Save Magar Language & Culture I

 Hello Guys, 

As we all know Kali Gandaki Basin is the homeland or ancestral land of the Magars. There is no two opinion that the today's region of Palpa, Syangja, Rukum, Rolpa, Parbat, Baglung, Tanhun, Pyuthan, Arghkhanchi is the land first inhabitated by Magars. The foremost & the strongest evidence is the name of the place, rivers, villages & mountains was named in line with Magar Language. One of the most common way to identify it is use of 'DI" as suffix. For example Marsyangdi, Myagdi, Karadi etc. In so of the places some names has already been converted to Khas language & some more are in process of it (by knowingly or unknowingly). Here, I want to make it clear that I have no negative thoughts or feelings towards Khas language or people. This mission is just to save the Magar language & culture with whatever little way we can do. And any sensible people will definitely try to protect their own language culture or religion, of which we can see ample example in today's scenario. 

Since, I am from Syangja I would like to give few examples so that we can be more clear on it. For example, there is a well known stream in Syangja called Andhikhola. I am sure most of you have heard this name. In Magar language this is still called 'Aangdi' which according to me because of mispronunciation it converted into 'Aandhi' & hence the Aandhikhola. 

There is famous place in Walling municipality named Changchandi. A famous Shiva temple is also located there. I have heard that people are going to change the name of that place to something else.

Hence, I have taken this very small initiative to at least make Magars aware of their ancestral heritage & the culture. & hope that this small initiative will help in stopping converting Magars name into Khas one.

So what we have to do is you guys have to just mention the name of the place, village, stream, river or mountain which has DI as its suffix. if possible its meaning & where its located. 

And if anyone else has any more technique like place name with suffix PA for example in Tibetan language means place hence the name Palpa, Rolpa, Dolpa etc.

Few more Suffix I want to mention here is 'LUNG' means stone in Magar language Malunga, Ilunga etc.

'YANG" suffix Galyang, Lalyang etc.

So, anyone who wants to share more on this line is warmly welcome & lets do it together.

Here, below I am trying to write the Magar names in & around Syangja. You guys can add on to it with me depends on your area. 

Dharadi - Common name of place or stream

Karadi - Name of the stream & hence place in Galyang Nagar Palika, Syangja

Malunga - Name of the bazaar in G.N.P. Syangja

Ilunga - Name of the place

Changchandi - A famous place in W.N.P. it has a famous Shiva Temple

Waling - LING means song in Magar language - A municipality in Syangja

Syangja - This possible could be derived from SAINCHA means expanding.

Aangdi - Aandhi Khola as I have mentioned before

Gwadi - Name of the place

Japkadi _ Name of the place in Palpa

Rumbakdi - Name of the place

Tolatung - TUNG means at that place or point

Bartung - Name of the place near Tansen

Gurungdi - Name of the place

Garangdi - Name of the place

Tansen - Is possibly derived from TANSINGH, In Magar language SINGH means wood

Bajhang - JHANG means on earth

Lotcha Khohore - KHOHORE means Bhir in Magar language. LOTCHA means long so it means Steep Mountain.

So, guys I hope you guys will keep adding the list & will definitely want to here any interesting thing which you guys want to share with us all.

I will also try to update more names in the future.

  

  

     

Ghatu Dance of Lamjung

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evotees lined up inside the Tashi Chhyoling Gumba of Nalma village, recently on Buddha Jayanti to prepare the Ghatu dance. Interestingly, although the day begins with offerings and lamps for the Buddha, the dance begins by invoking Hindu gods.

Ghatu seems to bring many cultures and languages together across the mountains of Central Nepal. In Nalma village, a two-hour ride from the district headquarter of Besishahar, four young girls are dressing up in traditional Gurung costumes to prepare for the dance. The rituals actually begin in January on the festival of Shree Panchami, when the dancers are selected. They are then trained until the performance starts on Buddha Jayanti, and goes on for up to a week.

On full moon day the dancers line up in a community building at the center of the village, and begin swaying slowly to the music as village elders sing to the beat of the madal. Ghatu tells the tragic story of King Pashramu and Queen Yambawati: Pashramu goes on a hunt, meets and marries Yambawati, and they have a child. Pashramu is killed in action, Yambawati self-immolates on her husband’s pyre. The dance climaxes with Yambawati’s grief as she gives up her kingdom, says goodbye to her little son, and embraces death. The dancers go into a trembling trance as they perform for hours.

