Tamang is a major ethnic group of Nepal. According to National census its population is 1,179,145. Tamang settlement is mostly in surrounding of Kathmandu Valley. Neighbour district of Kathmandu like; Kavre, Rasuwa, Sindhupalchowk, Dolakha is the major settlement of this group. But, Tamang people live every region of Nepal may be that more or less. In size of population it is in Fifth position of caste and Third position in ethnic group of Nepal.
Language:
Tamang people speak their own mother language 'Tamang'. Tamang language is based on Bhot-Barmeli language. They also speak Nepali (National Language of Nepal) and educated Tamang people speak excellent English.
Religion:
Tamang people follow Bouddha religion. But still there is in practice Bon Religion. Mostly the Tamang people feel proud to say Buddhist to them. They go to Gumba (Buddhist Monastery) and pray to their God Buddha. They follows the Buddhist customs their social activities. They invite to Lama in their birth ceremony and cremation. Lamas give name to new birth child according to their religious book.
festivals:
Lhochhar is main festival of Tamang . In the Tamang Language 'Lho' means Year and 'Chhar' means New. According to terminology Lhochhar means 'New Year'. Tamang people celebrate this festival around one month. This festival falls in month of Falgun (February). They celebrate this festival gathering and dancing. In the occasion of this festival they make tasty food and they eat in group. They see their relatives and friends in this time. However, Tamang people celebrate many more other festivals. Like; Dhasain and Tihar (it is the main festival of Hindu), Chaite Dhasain, Saune Sankranti etc.
Occupation:
Tamang peoples' main occupation is agriculture. But these days divers occupation they follow. Most of the Tamang young are involve in Tourism Industry. Some people follow business, official job, and go to abroad employment.
Sub-caste in Tamang:
There are more than 40 sub-castes in Tamang community. These are the major sub-castes of Tamang; Moktan, Syangbo, Yonjan, Waiba, Pakhrin, Lopchan, Rumba, Bal, Gole, Bamjan, Thokar, Thing, Dong, Syangdan, Ghising, Blon etc. Most important thing is that between same sub-castes does not allow to marriage by society. Like; Syangbo boy and Syangbo girl can not engage in marriage. Moktan and Syangbo can get marry. This system is also differently existent according to place they settle. Like some places there can get marriage between Pakhrin and Syangbo but some where not.
LEARN TAMANG LANGUAGE:
I ---------- Nga
You ------ Aai, Rhang
We ------- Hyang
They ----- The ghade (e sounds first sounds of egg sounds)
He ------ -- The
She ------- The
---- Tam Eat ------- Chaba
Work ----- Gyat
Walk ------ Braba
Go -------- Niba
Come ------- Khaba
Cry--------- Haaba
Laugh----------- Ngetpa
Run ------------ Yarpa
My ------------- Ngala
His/hir -------- Thela Our --------- Yangla
Family
Grand Father ----------- Meme
Grand Mother ---------- Mam
Father ------------------ Aba, Aappa
Mother ----------------- Aama
Elder Brother --------- Jyojo
Elder Sister ----------- Nana
Younger Brother ----- Aale
Younger Sister -------- Aale, Buring
Husband --------------- Kheppa
Wife -------------------- Khuyu
Son --------------------- Jhaa Daughter -------------- Jame
Relatives
Maternal Uncle -------- Aasyang
Maternal Aunty --------- Aangi
Uncle --------------------- Aagu
Aunty --------------------- Aasu
Namaste ! -------------- Fyafulla
Thank you ------------- Thujechhe
How are you? ---------- Sanchon Mula
I am fine ---------------- Lhaso, Sanchon Mula
Where are you going? --------- Khando Braba
What time did you come here?--- Kade bela churi bhyongkhaji
Did you have meal? -------- Seba solji