Ethnic communities based cultural heritage

At first, Pokhara was inhabited by Mongol aborigines like Gurung (Tamu), Magar, etc who spoke Tibeto- Burman languages. They settled in hills like Kaski- Kot, Sarang- Kot, Pangdur- Kot, Arghaun- Kot, etc. around the vicinity of Pokhara valley. They had their own culture and tradition, and language and history. But they were either lost or modified because of Hinduisation during the Hindu rule of 22 and 24 petty state rulers in western Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, . The Chhetri Kings and their followers (Brahmins), who were Hindus, had come to Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, seeking shelter during the Mugal rule in India. There are proofs of the existence of the aborigines, Ghale (Gurung) Chieftains, as they were dignified in their social development.

These aborigines followed Buddhism together with their nature worshipping religion since Buddhism was the first religion to enter throughout the country. The history says Gautam Buddha with his disciples had come to Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, to introduce Buddhism.

After the political and geographical unification of Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, by the then Shah Kings of Hindu origin of Gorkha state, Newars from Kathmandu valley came to Pokhara to trade and settle down especially in the plain area of the bazaar of Pokhara valley. Since then, Newari culture and traditions mingled with those of Hindus and spread in Pokhara. By that time, the Muslims whose ancestors were brought from Banaras (India) by the King Prithvi Narayan Shaha had also settled in Pokhara, especially in a small area known as Miyan- Patan. Since then, Muslim culture and tradition also came into existence in Pokhara simultaneously.

In 1952 a hospital was run by Christian Missionary in old Tundikhel, now Pokhara  Sub-  Metropolitan  city,  ward  No.1.  Consequently,  Christians also started to settle in Pokhara. So, Pokhara has been a cradle of the four  religious  people  and  their  culture  at  present.  Parajuli  (2004,  p

27) authenticates the mixture of the ethnic groups in Pokhara as ‘the population of Pokhara is made up of numerous ethnic and caste groups, a

number of classes and creeds as well as linguistic heterogeneity.’ Yet the important and remarkable point is that there was no confrontation in the name of religion so far. General people of Pokhara, irrespective of their religions, are more social in their social life. Although their culture, such as festivals, ceremonies and rituals are different, they willingly take part in each other's ceremonies and functions, except by those who are very conservative. Such conservatives are very few in number. People think their social life is very important and more valuable than their religious traditions.

Other important aspects are their customs (dresses), eating things, and eating habits. There are not only people of different religions but also of different races and castes. They have their own social, cultural aspect which they regard as more important for their social life than their religious practices. They are very hospitable towards their guests, friendly towards their fellow people and respectful to the visitors. These are some of the examples of social culture and social habits of the people of Pokhara.

Regarding their dresses and ceremonies, we can say, it is a colorful rain- bow. Different races have different dresses and way of celebrating their festival and rituals. To enjoy these colorful occasions, one has to visit different localities in different times or seasons. There are many ethnic groups. Among them, the following are more prominent and impressive in Pokhara valley.

a. Gurung (Tamu)

Gurungs migrated from surrounding hills into Pokhara valley in earlier period. Now there are a lot of Gurung settlements in Pokhara bazaar. By birth they are Buddhists. They have their own Pachchu (Lama priest) (who is a Buddhist. But because of both pressure and attraction of Hinduism, many of them follow Hindu religious festivals and traditions like Dashain, Teej and married women use vermilion powder on forehead. They also celebrate Buddhist rituals as well as their own festivals like Lhosar (New Year) and T'hoten. Gurungs are popular as brave soldiers by the name of

'Gurkhas' in British and Indian armies. Many of them still join Gurkha army in the foreign countries.

b. Brahmin and Chhetry

Brahmins and Chhetris are originally Aryan and Hindus who entered Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, from India. They left India because of the Muslim Mugal's invasion in India. Pokhara is inhabited by large number of Brahmins and Chhetris who have their own cultural festivals.

 

Photo 2.6 Brahmin and Chhetri women during teej festival celebrations, Source: Ashess Shrestha, Pokhara

c. Magars

Gurungs, Magars, Sherpas, Rai-Limbu, Newars, etc are indigenous ethnic groups originated from Mangolian ancestors who speak Tibeto- Burman language in one or other way. Magars, although originally Buddhist, follow Hindu tradition after coming in contact with Hindus. Along with Buddhist and Hindu tradition, they have their own culture and tradition, developed in course of their social shaping.

d. Newars

Newars migrated to Pokhara valley from Kathmandu valley as traders after the political and geographical unification of Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, . Some of them are Hindus and some Buddhists. Accordingly, they follow the culture of Hinduism and Buddhism. By profession, they are traders. Earlier Pokhara city was mostly populated by Newars. In other words, Newars established the Pokhara city. They also established their own ethnic culture and tradition, which were brought from Kathmandu valley with them.

 

Photo 2.7 Newar community of Pokhara with cultural festival, Source: Ashess Shakya, Pokhara

Among various cultural ceremonies, Tayamacha dance, Bhairav dance

Gaijatra, Bagjatra, etc. are colorful and enchanting when performed.

e. Thakalis

Thakalis came down to Pokhara from Thakkhola, the northern mountain region, especially from Kaligandaki River base. At first they were seasonal traders, because of which some of them settled down in Pokhara bazaar. Now there are lots of Thakalis who have good houses and buildings in Pokhara bazaar. Their profession is mostly trading. They are Buddhist by birth and follow Buddhist tradition and rituals with their own tradition like Toronlho, Festival of archery, etc.

f. Rai- Limbus (Khambus)

Although in history, there is mention of Rai- Limbus in Pokhara in earliest period, dating back to political and geographical unification of Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, , they were not pre-known in Pokhara as settlers. But now, after the construction of the Highways, Rai- Limbus also came to Pokhara in search of jobs. Some of them have settled permanently in Pokhara valley. Although they follow their Mundhum religion and traditions, they are very close to Buddhism.

Now days, Pokhara valley has become a melting pot of other ethnic groups and people from Tarai region, and even from India who have come to do jobs.

g. Gaine (Gayak) community

Gaine means one who sings in Nepal, the beautiful country, tourist based country, , the beautiful country, tourist based country, i terminology. Now days, they like to be called as Gayak. Either Gaines or Gayaks are the traditional professional singers. Their native locality is in Pokhara 16, Batulechaur, next to the Maternity Child Community Friendship Polyclinic (Pokhara-Komegane), on the way to Mahendra cave. They entertain the travelers, singing songs about the history, social events and incidents which reveal the story of joys and sorrows of the people. They play music on the local musical instrument called Sarangi which produces heart moving melodious music. Very often, the visitors can encounter them with smile and singing songs along with the Sarangi in tourists' destinations like lake side, Sarangkot hill top, Airport, and Mahendrapool bazaar.