Lhochhar (New Year)
We Tamang are an ancient and major indigenous people of Nepal. We have unique tradition of counting year by twelve different symbols of creatures. It is said that at the time of Karunamaya Buddha’s Parinirmana (Demise) those creatures had gone to farewell him except human beings because of their pre-knowledge of Lord. The Rat was at the first among them to meet. The Ox arrived next. All twelve animals are placed according to their arrival in sequence. This system of counting is transferred from generation to generation among Mahayan Buddhism as a wheel.
Lhochhar is a combination word in Tamang Literature. It has two word Lho stands for Year and Chhar for New whish we generally use in English as New Year (Lho Chhar).
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Tamang Selo
Tamangs are a Nepali community and the "Tamang Selo" dance is performed to the rhythmic sound of the "Damphoo" musical instrument which the dancers carry in their hands. This dance is therefore also called the "Damphoo Dance". It is always full of fun and vigor and the brisk movement and rhythmic beat of the Dampoo depicts a style peculiar to the Tamangs. It is performed on occasions like marriage ceremony, Lho-Chhar, childbirth and village fairs. |