Ghatu dance is performed all over central Nepal by Gurung, Magar, Dura, Balami and Kumal communities. But no one is sure how it originated. “It was passed down to us by our ancestors, but they did not tell us where they learnt it or how it began,” says Jung Bahadur Gurung, dance teacher in Nalma. “People believe it’s based on a local story, and that Pashramu and Yambawati were a local Gurung king and queen.”

Gurung knows the songs, but says he does not know what language they are in. It sounds like Tharu or Bhojpuri, languages spoken in southern Nepal. Since Pashramu meets Yambawati when he is out hunting and far away from his mountain homeland, some people speculate that queen Yambawati was a woman from the Tarai and brought the songs with her.

The Gurungs also do not have the practice of sati depicted in the dance. Considering this and other factors, folk music expert Kishor Gurung concludes that Ghatu was actually brought to Nepal by Lahures who went to India. “Nepali soldiers who joined the British Indian armies must have brought it back with them 150-200 years ago.”

Professor Yubaraj Gurung thinks the dance is essentially a way for the community to comes to terms with pain and relate it to Yambawati’s grief. But there is agreement on what makes the dancers go into a trance as they dance with their eyes closed, swaying slowly to the music.

“The dancers sometimes don’t even know the story, but go with the flow and where the music takes them,” says folk music researcher Jhuma Limbu who is making a documentary about Ghatu. “It is a matter of great pride that music which explores the depths of human psychology is still alive in Nepal. We must do our best to preserve it.”

As with most folk art, this music has been passed down and preserved orally, and it is known to affect the dancers anytime it is played. Grown women who were former dancers sometimes fall into a trance when they hear the music. Villagers here forbid recording the music, and the performances only happen at designated times.

With the march of time, interest is waning in such lengthy dances when other means of entertainment are easily available, says musician Raju Gurung: “It is a very sad that people are losing interest in the ritual part of the dance and it is becoming more and more commercialised. We love our dance very much and would like to preserve it, but it is a losing battle.”

Source : Nepali Times by Sewa Bhattarai 

"Batuk" A Magar Delicacy

A beautiful article on Magar delicacy Batuk

" Magar is one of the indigenous ethnic nationalities of Nepal. They mostly inhabit the districts of Palpa, Gulmi, Arghakhanchi, Syangja, Baglung, Parbat, Myagdi, Tanahun, and Gorkha in the western region, as well as some other districts in the mid-western and eastern regions. A little insight on the Magar tribe: the social process of Sanskritization has drawn some of the Magar population to develop a syncretic form of Hinduism combining with animist and Buddhist rituals. The major castes of Magar are Ale, Thapa, Pun, and Rana, however, there are more than 700 sub-family names. They are well represented in Nepal’s military, as well as in British and Indian Gurkha regiments, along with Gurung, Rai, and other martial ethnic groups from the hills of Nepal. 

Their national festival is Maghe Sankranti, which is celebrated with great enthusiasm by organizing various programs across the country. One of the prominent food items that is passed around by the Magar community on this day, and any other celebratory day, is known as batuk. Commonly known as bara, it is considered to be a traditional food of the Magar people. Batuk is never missed out on any festival or family gathering, and is best served alongside pork and kodo-ko-raksi (local alcohol made from millet). Batuk rotis are shaped like Western doughnuts, but the taste is easily distinguishable. The crunchiness on the outside complements the soft texture inside. Many people grow fond of this dish after just one taste, as it is something that is quite different than the usual daal, bhaat, and tarkari. However, due to the difficulties of getting genuine batuk that actually represents the authentic taste of Magars, most people remain unaware of how mouth-watering the dish actually is. Nevertheless, here are some of the simple and traditional procedures to follow in order to cook this well-known and much-loved dish of the Magars.

Batuk roti is made from black lentils that have been soaked for over twenty-four hours. After removing the outer black layer, the lentils are washed thoroughly with clean water, and then ground to form a very fine paste. Although the recipe could differ from one family to another, the most common ingredients to add are ginger paste and salt. A small amount of the mixture is then laid flat on a smooth surface (my grandmother prefers to recycle the inside of an oil packet) and formed into a small round shape with the help of the palm. A batuk is not a batuk without a distinct hole, hence, using a finger, one is created in the middle. It is fried on a deep frying pan or wok, half filled with vegetable or sunflower oil. It is best to leave it for two-three minutes, until both sides turn golden brown. 

