GURUNG

The Gurungs are one of the many ethnic groups living in Nepal which is located in southeastern Asia. The Himalayan Mountains stretch from east to west and gives rise to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Nepal is geographically situated between China and India with Tibet to the north. The Gurungs are of oriental origin, first settling in the Himalayan region at a place known as Khhol at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. The Gurung is an ethnic group from the Central region of Nepal. They live primarily in West Nepal’s Gandaki zone, specifically Lamjung, Kaski (Mummy's hometown), Tanahu (Daddy's hometown), Gorkha, Parbat and Syangja districts as well as the Manang district around the Annapurna mountain range. Some live in the Baglung, Okhaldhunga and Taplejung districts and Machhapuchhre as well. Small numbers are believed to be living in Sikkim, Bhutan and India's West Bengal.

Some anthropologists deduced that the Gurung, Tamu (also spelled Temu) are descended from the historical pre-Mongol, Hun people of Central Asia, and spread and settled in Nepal they came to be known as Gurung. Others argued that they are of more recent Mongol migrations. However,in view of their language which is the most closely linked to Tibetan among Tibeto-Burmese languages,and some Gurungs' presence north of the Himalayan range(Grierson 1909:182),it is most convincing that Gurungs migrated from Tibet.Their religion,Tibetan lamaism and festival,Losar/Lochhar also support this.

The Gurungs were agriculturalists who soon migrated to the lower reaches of the country. At the present time, Gurungs are scattered all over Nepal. The majority of the Gurungs have populated the central and western part of Nepal. Gurungs fall into two main religious groups. The highlanders are Buddhists and the lowlanders practice Hinduism. Gurungs make up 2.43% of Nepal's total population, roughly 450,000 people. There are two major divisions in Gurung caste society. It's also commonly known as 4/16. The four castes would be lama, Lamachhane, Ghale and Ghotane. The other 16, I'm not sure but i know my mum's a Pachyu while my Dad's a kromje. Thus, that makes me a kromje..=)

Gurungs are not allowed to marry outside the gurung race and it is not surprising for a boy to marry his own cousin. (Hmm.. not an option for me.. I'll never marry my cousin..yikes..) Because of their strong physical features and well known endurance to the high plains of Nepal, they are recruited in the British and Indian armies. The soldiers are known as Gurkhas. The most notable feature of the Gurkhan army is their knife called a Khukuri. Gurungs are well known in Nepal as well as around the world for their bravery and for their cheerful nature.

One of the traditions that is slowly fading in Gurung culture is the institution of “Rodi.” where teenagers are prepared for adulthood and marriage. A girl is invited into one of the Gurungs household who has a girl of same age and they collectively call each other Rodi members. Boys are included later on when the girl invites them into the family to socialize. Rodi is the time for fun, finding love and affection, and marriage. Rodi member help each other in various tasks such as farming and other daily household chores. ( I should go the next time i visit Nepal. It's quite fun according to my cousins. But now that i know the main meaning behind it, i'm wondering for what reasons they went for such 'rodi' sessions.. haha..;p )

Language: Gurungs have their own mother tongue called Tamu Kai, which is similar to the Tibetan dialect. Most of the Gurungs still converse in that language. (I only undersatnd it..;p) Gurungs are predominantly Buddhist, but small numbers of Hindu and Shamanist communities exist. Although Gurungs don't have written records, they passed on their culture through oral tradition. At the present time, Gurungs have migrated all over Nepal and live in big cities mostly in the northwestern part of Nepal called the Anapurna region. They have businesses in the large cities of Kathmandu ( for my family, it's only for studies purposes for my younger sis! Not a nice place to live in.. People very cold and not helpful and it's also too cold) and Pokhara (where my grandparents are based).