The Change In Socio-Cultural Practices Among Tamang Community (A Sociological Study of Tarkeshwor Municipality Kavresthali, Kathmandu )

Abstract

The study ‘The change in socio-cultural practices among tamang community” A Sociological study of of Tarkeshwor Municipality Kavresthali, Kathmandu has been carried out using primary source of data collected from Tarkeshwor Municipality Kavresthali, Kathmandu, where included 67 respondents. The general objectives of the study are to find out the socio-economic status and cultural practices of Tamang community in Tarkeshwor Municipality. The specific objectives of the study are: To identify the socio-cultural practices of Tamang community of the study area. To find out the changes occurred in social and cultural status of Tamang people in study area. Tamang community is well harmonized and systematic in nature but they have poor economic status, education level and in participation on the social decision making. Majority of the Tamangs in the research area are Buddhist but found influences of Hinduism on them. All of them speak Nepali for the household communication their neighbors and others. No one of the research area had known their script. Tamang of the area do not have their institution to teach and learn their mother tongue. Three kinds of marriage are found in practice, namely, arranged marriage, love marriage and capture marriage. More than 85% of marriage is found arrange marriage case. The rest are found love marriage. But the capture marriage is being the past practice of the community. Very few cases can be observed in these days in the area. The cross cousin marriage is still in practice ( Mama Chela and Phupu Cheli marriage). But the practice of love marriage is found increasing in the community. Tamang have historical importance in the history of Nepal. But situation is far different in its practical term to address the social issues of Tamang, they facing. Low economic status, backwardness in educational sector is the root of the backwardness of the Tamang. It is the responsibility and duty of the government to make policies in favor of such groups. The operating NGO’s and INGO’s in the local level should attempt to translate their rhetoric into action. The organizations working for the disadvantaged groups of people are getting benefited themselves rather than targeted people. Most of the Tamang cremate the dead body under the ritual performed by the Lama who actually is their religious leader. Death pollution is observed for the thirteen days and during the period the deceased’s immediate relatives are prohibited consuming oil and salt. Purification is done on the last day. Ghewa is held on the same last (thirteenth) day. If it is not possible it can be done within 39th day. At the day of Ghewa a figure of the same size of the dead person is made with the help of hey and cremates the image for the last rite. This final rite is not allowed to see by the small children and the person born on the same day. The Tamang ethnic group of Nepal inhabit almost all types of geographical region of Nepal having the population of 1,539,830 according to 2011 census report. This ethnic group have their own language called Tamang language which is of Tibetan origin. The Tamang obtains least priority in the National development on the main stream and their history is not well recorded, still the living culture and tradition of them depicts the picture of their brilliant history. The Tamangs of Tarkeshwor are steadily modifying their ways to accommodate new condition. As a result certain changes occurred on their ritual and social aspects. It is observed that the new generation of Tamangs are much influenced by the modern sophisticated life style like watching Television, cinema, eating new varieties of good food, wearing fashionable clothes. They are less eager to work hard in traditional occupation i.e agricultural activities and animal husbandry. The types of changes are very seriously imposing threats towards the preservation of their tradition. This study was conducted at Tamang of Tarkeshwor municipality ward no 4, 5,6 of Kathmandu district with the aim of finding the socio-cultural practices of the Tamang people. This study showed that the Tamang of Nepal is in the situation of economic backwardness despite their close affinity with job opportunities. The social and religious orthodoxy they practice were the major causes for their backwardness.