In the current context of ethnic division, how significant are ethnical celebrations in a foreign land? I have a Gurung friend who always goes to parties with those gurung white silk scarfs and puts it on the party hosts. I don't know what he is thinking but isn't it kind of odd to force your own culture on others who are not from your own ethnic background? It is probably not a huge deal but I find it odd that gurungs are the only ethnicity that I have seen do such things. I have nothing against the gurung folks but I find it interesting that they are always into promoting their own culture. They have a very good network among themselves. It's good in a way but sometimes I feel like they put their own ethnicity before their Nepali identity which is a little concerning in todays Nepal with significant issues related to national identity versus ethnic identity.

fob · Jun 1, 2012 12:10 PM

I am not a gurung, and the silk scarf is a "dosalla" and I think it is perfectly fine to put it on other people. It is a symbol of respect!

KHALISISI · Jun 1, 2012 4:48 PM

 Fob,   Did your friend force you to put on "dosalla"? It's is gurungs gathering, what do you expect him to wear? Do you expect him to wear dhoti? How is he forcing his culture on to you? I am very curious.   I think we can still be Nepalese respecting difference between us. Let us celebrate diversity within us, rather than trying to homogenize entire population and alienating some.  It is good thing your friend is promoting his own culture. Atleast he has not forgotten his roots. Why can't you accept his identity? Or is it because you have no culture.   "dosalla", "Haku patasi" are also part of nepalese culture It is very unfortunate your narrow mind didnot have capaicity to process this information, It is thoughts like yours which view entire Nepalese population consist of only certain cast of people which is helping fuel ethnic divide in Nepal.    I can understand your feeling if your friend was chanting "Limbhuwan", "tamanagsaling" n stuff. But, just because he put on "Dosalla" in gurung gathering you felt so...shame on you.   Go through first line of new Nepalese national anthem.. Maybe you will learn something. 

vasudev · Jun 1, 2012 11:32 PM