The Gurungs are one of the many ethnic groups living in Nepal which is located in southeastern Asia. The Himalayan Mountains stretch from east to west and gives rise to Mt. Everest, the highest mountain in the world. Nepal is geographically situated between China and India with Tibet to the north. The Gurungs are of oriental origin, first settling in the Himalayan region at a place known as Khhol at an altitude of 3,500 meters above sea level. The Gurungs were agriculturalists who soon migrated to the lower reaches of the country. At the present time, Gurungs are scattered all over Nepal. The majority of the Gurungs have populated the central and western part of Nepal. Gurungs fall into two main religious groups. The highlanders are Buddhists and the lowlanders practice Hinduism. Gurungs make up 2.43% of Nepal's total population, roughly 450,000 people.
There are two major divisions in Gurung caste society. The upper division has four castes known as the Lama, Lamichane, Ghale, and Ghotane. They are thought to be superior and pure blooded because of their ancestral heritage. In contrast to this, the lower division has sixteen castes thought to be the descendents of slaves. Gurungs are not allowed to marry outside their caste and it is not surprising for a boy to marry his own cousin.
Because of their strong physical features and well known endurance to the high plains of Nepal, they are recruited in the British and Indian armies. The soldiers are known as Gurkhas. The most notable feature of the Gurkhan army is their knife called a Khukuri. Gurungs are well known in Nepal as well as around the world for their bravery and for their cheerful nature.
One of the traditions that is slowly fading in Gurung culture is the institution of “Rodi.” where teenagers are prepared for adulthood and marriage. A girl is invited into one of the Gurungs household who has a girl of same age and they collectively call each other Rodi members. Boys are included later on when the girl invites them into the family to socialize. Rodi is the time for fun, finding love and affection, and marriage. Rodi member help each other in various tasks such as farming and other daily household chores.
Language: Gurungs have their own mother tongue called Tamu Kai, which is similar to the Tibetan dialect. Most of the Gurungs still converse in that language. Gurungs are predominantly Buddhist, but small numbers of Hindu and Shamanist communities exist. Although Gurungs don't have written records, they passed on their culture through oral tradition.
At the present time, Gurungs have migrated all over Nepal and live in big cities mostly in the northwestern part of Nepal called the Anapurna region. They have businesses in the large cities of Kathmandu and Pokhara.
References:
http://www.yetizone.com/the_gurungs.htm
http://internet.cybermesa.com/~rotto/gurung.html
by Sushil Gurung