Padam Gurung:
Kathmandu, 11 March: The Magar are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal, known for their rich cultural heritage, distinct language, and historical significance. They are one of the largest ethnic communities in Nepal and primarily reside in the western and mid-hill regions, including districts like Palpa, Rolpa, Rukum, Baglung, and Syangja, but they live in all over Nepal.
As of the most recent data, the Magar ethnic group constitutes approximately 7.1% of Nepal’s total population. The Magar people are one of the largest indigenous groups in Nepal.
The Magar people, like many ethnic groups in Nepal, exhibit a range of physical characteristics, including variations in skin tone. Generally, Magars have a medium to light brown skin tone, which is common among many ethnic groups in the Himalayan and hilly regions of Nepal. However, skin color can vary significantly among individuals due to genetic diversity, environmental factors, and intermarriage with other ethnic groups.
Culture
The Magar culture is one of the oldest and most vibrant ethnic cultures in Nepal. The Magar people have a rich heritage that includes unique traditions, languages, festivals, and social practices.
A major festival celebrated in mid January, marking the end of winter and the beginning of longer days. It involves feasting, dancing, and rituals. A traditional ritual to worship the earth and nature, seeking blessings for good harvests and prosperity call Bhume Puja. It is popular among Magar who follow ritual culture.
Magar people’s special cultural dance is Kaura dance. This is very popular in Nepal. They wear own cultural dress on every occasion like festival, cultural program, wedding and etc. Magar men traditionally wear bhoto (a type of vest) and dhoti or suruwal (loose trousers) and women wear chaubandi cholo or a blouse and Lungi, Lengga or gunyu (a long skirt), often adorned with traditional jewelry like naugedi (neck rings) and chura (bangles).
Magar community like “A prevailing trend” to get married with maternal uncle and paternal aunt children. It is found that the prevalence is decreasing now days. People marry someone they are compatible with.
Magar’s Kaura dance
Social Structure
The Magar community has a strong sense of unity and kinship. They are organized into clans called thars, which are further divided into sub-clans.
Traditionally, Magars are known for their bravery and are often recruited as soldiers in the Gurkha regiments, UK army, Singapore police, Indian army and Nepali army.
Cuisine
Magar cuisine includes traditional Nepali dishes like dhido (a type of porridge made from millet or maize), gundruk (fermented leafy greens), and sel roti (a ring-shaped rice bread). It used to be called the food of the poor previous years. But now time has changed because people like to eat. Mostly people are rich and eat rice, daal, pickle, meat, fish, and more items daily. So they remember forefather’s tradition food too.
They also consume locally brewed alcohol like raksi (a distilled liquor) and jaand (rice beer). These are home made alcohol. New generation used to consume beer, wine, whisky with various brands.
Religion
The Magar community follow Hindu, Buddhist, Bon, Christian. Most of them follow Hindu, second Buddhist, third Christian and forth is Bon. Shamans (jhankris) play a significant role in their spiritual practices, performing healing rituals and communicating with spirits.
Occupation
Traditionally, Magars are farmers, herders, armies, police personnel, civil servants. Many still engage in agriculture, while others have migrated to urban areas for employment. Magars are also known for their skills in weaving, carpentry, and handicrafts. Most of young people migrated to abroad to work and study.
