Bhangara – Char Bhanjyang Village

“MY VILLAGE – BHANGARA: A SHORT DESCRIPTION”

By Mr Sachin Gurung

Bhangara is a small and beautiful Gurung village located at the Mid-Western part of Nepal in Parbat District, Dhawlagiri Zone, Nepal. Bhangara is located within 28°07’41” (Longitude) North and 83°41’46” (Latitude) East ranging from 900 meters to 2145 meters from sea level.

Bhangara village is linked by road from Shyangja Naudanda in the Pokhara-Butwal Highway via Karkineta and also from Kushma (district headquarters) in the Pokhara-Baglung Highway. It takes about 3.5 hours from Pokhara by road and approximately 6 hours by foot from Kushma. However disruption and delay on any means of transport to reach the village is inevitable during the monsoon season due to the weather and the condition of the roads/tracks (kachchi bato).

Bhangara is surrounded by Thapathana, Aaruchaur, Phalamkhani, Thana Maula and Shankar Pokhari: the neighboring village development committees (VDCs).

Bhangara is famous for its proud Gurung culture, tradition and rich heritage. Besides these, a large number of Gurungs from Bhangara village have followed the traditional profession of joining to become a Gurkha Soldier (Lahure), who ranks amongst the best soldiers in the world. Some of the brave Gurungs from Bhangara were highly decorated during the World War’s, Indian mutiny and many other Operations launched by British, Indian and Nepalese Army.

Maj Manbahdur Gurung (Param Vir Chakra), Maj Prembahadur Gurung, Maj Dhanbahadur Gurung, Maj Narayanbahadur Gurung, Late Maj Jitbahadur Gurung and Late Maj Ranbahadur Gurung are amongst the highly decorated Officer’s, who served in the Indian Army. Maj Krishnabahadur Gurung from the same village reached to the rank of becoming Gurkha Major in the British Army, first one from the whole of Char Bhanjyang Area. These Officer’s and many other Ex-Servicemen have made significant contribution towards the development of the village and the VDC as a whole by supporting in the field of education, roads, projects associated with drinking water and hydro electricity etc.

The village has the basic facilities such as fresh water supply, electricity, telecommunication (on its preliminary stage), health post and a post office. There are 5 primary schools within the VDC and a higher Secondary school. This is one of the oldest schools in Char Bhanjyang established in B.S. 2016 (AD 1959). The students’ from this school is wide spread across the globe in different profession, holding prestigious appointments. Three people in particular Late Mr Harkabahadur Gurung Jimuwal Mukhiya (Ex Parbat District vice president), Mr Yam Prasad Gurung (Ex Chairman Parbat District development committee and Pradhan Panch for numerous years) and Mr Bhairabbahadur Gurung (Ex member of the VDC for many years and President of the School governing body for 38 years) a living legend in his own right (now 96 year and still good going) are amongst many other individuals whose selfless commitment and contribution have played the pivotal role in all spectrum of socio economy and infrastructure development of this village, which cannot be forgotten.

Gurungs, used to make up the main population here, unfortunately many have left the village in search of better opportunity and life elsewhere. However, the village is being well looked after by our senior citizens as they still make 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, any part of the world they may be living in.

Buddhist is the main religion; however, Dashain and Tihar are also celebrated with great respect as a part of national festival. The people are very well integrated in the community and have adapted extremely well: indeed setting an exemplary records of social harmony helping each other, understanding, and sharing both “Sukha and Dukha” – this is vital.

Bishwakarmas, Pariyars, Chhetri and Bramans who still live in the outskirts of this village and nearby village, Kahule, Bahunimara, Bethani, Karkithar, Rohote, Sirubari, Ulleri and Majhkatera are the ones who keep the surrounding areas of the village alive and kicking.

The main occupation of the people of this village has been agriculture, farming and military services, in British, Indian, Nepal Army and both Police Forces of Nepal. The main products of this village are rice, wheat, millet, maize, mustard, oilseed, and potatoes. With the recent accessibility of road network to fetch their goods in the market; people have started growing vegetables (Cauliflower, Tomato, Chilli etc) and fruits (Orange and Lausi): it is commercially viable now.

The village has a “Devi Than – Bajarmara Devi” a famous temple, where hundreds of devotees comes from surrounding villages i.e. Mulabari, Ghante Deurali, Dadra, Nepane, Kalamudha, Thana and Khalte to observe and take part at the annual “Puja” during “Chaitra Dashain” and “Bada Dashain” offering their “Bhakal”. On such occasions an environment of Mela is created. It is also located at the highest place; a vintage point to view (clearly) all the surrounding villages and most importantly the Dhawalagiri, Machhapuchhre and Annapurna Himalayan ranges. It has enough potential to be a popular tourist destination. Dahare Deurali (Jal Jala) is the highest hill in the VDC from where Pokhara city can be seen on a clear day: another place of potential to attract tourist (if it can be developed further). Keeping into account of the natural beauty the flora and fauna, the people and diversity of life it posses one can imagine Bhangara truly has potential to launch and run home stay tourism in the future.

Languages spoken are both Tamuki (Gurung) & Preghee/Khas (Nepali). Lemmai (Lamchhane), Kohnmai (Ghothane) and Puimai (Pungi Lama) Gurung’s are the inhabitant in this village.

The Lemmai (Lamchhane) of Bhangara are believed to have come from Ghandruk via Galyang both of Kaski district in between 7-8th Century ago. Namely it is believed that Mr Paha Gurung accompanied with his family (son Kalu Gurung) came to Bhangara to set up his household. Therefore there is a deep respect and closeness between the Lamchhanes’ of both villages Galyang and Bhangara as their daju-bhai.

The Kohnmai (Ghothane) are believed to have come from Deurali Danda of Nuwakot, Shyangja district again in the mid 7th centuries ago.

Puimai (Pungi Lama) are believed to have come from Old Rivan village of Kaski district in the mid 8th centuries.

People, who were originated from this village, are now scattered all over the world for better opportunity, greater achievements and success. To name but a few: UK, USA, Australia, Hong Kong, Belgium, Italy, Japan, India and other parts of Europe and Asia. Wherever they may be, the technology has made us possible to be in close knit, and I am hopeful through this website our friends and family will come even closer.

Finally, I have a great pleasure in putting this information for the readers and especially to the younger members of Char Bhanjyang Tamu Samaj. By doing so, I sincerely believe that this will aid them to understand more about the village they come from and their ancestors. Most importantly this village belongs to them.