Day 18 - The Tamang Nationality 

Scattered throughout almost all parts of Nepal 

With a population of over a million, the Tamangs are the largest Tibeto-Burman ethnic group found in Nepal. They are also one of the oldest groups to inhabit Nepal. This group views themselves as one tribe, though they speak many different dialects which are not always mutually understandable. 

Tamangs follow the religion of Tibetan Buddhism, but mix this heavily with animism and somewhat with Hinduism. Their priests, or lamas, have a dominant role in the community and perform ceremonies for funerals, to ensure a certain deity's protection on crops, etc. Perhaps the most powerful person in the society is the shaman, however, who exercises demons, and interacts with the spirit world. 

Most Tamangs live in the hills. As a result, their lands are not generally as prosperous to farm as the lowlands. This has caused them to be economically behind. Their traditional foods consist of millet, maize, wheat, and barley flour. They also make local wines called jad and raksi, which they drink freely and use in their ceremonies. Alcoholism is a common problem amongst Tamangs. 

Tamangs love to sing, dance, and play instruments. They are strong in their convictions and beliefs and can be aggressive in fighting to defend those beliefs. This quality though, makes them good leaders, and has kept them from being exploited by other groups. In recent years, quite a number of Tamangs have become Christians and they are actively reaching out to their own people. 

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