The oil should be hot enough, and the batuk should be fried on medium heat for it to be perfectly cooked. A skewer or slotted spoon can then be used to flip and remove it from the oil. The ingredients and the procedure can vary, however these simple steps are enough to come up with tasty batuks. One does not need to wait for Maghe Sakranti to cook, or eat, batuk. Although it is fried in oil, batuk is not greasy or full of oil, and has a perfect blend of versatile flavors. They are considered to be healthy snacks, full of protein. The traditional Magars eat batuk in taparis (leaf plates), where servings of four-five batuks are enough to satisfy hunger. 

Amongst the many traditional foods that Nepal has to offer, batuk remains one that often goes by unnoticed. With the increasing interest in tasting different flavors of Nepal, batuk could be one to remain permanently on the menu, and may even be a reason to give Magars an approving nod for coming up with something healthy yet satisfying. Let us not wait for another whole year to try these delights! "

SOURCE: http://ecs.com.np/food/batuk-a-magar-delicacy

MAGAR GHATU & NACHARI - MAGAR DANCE

"The Ghatu nach is known in magar and gurung community. This dance is performed in Syangja,Tahun, Palpa & lamjung today this dance is risk of disappear.The Ghatu nach or dance competition takes place within the month of Magh Panchami(Fifth day of brighter moon in Magh) or towards finish of Jan and finishs on Hindu calendar month purnima that falls round the end of Gregorian calendar month or starting of could.Final performance lasts from morning to evening for 3 days and night.Not one episode should be omitted; at a selected purpose known as Kusunda;

The dancers represent spirit possession. A strict rule governs the Kusunda. Magar believes mistake could lead to sightlessness, madness or perhaps death. owing to these sanctions the Ghatu has maintained its distinctive Ghatu language, barely fathomable to gift day singers."

Source: http://magarkochorachori.blogspot.in/2013/05/about-ghatu-nach-dance.html

Here I completely agree with the author. No doubt its part of our own culture but as far as I know in real life at least in Syangja in not a very happy to be or done for leisure unlike other form of dance. As author has truely mention that the dancer represent spirit possession. And it is only perform to please Ghatu Devta, and its said that the dancer is the chosen one and by performing this dance, she literally heal from the suffering.

One important things to be noted here is that only women are the chosen one for it. Since one of my close relative is the lead singer whom they call 'Guru', I have some sort of knowledge about it.

If saying has to be believed then Ghatu is perform to please Ghatu Devta. Its not only a dance, its a mandatory ritual for you. Like with dance sacrifice of chicken also is done. And as author mentioned mistake at any point of time could lead to death. I have even heard that at one section they literally go to uncounsious state than slowly they have to come in their consciousness as according to song.  

But, whatever it is, we need to preserve it so that our future generation should know that how rich their culture is.

Dhog-Bhet or Dhaubet

One very important aspect of Magar culture which distinguish itself from typical Hindu culture. One more thing which wasn't change with History and cannot change by the Nepali high class ruler.

Yes, I am talking about magar Marriage, which so different than Hindu culture but may be similar to other ethinic groups like gurung, limbu etc.

First of all we don't perform Yagna, its not at all imporatnt for us. (I have seen this trend in few Magars who are too much influenced by Khas) No saat phere, no pandit, no havan. And Magar's married life actually starts before the actual marriage. Like, girl has been brought to groom's home if they are mutually agreed, that phase is called "Di Le Chyapeko or Pani Le Chyapeko", hence both boy and girl can stay together with the same very day. This mutual agreement can be between their relatives or just between them.

After, this only the final date of marriage or dhaubet if fixed. (So we can see there is nothing called wedding night , here). Dhaubet is again just a simple process. Though this literally means "to worship/to give respect by visiting each other" (I could not find the better word). So, its just a ceremony in which the elders from both side meet each other, bride's get aquainted with groom's relative and vice versa. Basically, its a ceremony to formally recognise the newly wed couple as husband and wife.

Its so simply done. Previously, Magars didn't even use to refer to horoscope. We can either say it as lack of their knowledge or the non-importance in their life.

Now, you can imagine how simple was Magar marriage is done. You might get more information by your grandma or grandpa. At that there was no dowry system too. There can be little difference in actual ceremony but the one I have mentioned here is the outline.

Magars / Mangars

Here, through this blog we will explore more about Magars, the community, its culture, its past, its present and lot of other things which I seen is lacking in lot of Magars websites. Whatever, I will be writing here is purely my personal opinion. This blog is to share the things I know about the community and also would be delighted if have any more information to share or any suggestion about this blog, I will also welcome ur comments on my blog.

I hope this blog will help the students who are looking for some information regarding Magars in a single platform. 

So, today onwards we will start a journey towards knowing our own identity and ourselves in broad sense.