Who are Bombo?

Bombo in Panchpokhari, Sindhupalchok. Photo- Netra Tamang

Netra Tamang-

Bombo is the spiritual, and cultural leader of the Tamang people. Tamang people believe that Bombo has divine power. They work with sounds. Bombo performs like a singer and dancer. Bombo is almost the history book of the Tamang people.

They are specialist in society. According to the Addras Hofer Bombo is the holy man of the Tamang people. Hofer has written 339 a thick book about Bombo named A Recitation of the Tamang Shaman in Nepal.

Bombo's Tebetian term is Bon-po. but the tamang bombo tradition has no ties with the so-called organized Bon religion of the Tibetans. According to Hofer, Tamang Bombo invariably a male person - is such a shamanic healer. He is expected to be competent for both humans and cattle.

The Tamang Bombo is independent of any organization and has no function to fulfill communal rituals. His clients are individuals whom he treats at their homes.

Who will be the Successor of Bombo?

Bombo's son follows to become Bombo, after Bombo's death He can take an oath to continue the Bombo journey, but sometimes the knowledge transforms into other people than his son. It is believed that knowledge transforms automatically, with no need to learn. After getting signs of transformation Bombo organizes everything with him. He joins the spiritual journey with other Bombo.