Magar Ethnic Group Research Tour - Days

The Magars, The largest ethnic group (around 8% of the total population), are Tibeto-Burmese people who live in many parts of the midlands zone of western and central Nepal. They are also farmers and tend to work the lower parts of the hills. Their settlements are found over the southern part of the Dhaulagiri Himalayan Range and Eastwards to the Gandaki River.

The Magars are also excellent soldiers and fought with Prithvi Narayan Shah to help unify Nepal. Their kingdom of Palpa (based at Tansen) was one of the last to be incorporated into unified Nepal. They make up the biggest number of Gurkhas under the Nepal British and Indian Military. The army salaries have greatly improved Magar’s living standards.

The Magars are very rich in their culture. They are simple but famous for their bravery and friendly hospitality. They are divided into seven different tribs: Ale, Buda, Gharti, Pun Magar, Rana, Roka, and Thapa Magars. The Magars generally live in two-story, rectangular, or square thatched houses washed in red clay. They have been heavily influenced by Hinduism and Buddhism. Bhangra and Bhoto for men and Lungi cholo for women are the traditional customs of Magars. Maruni, Kauda, and Salaijo dance of Magars are very famous in Nepal.

The Major area of Magar Settlements in Nepal

• Palpa District
• Myagdi District (Ghorepani Poon Hill Trekking Area)
• Baglung district
• Dhading District
• Gorkha District

Facts About the Magar Ethnic Group

Population: The Magar people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nepal, with a population of over 1.8 million.
Language: They primarily speak Magar languages, which are part of the Tibeto-Burman language family, and many also speak Nepali.
History: The Magar people have a long history in Nepal, believed to have migrated from the Tibetan plateau centuries ago.
Religion: Traditionally, the Magar people practice a blend of Buddhism, Hinduism, and animism, with a deep respect for nature and ancestral spirits.
Military Service: Magars have a strong tradition of military service, with many serving in the Gurkha regiments of the British and Indian armies.
Agriculture: The Magar community is primarily agrarian, with terraced farming of crops like rice, maize, millet, and potatoes.
Festivals: Magars celebrate various festivals, including Maghe Sankranti, Buddha Jayanti, and Tihar, each with unique customs and rituals.
Clothing: Traditional Magar clothing includes colourful fabrics and distinctive headgear; the Man Wears Kachhad (wrap-on-loincloth), Bhangra, Bhoto (shirt or vest) and the usual Nepali Topi. Women wear the Phariya, lunghi, Chaubandhi Cholo (closed blouse), the heavy Patuka (waistband) and the Mujetro (shawl) on the head with jewellery.
Music and Dance: Magar folk music and dance are integral to their culture, with instruments like the Madal (drum) and traditional dances like Maruni and Sorathi.
Social Structure: Magar society is organized into clans, each with its own customs and traditions, maintaining a strong sense of community and identity.