Gurung People

The specific origin of the Gurung is not known, but they probably first came from Tibet. They are stout and strong, have thick lips, flat noses, and most of the men have little or no beard. They speak a language known as Tamu Kui, which is similar to Tibetan. 

The Gurungs can be divided into 2 categories: Highlanders and Lowlanders. The highlanders are quite primitive and are mostly Tibetan Buddhist in their beliefs and culture. The lowlanders mostly own businesses and are more Hinduistic. Gurungs often migrate to Nepali cities from their villages and most are well off by Nepali standards. Also, many Gurungs have been recruited for the Gurkha division of the British Army and thus are well educated and have access to foreign currency which has enabled them to buy land and gain status. 

Gurungs put much faith in their lamas (Buddhist priests) and ghyabrings (witch doctors) who are consulted for sickness and ceremonies. They do not marry outside their tribe and it is common for a boy to marry his cousin. 

Gandaki zone consisting of Lamjung, Kaski, Tanahu, Gorkha, Syangja and Manang in Western region around Annapurna Mountain range is the traditional homeland of the Gurungs. Their traditional tributaries were called Tamuwan. The Gurungs belong to Tibeto-Burman group and are divided into various clan groups. The traditional occupation of the Gurung community was largely based on sheep herding. They are Buddhist and have their own language. They have priests: Pajyu, Ghyabri and Lama. Nogar and Huri are the main cultural practices concerning the farming. They are well known by "Rodhni" a cultural institution also. They both practice cremation and burial of their dead.

Tradition and Culture

The Gurungs are very colorful, happy and flirtatious people. A caste hierarchy divides the Gurung community into ' char jat' and ' sor jat', group of four and sixteen clans respectively. They are distinctly endogamous groups. Traditionally they prefer cross- cousins marriage. Among some Gurungs, a small amount of compensation may be necessary if one wishes to avoid cross- cousins marriage. The parallel cousins marriage is , however, strictly prohibited.

They also have a tradition of ' Rodi' , a club of boys and girls of similar age group where dancing and singing is performed. This institution gives them ample opportunities to know, understand each other and develop love and affection. The environment in the Rodi is very flirtatious. The whole function is guided and held in the supervision of an adult.

The Gurungs have very interesting dance tradition. They perform Sorathi, Ghado, Ghatu and others on one or many occasions. The dancing season generally starts on Shri Panchami day ( On the fifth day of bright lunar fortnight some day in January or February) till the day of Chandi purnima (some day in May or April).

Traditional dress of the Gurungs includes a short blouse tied across the front and a short skirt of several yards of white cotton material wrapped around the waist and held like a wide belt. The Gurung women wear a cotton or velveteen blouse tied at the front, and a sari of printed material usually a dark reddish color. Their ornaments include gold and coral necklaces, gold earrings and nose rings and bangles.

Economy and trade

The economy of the Gurungs are mainly based on agriculture, animal husbandry and services in the army. They grow rice, wheat, maize, millet and potatoes. The terraced farming is the norms. They also derive their subsistence from sheep breeding for meat and wool. While sheep herding they use fierce mastiffs (sheepdogs).

Most of the Gurung families have, however, an important source of income; the pensions and salaries of the family members who are in the army. Among them, there still exist the legendary fighters of British Gorkha Regiment, who were honored with Victoria Crosses for their bravery.

2000-2003 dharanOnline