Hyolmo Indigenous People of Nepal: Celebrating Culture and Festivals in Hyolmo
The Hyolmo people, indigenous to the Helambu region of Nepal, hold a distinct cultural and linguistic heritage. The name "Hyolmo" itself is derived from the combination of two words: "Hyol," meaning high area surrounded by mountains, and "Mo," meaning goddess. With close cultural and linguistic ties to the Kerung and Rongsthar regions of Tibet, China, Bhutan, and other neighboring areas, the Hyolmo people have a rich and unique identity.
The traditional homeland of the Hyolmo people lies in the Helambu area, located in the northwest of Sindhupalchok district, east of Nuwakot district, and bordering Rasuwa in the southeast. While many Hyolmo families currently reside in Kathmandu, some have also settled in the United States and other countries. According to the 2001 census, the population of Hyolmo individuals was recorded as 579, with 3,986 speakers of the Hyolmo language. Including Hyolmo people living in Darjeeling, Gorkha, Lamjung, Chitwan, and other areas, the estimated total population is around 100,000.
The Hyolmo language, while similar to a dialect of Tibetan, has its own unique characteristics. Most of the spoken dialects are influenced by Buddhist scripts. In Tibetan, the written and spoken forms differ, but the Hyolmo dialect has been used in holy books and Buddhist scriptures, indicating its significance within the Buddhist community.
Traditional ceremonies and rituals hold great importance in Hyolmo culture. One such ceremony is the purification ceremony known as "Sang Thaapsang" or "Depkiserkim," which takes place after the birth of a child. During this ceremony, the mother, relatives, and neighbors who have had physical contact with her during the birth process undergo purification. The specific rituals and procedures during this ceremony may vary based on the guidance of the Lamas, but it is generally referred to as "Sang and Serkim."
Another unique aspect of Hyolmo culture is the practice of marrying one's maternal uncle's or aunt's daughters. When a young man seeks a girl's hand in marriage, he visits the girl's family, traditionally carrying alcohol in a special wooden pot called "Thambe" or "Shayalgar." This wooden container is used to transport traditional Hyolmo wine and plays a significant role in these marriage rituals.
Marriage ceremonies involve adorning the groom with tika (a mark of auspiciousness) made from clarified butter (ghee) on the head in three places. The Lama gives blessings, tika is applied to the groom's forehead, and songs are sung while the tail of a yak (Chamar) is waved in some places. The marriage rituals continue for a longer duration in the groom's house compared to the bride's house. The marriage altar is usually set up in the groom's house.
In the event of a person's passing, the deceased body is typically kept for one to five days, during which sacred scriptures are read over the body. The body is then adorned like a groom and carried in a palanquin for cremation. The purification ceremony, known as "ghewa," is usually conducted on the third or seventh week after the death. The ghewa involves practicing special mani songs and dances introduced by Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche), a prominent figure in Buddhism. These rituals are an integral part of the mourning process.
One of the significant festivals celebrated by the Hyolmo people is Hyolmo Sonam Lhosar, which marks the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. It typically occurs earlier than Tibetan Losar and coincides with the Chinese New Year. During this festival, special traditional food called Derka is prepared, and Hyolmo wine (Chhyang or Aarag) is enjoyed. The attire worn during festivals is similar to that of other Himalayan communities but has its own distinct characteristics. Hyolmo people often drink salt and butter tea, known as Soljya or "Jya," which is served in a container called "Tibri."
The festivals in Hyolmo encompass both religious and historical significance, as well as seasonal celebrations. Some of the major religious festivals celebrated by the Hyolmo people include Hyolmo Sonam Lhosar, Nara Dungru, Shartsezhu, Dumzhu, Drukpa Tsezhu, Leehudema, Dhalopangdi, Kanggyur, Mani Tsyopa (Dasai Tikka), Nyungne, Tsoya, and Ama Yangri Tsezhu, among others.
The Lamas plays a significant role in the social system of the Hyolmo community, and gender equality is valued. The elites and elders hold a special place in society. As Hyolmo people engage in trade, tourism, and agriculture, their social structure reflects these occupations. They are considered leaders in Lamaistic religious practices. Each village in Helambu has a monastery, and the social life of Hyolmo is deeply intertwined with religion.
Hyolmo is blessed by Guru Padmasambhava, often referred to as the ultimate source of all energy. Ama Chhomo Yangri is considered the deity and protector of the entire Hyolmo community. Jetsum Milarepa, a yogi from Tibet, also meditated in Hyolmo and fondly sang about the region when he meditated in the Tiger Cave Lion Fortress (Ta-Puk-Senge-Dzong) in the 11th century. According to holy books and "Pema Kathang," Hyolmo is considered a sacred place where individuals who meditate for just three months can experience profound inner growth, surpassing the results of meditating for three years in other places.
The primary occupations of the Hyolmo people revolve around yak herding, farming (including the cultivation of potatoes, radishes, and other crops), and livestock raising. The name "Helambu" itself signifies the presence of potatoes ("Hay") and radishes ("Labu"). Furthermore, the Hyolmo people have played a crucial role in welcoming and caring for guests, pioneering and boosting tourism in the northern regions of Nepal. They have also engaged in trade and business, cultivating a variety of crops such as potatoes, carrots, maize, barley, wheat, lettuce, millet, and apples, while also raising sheep, yaks, and other animals.
The Hyolmo Indigenous People of Nepal carry a rich cultural heritage and deep spiritual connections. Their customs, festivals, and traditions are a testament to their unique identity and the strong bond they share with their ancestral homeland. As they continue to preserve their cultural practices and pass them down to future generations, the Hyolmo people contribute to the diverse cultural landscape of Nepal and beyond.
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