Tamang society is well organised and formed. Every member has equal responsibility to their community. To keep alive, continues and dynamic social and cultural values of Tamang community they have divided different roles and duties to their members. They have to maintain their duty as per their post given by the society. These people are also known as ‘Social Heroes’ of Tamang community. They are Tamba, Lama, Ganba, Bonbo, Labonbo and Choho. These Heroes are described in short below:
- Tamba-Language initiator: The meaning of ‘Tamba’ is ‘Language initiator’ in Tamang language. In Tamang language ‘Tam’ refers to ‘Language’ and ‘Ba’ refers to ‘person/subject or agentive marker. So ‘Tam-Ba’ means language initiator or language originator. Hence we can believe that Tamba had initiated the language. There is important role of Tamba in Tamang community. Specially to undertake the wedding ceremony role of Tamba is the most essential. He is the official person to undertake the wedding ceremony. He is the spoke person of Tamang community. Because of Tamba’s thoughts and philosophy about society Tamba is also known as ‘Social philosopher’.
- Lama-Buddhist priest/teacher: Lama is enlightened person in Buddhism study and religious activities. Lama gives Buddhist teachings and undertakes religious ceremonies of Tamang community. Such as Funeral (Ghewa), Naming of new child etc.
- Bonbo-Priest to worship local gods/goddesses/nature worshiper: In other word Bonbo can be called as Herbal doctor. Because they have been treating sick people from thousands years. Bonbo keeps good knowledge of local herbs and provides treatment to people free of cost. Bonbo is nature worshiper and worships the nature, local gods, goddesses for the well being and prosperity of people.
- Labonbo/Laptaba-Ancestor’s worshiper: There is provision of priest to worship their ancestors in Tamang community. Tamang people of eastern part call it Labonbo or Labon where as Tamang people of western part call it Laptaba. Labonbo/Laptaba keeps alive tradition and history of their tribe by worshiping their ancestors. Each Hrui (Sub group) has their own Labon/Laptaba.
- Choho-Social manager/president: We can call it as Mayer or president of Tamang community. The main duty of Choho is to look after the community by making people feels of equality and humanity and keeping peace. He manages conflicts, solves problems of society as the leader of society. He is like a justice and takes decisions as per the need.
- Ganba-Adults/Social analyzer: Ganba are the adult people of society. They have no direct responsibilities. But they observe the duties of other social heroes. They take part in group discussion. Without observation/advice of Ganba duties of social heroes can not be completed. We can compare Ganba with ‘Bujruk’ word of Urdu language.
By: Amrit Yonzan-Tamang
