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Gurung Culture

The Gurung people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the central and western regions of Nepal, particularly in the Annapurna region. Known for their rich cultural heritage, the Gurung have a distinct language, traditional clothing, and a strong sense of community. Their religious practices are deeply intertwined with their animistic beliefs, which include reverence for nature spirits and ancestral worship, alongside influences from Hinduism and Buddhism. Gurung culture remains alive through the continued practice of traditional festivals, music, and dance, all of which serve as key expressions of their identity and help preserve their heritage across generations.
Every Ghatu performance beautifully embodies the Gurung people’s deep connection to the cyclical nature of time and existence. For the Gurung, time is not a linear progression but a flowing rhythm, deeply intertwined with the natural and agricultural cycles that sustain their lives.
Thōte, as an ancient tradition, is still an unchangeable rite in a Gurung society. Irrespective of geography and demographical vastness, the immediate natural domain of their habitat always forms a crucial part of the Gurung identity.