaling’. Ten districts of Nepal are claimed to be ‘Tamasaling’ they are Rasuwa, Nuwakkot, Dhading, Makawanpur, Chitwan, Sindhupalchok, Kavrepalanchok, Dolakha, Ramechhap and Sindhuli respectively. As well as Tamangs live all over the country and migrated to eastern India (Darjeling, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Asam, Nagaland, Gohati, etc.), Bhutan and Burma.

Tamangs have their own history, religion, culture, costume and living style (social structure) which make them different from others. Tamangs are followers of Buddhism (Tibbetan Buddhism). We go to Gomba (Monastery), Chhyorten (Stupa) for practicing Buddhism. We believe in Nature worshiping too (i.e. Bone religion). So we can see that these both religions are existing in Tamang society. Tamang language is one of the members of Bhot Burmeli family. We use Tibbetan (it is also know as Tamhig) script for writing. We have our own social structure. As we are Buddhist and Buddhism means equality. So there is no discrimination in gender, cast, and living standers in Tamang society. Everyone should equally involve in each and every social happenings.

There are different roles and responsibilities divided to the people in Tamang society. These are the distinct and unique factors of Tamang community. Tamba,Ganba, Lama, Choho, Laptaba and Bonbo are the highly appreciated and responsible persons of our community. They have to maintain different roles and responsibilities according to their post given by the society. Our ancestors have kept alive our history and civilization transferring these to new generations. Tamangs are fun loving people. They sing and dance in each and every events of their society. Damphu, Tungna (Damhyan), Nharol, etc are the popular musical instruments of Tamang. Tamang Selo is the most preferred genre in music scenario. Selo, Mhendomaya, Saikole, Mhane etc are the dances and songs of Tamang. We perform these dances and songs in different occasions. Losar/Lhochhar is the great festival of Tamang community. This is the New Year of Lunar calendar. A circle of twelve animals are known as Lhokhorlo (year circle). The animals of Lhokhorlo represent years. Nhya (full moon) are special for us. Buddha Nhya (Buddha’s birth day/as Buddha was born on full moon), Gonhya etc.