3-IN-1 TAMU CULTURE DAY + MENTAL HEALTH + DEUSI-BHAILO

Date : Dec 30, 2021

Posted By : Admin

Event Description :

Tamu Samaj Victoria (TSV) has organized 3 events on Saturday 31st October 2021. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, these were conducted in a hybrid format – virtually (ZOON + Facebook Live) and on-site at Harold Stevens Athletics Track, Coburg. Around 100 participants tuned online, and 30 volunteers gathered on-site for Deusi-Bhailo part.

 

Tamu Culture Day has been an important part of TSV’s annual activities to discover, share and promote Tamu identity and culture in Victoria. This part was done on ZOOM and live broadcasted on Facebook. Most attendees were dressed up in Tamu attire. MC duo Mr Mabi Gurung and Ms Mohini Gurung started the event by welcoming the attendees and guests. After national anthems of Nepal and Australia, Lama Inder Bahadur Gurung conducted a short prayer and blessing. The previous TSV President Mr Pahalman Gurung explained a little bit about the Gurung male/female cultural attire, there was a Kids Tamu Dress competition where 11 beautifully dressed girls/boys participated. Mr Mabi Gurung described the traditional Tamu food/drinks on display and prepared by The Kathmandu Cottage. There were a few performances – one on flute by Mr Dhan Bahadur Gurung, another one duet singing by Mr Saugat Gurung and Ms Muna Rai Gurung, and one traditional Tamu “Kauda” dance by Sunit Gurung. Another important aspect of Tamu culture/history discovery, this year we had invited a couple of senior citizens and knowledgeable guests to speak on “ARGHUM” funeral rituals (final rites) in Tamu community. Mr Tulsi Prasad Gurung originally from Lamjung (the main area of Tamu people) in Nepal, who happened to be visiting his family, and in his 90s, patiently gave an overview of Arghum and how it is believed to be started in its first place during “Ghale” Kings reign in Lamjung kingdom several hundreds years ago. There is an interesting story behind it (Later TSV will capture it in writing based his talk). There is also an important element of kinship (Maternal side) attached to Arghum, which helps to maintain a cohesive and well-knit Tamu community. Next Mr Pahalman Gurung continued to highlight the importance of preserving Tamu culture including funeral practice, and why having a physical space (TSV Cultural Centre) in Victoria holds such a high significance.

 

One hour virtual Mental Health Session was organized to understand the mental health issues and support available for multicultural migrant communities like TSV. Dr Parbati Gurung (GP based in Point Cook) and Dr Anupam Pokharel (Consultant Psychiatrist based in Mitcham) presented their expert knowledge on the topic. The attendees found the session very informative and eye-opening. Some pre-session questionnaire data helped to steer the talk to be more focused and relevant. We would like to acknowledge that the session was part of TSV’s Assess & Act project funded by Victorian Government’s PRMC 2 program.

 

Lastly Deusi-Bhailo part was conducted in a joyous environment of traditional dancing, singing, and eating/drinking. About 30 volunteers including the committee members and artists gathered together to showcase such a beautiful performance and sharing of culture. Since it was on broadcasted via TSV’s Facebook page, many people outside Victorian state enjoyed it as well. A total of 35 families contributed to “Daxchina”, essentially monetary donations, which goes to TSV future activities.

 

The ZOOM recording is available here Tamu Culture Day 2021 (Mental health session at 45 minutes, Deusi-Bhailo at 2:22 minutes, Arghum talk 3:28 minutes). Please note the copyright belongs to TSV, any misuse is strictly prohibited.

 

We would like to thank all the volunteers and participants for coming together to celebrate what a day full of culture, entertainment, and knowledge. Stay safe and see you soon. If anything, please contact by info@TamuSamajVictoria.org.au.

 

Thank you

TSV Executive Committee