A Glimpse of Tamang

Tamang consider themselves as the descendent of Shiva. They are also called Murmi, and it is opined that they are so called because they inhabited the bordering regions. The Shamya tribe who came to Nepal from Tibet on horse back during the region of Tibetan King Raton Chong Gyampo and established their permanent settlement there finally came to be called Tamangs.

Like Gurungs Tamangs too have been divided into two broad categories comparing of twelve castes and eighteen sub-castes but there do not exist any major differences between the two regarding l11atters like marriage and other rituals.

In order to run the Tamang society smoothly they have organizations comprising of following members like Yoho (Chairman), Mulmi (Headman), Dapta Lama (Purohit-priest), Bonpo (witch doctor who worships evil spirits), Dopta (Sadhu), AlIa (elders), Tamba (Scriber knowing ancestral history) and Garmi Godai (the secretary).

May be the reason why Tamangs are also called Murmi is that they call Mulmi as Murmi and treat him as their headman. A Mulmi is elected to conduct Sansari puja annually. He is also enthrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding forests and pastures which are the common property of all in the community.

Tamangs, in generally, follow Buddhism, although they belong to either of the two communities Ningmap" or Gyalugpa, the two sects of Buddhism. to February. Shimay and Bhimay puja is also a communial festival that is performed in the month of November annually. They believe that this puja blesses them with timely rainfall and good harvest in the ensuing year.

Only the animal sacrifice is done by Bonpo lama, otherwise, all rites and rituals from birth to death and thereafter of a person is performed by lamas.

Tamang, by nature, are fun lovers. Dhamphu is their renowned and typical instrument and they love to sing and dance a tune with this instrument. The songs sung for folk dance is called 'Tamang Shelo'. Among such folk songs, Highgeet, Fawargeet, Tamba Ekten geet and Geota geet are much praised and valued songs of the community. High geets are meant for religious and other important festivals. This song recounts and relates the history of human evolution. Fawar geet are sung during union and departure. Tamba Ekten geets are songs which express a jolly mood, therefore, they are sung in times of fun and frolic. Deota geet is spiritual in contents and is sung during pujas and other religious ceremonies.

Similarly, dances like Sarsawati naach, Deota naach and Dora naach are different type of dances performed during different occasions. Deota naach is meant for dancing during pujas and other religious festival whereas Dora naach is meant for dancing only during the customary last rites of a dead Tamang. But dhamphu is an inevitable instrument to accompany all songs and dances of this community.