Tamagi Village ( तामागी गांउ)

बिहानको सुर्योदय संगै फेवाताल अनि वरीपरी को रमणीय गांउहरु अनि प्राकृतीक सौन्दर्यले भरीपुर्ण भीर अनि बन पाखाहरुको लोभलाग्दो दृश्यहरु देखिने र माछापुछ्रे अनि अन्नपुर्ण हिम श्रृंखला को आत्मीय स्पर्श पाउने मात्र नभई पंचासेको मायालु आशीष बोकेको अतिनै सुन्दर अनि मनमोहक गांउको नाम हो तामागी । सुर्यास्त पछी सांझ पख नेपालको पर्यटकीय सुन्दर नगरी पोखरा को बत्तीहरुको झिलमीलहाट देखिने मात्र नभई, त्यही शहर संग दुई वटा सडकले जोडीएको र अहिलेको समयको माग अनुसार सम्पुर्ण आवश्यक पुर्वाधारहरु र अन्य भौतीक सुबिधाहरुले सुसम्पन्न भएता पनि, लगभग ३०० वर्ष अघी देखी यस गांउमा बसोबास गर्दै आई रहेका गुरुङ मुलका जातीहरु केही दशक अघी देखि समयको माग पुरा गर्नको निम्ती हो या अन्य बिविध कारणहरुले गर्दा हुन आफ्नो गांउ छोडी शहर, बजार अनि बिदेश तिर पलायन भएको कुरा एउटा मार्मीक सत्य हो । अहिले त्यस गा‌उंमा मानीसको बसोबास पटक्कै छैन, जस्ले गर्दा यो गाउं एउटा समसानघारी जस्तै हुन पुगेको छ भन्नुमा कुनै त्रुटी नहोला । र यस्तो घनघोर सत्यता लाई आत्मसात गर्दै यहांका पुर्व बासिन्दाहरुले आफ्नु जन्मभुमीलाई बिर्सनु हुन्न भनेर बिभिन्न प्रकारका उत्साहबर्द्बक अभियानहरु संचालन गर्दै आई रहेको भएता पनि यस गांउको प्राकृतीक सौन्दर्य, संस्कृती अनि सम्पदाहरु स्यहार सुसार नपाई अब लोप हुने स्थितीमा भएको सत्यता लाई लुकाएर लुकाउन नसकिने स्थितीमा छ । भविश्यले नयां कांचुली फेरेर यस गाउंको महत्वपुर्ण प्राकृतीक सौन्दर्य, सम्पदा, संस्कार अनि ईतिहांस सदाको लागी जिवन्त रही रहन्छ होला भनी हामी आशावादी छौं ।  संपादक

Tamagi is a small and beautiful Gurung village located in the mid-Western part of Nepal.  The village is linked by road from Pokhara via Kandhe in the Pokhara-Baglung Highway.  It takes about two hours to get there from Pokhara by public and private transport, and approximately five hours by foot.  There is also a new road linking Pokhara to Tamagi, which go past Lakeside, Pame, Thula Khet, Lampata, Chain Pur, Harpan and Kuire Danda.  However, there are no public transport services available to Tamagi as yet from Thula Khet and Lampata.  Tamagi is also accessible by "goreto" (foot trail/track)  from Ghati Chhina, where there is a regular bus service to and from Pokhara.

Tamagi is surrounded by the following neighbouring villages:  Dam Dame, Kutpi Danda, Sidhane, Bange, Bhanjyang, Arthar, Panchase, Chitre, Bhadaure, Paundar, Lumle, Kandhe, Nau Danda, Kuire Danda, Harpan, Ghati Chhina etc.

Within Tamagi there are sections of areas, which are known as Naije (Bhainsi Goth), Mronje, Chule Danda, Niyale, Alainchi Bari, Koi Phera Danda, Bagh Khor Danda, Devi Than, Lyha Khora (Goru Goth), Jaljale, Thanti, Deurali, Neme Khor, Lisha Dhun, Shilu Konh, Chaudhu Khola, Tihghue, Tangue, Kitli, Ghai Mro (ghaiya bari),  Khamirjong, Mahabhir, Kabrho Nho (khar bari) etc.

