The Gurung culture is an ethnic culture found in Nepal. Gurungs are a community of people who mainly inhabit the western and central regions of Nepal, particularly in the districts of Lamjung, Kaski, Mustang, and Myagdi. The Gurung community has a distinct language, which is also known as Gurung, which is part of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Here you can explore the Gurung culture, their customs, traditions, festivals, and lifestyle.
Festivals
The Gurung culture is rich in festivals, and their festivals have become an essential part of the country’s cultural heritage. One of their main festivals is Tamu Lhosar, which is the Gurung New Year. This festival is celebrated in the months of January or February, and it is a three-day-long festival. On the first day, people clean their houses and prepare for the celebration. On the second day, people wear their traditional dress, and there are various cultural performances, such as dance and music. On the third day, people visit their relatives and friends and exchange greetings and blessings.
Another important festival of Gurung culture is the Ghatu, which is a harvest festival celebrated in the month of December. This festival marks the end of the harvest season, and people thank their deities for a good harvest. The Ghatu festival is a three-day-long celebration that includes cultural performances such as singing, dancing, and playing musical instruments.
Customs and Traditions
The Gurung culture has unique customs and traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation. One of their customs is the practice of polyandry, where one woman is married to several brothers. This practice was common in the past but has become rare in recent times.
Another important custom is the practice of animal sacrifice during religious ceremonies. The Gurungs are followers of the Bon religion, and they offer animal sacrifices to their deities during certain religious festivals.
The Gurungs have a rich tradition of folk music and dance. Their music and dance are an essential part of their cultural heritage, and they have various traditional musical instruments, such as the tungna, the damphu, and the madal. The tungna is a stringed instrument made of bamboo, and it is used to accompany folk songs. The damphu is a percussion instrument made of wood, and it is used in various traditional dances. The madal is another percussion instrument made of wood, and it is used to create a rhythmic beat.
Lifestyle
The Gurung community has a unique lifestyle that is closely related to its environment. They are mostly subsistence farmers and rely on agriculture for their livelihood. They grow crops such as maize, millet, wheat, and barley, and they also rear livestock such as cows, buffaloes, and goats.
The Gurung people are skilled in making traditional handicrafts such as bamboo baskets, mats, and brooms. They also make traditional dresses, such as the Gurung dress, which is made of handwoven cloth and is characterized by bright colors and intricate designs.
The Gurung community has a strong sense of community and social harmony. They have a system of self-governance, where each village is led by a council of elders. The council is responsible for making decisions and settling disputes in the village.
The Gurung culture is a unique and fascinating aspect of Nepal’s cultural heritage. Their festivals, customs, traditions, and lifestyle have contributed to the diversity and richness of Nepalese culture. The Gurung people are proud of their culture and heritage, and they have made significant contributions to the country’s cultural and social development. A visit to a Gurung village is a must for anyone interested in exploring Nepal’s cultural heritage.
photo credit: Ramesh Khanal, Wikipedia
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