About the Tamang People
Introduction / History
The name Tamang means "horse trader." They were involved with a long war with their rivals, the Gurkhas, who eventually defeated them. The Tamangs once had forced labor obligations. Most of the Tamang live in Nepal or India, but there are smaller numbers of them in Bangladesh and Bhutan. The Tamang are the largest indigenous people group in Nepal at 1,768,000 (5.6% of the country’s 29 million inhabitants).
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are generally very poor, yet they enjoy festivals, music and cultural events. They have their own song and dance style called Tamang Selo. These songs can be about sorrow, humor, joy or satire. Their main festival is Sonam Lhochhar. It welcomes the new year in February or March.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Over 80% of Tamang follow Tibetan Buddhism but mixed heavily with animism and to a lesser extent, with Hinduism. Their priests, or lamas, have a dominant role in the community and perform ceremonies for funerals, etc. Perhaps the most powerful person in society, however, is the shaman, who exorcises demons and interacts with the spirit world.
How You Can Pray:
Source Joshua Project
The name Tamang means "horse trader." They were involved with a long war with their rivals, the Gurkhas, who eventually defeated them. The Tamangs once had forced labor obligations. Most of the Tamang live in Nepal or India, but there are smaller numbers of them in Bangladesh and Bhutan. The Tamang are the largest indigenous people group in Nepal at 1,768,000 (5.6% of the country’s 29 million inhabitants).
What Are Their Lives Like?
They are generally very poor, yet they enjoy festivals, music and cultural events. They have their own song and dance style called Tamang Selo. These songs can be about sorrow, humor, joy or satire. Their main festival is Sonam Lhochhar. It welcomes the new year in February or March.
What Are Their Beliefs?
Over 80% of Tamang follow Tibetan Buddhism but mixed heavily with animism and to a lesser extent, with Hinduism. Their priests, or lamas, have a dominant role in the community and perform ceremonies for funerals, etc. Perhaps the most powerful person in society, however, is the shaman, who exorcises demons and interacts with the spirit world.
How You Can Pray:
- That God would break through the religious and cultural barriers of the Tamang people, so they can hear the Gospel.
- That God would raise up disciples that will multiply disciples.
- For encouragement and energy for N* and his wife as they work in a difficult environment.
Source Joshua Project
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