This village is famous for its proud Gurung warriors, who ranks among the best fighters in the world, if not better.  Some of the brave Gurungs from this village were highly decorated in the Nepal war, First World War, Second World War and many other operations and wars the history has ever witnessed.

The village has all the basic facilities such as fresh water supply, electricity, telecommunication, a primary school and many other things, despite being empty for quite some time.  Machhapuchhare Development Office (MDO) has its branch office in Tamagi, which plays a pivotal role in the development of the surrounding areas, including conservation of Fewa lake.  This beautiful village overlooks the Fewa Lake and Pokhara in the South East.  

Gurungs, who used to make up the main population here, have left the village long ago in search of jobs and better life elsewhere.  However, the village is being looked after by our senior citizens by paying regular visits from Pokhara, Chitwan and Kathmandu.   The village still receives a lot of interest and contribution on a regular basis for local development from its people, whichever part of the world they may be living in. 

Bishwakarmas and Pariyars, who still live in the outskirts of this village and nearby village, Kuire Danda (Foggy Hill), are the ones who keep the surrounding areas of the village alive and kicking.

Gurungs of this village are still known and referred to as:  Bajekailimai Parah, Bahemai Parah, Danda Gharemai Parah, Heunbalmai Parah, Dhinsarthemai Parah, Jamdarmai Parah,  Kohnmai Parah (Ghodane), Krathemai Parah (Siran Ghare), Krohnmain Parah (Mukhiya), Lemmai Parah (Lamchhane), Methemai Parah (Puchhar Ghare), Mhathemai Parah (Majha Ghare) and so on.

Puimai (Pungi Lama) of Tamagi are believed to have come to Tamagi from Naije in Lamjung district in and around Bikram Sambat (B.S.) 1260  (7^th or 8^th centuries ago).  Second brother is believed to have gone to “Tanchok” direct, and third brother to “Aati Ghar”, both in Kaski district. They are therefore sometime referred to as “Naijerbai Puimai”.   Puimai of Aati Ghar are believed to have received Lama Chaur in Pokhara as a gift from the then ruling government of Nepal.

Lemmai (Lamchhane) are believed to have come from Armala in Kaski district.  Some suggest that they have come from Siklish in Lamjung district at the same time as Puimai.  They are believed to have come to Tamagi on the special request of Puimai in order to continue to maintain the tie and close relationship of  "kutum" (in-laws).

Kohnmai (Ghodane) are also believed to have come to Tamagi from Armala in Kaski district.  However, some stories also suggest that they have come  to Tamagi with their mother from Bhumdi in Syangja district in and around B.S. 1860, and continued to live and settle in Tamagi. 

The main occupation of the people of this village in the past has been agriculture, farming and military services, both British and Indian.  Main products of this village are rice, wheat, millet, barley, maize, mustard, oilseed, and potatoes. 

Buddhist is the main religion, however, Dashain and Tihar are also celebrated with great respect as a part of a national festival.  15th of Poush is the most important day in everybody's calendar, when the "Lho/Barga" changes.  On this day everybody gets older by one year.  In modern day, Lhosar literally means: it is the birthday for everybody.  This day is therefore celebrated by having  a combined "seukai" (picnic) by bringing in new harvest (which in this case is rice) from everbody's house. Kul/Peetri Puja (A puja to remember their ancestors) is carried out by everybody. Gaidu Puja is also carried out when "Khir" (Rice Pudding) is the main dish of the day.

The village has a "Devi Than" where annual worshipping of god and goddesses (Devi Deutas) with "Puja Path" is carried out once a year.

Languages spoken are both Tamuki (Gurung) & Preghee/Khas (Nepali). 

People, who were originated from this village, are now scattered all over the world for better prospects, greater achievements and success.  To name but a few:  UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Norway, Switzerland, Japan, India and other parts of Europe and Asia.

Panchase, a popular destination for both tourists and Nepalese pilgrims alike, is three hours walk up the hill from the village.   Panchase is also known for its beautiful pond, which makes the place even more attractive.  A popular belief is that you can never see a leaf in the pond as birds pluck it away leaving the pond absolutely nice and clean all year round.  

Panchase is a famous tourist spot for early morning view of Dhaulagiri, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. 

The editor