Page 47 - Cornice_Grade 5

Magars

The Magars are one of the oldest tribes in Nepal. Their ancient homeland of Magars
is known as Magarat. They are found in the west of Gandaki river, Guli, Argkakhanch and
Palpa.
Magars are medium built with circular faces. They normally have small eyes, flat
noses and black hair. They are physically healthy and strong. They are cheerful, peace loving,
kind hearted, honest and brave.
The population of Magars in Nepal is 1,887,733 but only about 788,530 speak Magar
language as their mother tongue while the rest speak Nepali as their mother tongue. The west-
ern inhabitants of Nepal did not speak the language in the past. But recently, almost everyone
has started learning the language. The Magar language/Magar Kura, is spoken in two major
dialects and a number of sub dialects reflecting the geographic distribution of the group.
The magars worship nature, idols, spirits and supernatural beings. Magars follow Buddhism,
Bon and Hinduism. The original religions or beliefs of Magar people are Shamanism, Ani-
mism, Ancestor worship and northern Nepal’s Magar follow Shamanism (Bon).

Men wear kachhad or wrap-on-loincloth, a bhangra, a bhoto or a shirt or vest, and
the usual Nepali topi. Women wear the phariya or lunghi, chaubandhi cholo and the heavy
patuka or waistband, and the mujetro or shawl-like garment on the head.The ornaments are
the madwari on the ears, bulaki on the nose and the phuli on the left nostril, the silver coin
necklace and the pote (yellow and gree beads) with the tilhari gold cylinder, kuntha, and also
raiya in the hand. Magar males do not wear many ornaments but some of them wear silver
earrings called gokkul.
Magar houses are normally circular and have one or two stories. The upper floors are
used to store valuables and clothes in boxes and ground floors are used for the kitchen.The
floor is made out of red clay (Rato Mato). The roof is made of wood/bamboo covered by hay
so the wood is not visible. The walls are made out of clay and stone. The windows are de-
signed and are made out of wood. All the houses have veranda.
The main food of the magars is Batuk (bara). Fried Tarul (Yam) with Spices and Batuk is
made from black lentils and is served alongside pork and Kodo-Ko-Rakis (local alcohol made
from millet)
The main occupation of Magars is agriculture and the primary source of income is
military. Magars constitute the largest number of Gorkha soldiers outside Nepal.
The magars wake up early in the morning and they take a walk around the whole village. By
the time they get home the sun comes out. After they come home they go out again with a
doko to cut some grass for the animals. After they cook food then they let out their chickens,
talk with each other or listen to the radio. Their main festivals are Lhosar and Maghe Sank-
ranti. They also celebrate Bhumi Puja, Chandi Purnima, Baishake Purnima, Manghir Purni-
ma, Jestha Purnima etc. One of the well known folk dances of Magars is Maruni dance.

- Arina Gaha Magar