Kathmandu, They all are beautiful, gorgeous, confident and talented. They have got same dream and aspiration, with a strong determination to achieve it by any means.
Photos courtesy: Rajiv Shrestha
They are the participants of Miss Tamang Contest 2009, a cultural beauty pageant, who are competing each other to explore the cultural identity and get the crown of Miss Tamang.
These 20 girls aged between 16-25 years from indigenous Tamang community are now eagerly waiting for the final event of Miss Tamang, which will be held at Rastriya Naachghar, Jamal, on April 4 to prove themselves talented in terms of both beauty and brain.
"Earlier, I didn't know much about my culture and tradition" says one of the contestant 12 grader Dolma Pakhrin, 19 of Kathmandu, " after participating in this contest, I learnt many important as well as significance things about the Tamang culture ".
A Bachelor student Upali Gyapak, 20, another contestant from Lalitpur also shares the similar experience. "The contest has provided great opportunity to know our cultural identity that we are unaware of " adds charming Gyapak, who has interest in media, believes one should have beauty along with brain to prove oneself deserving for Miss Tamang.
Straightforward 19 years old Sangeeta Moktan from Kathmandu feels bad for not being able to speak mother tongue.
" I have grown up in two different culture because of my parents' inter-caste marriage so I am deprived of learning Tamang language" she quickly explains," Now I realize how important language is to show our cultural identity."
However, she is well prepared for the introductory round of the grand finale where all the contestants have to introduce themselves in mother tongue.
Like other participants, Gyanu Maya Tamang, 17 of Solukhumbu district also claims herself as a deserving contestant for Miss Tamang. She seems confident about wining the title", I know the language, pretty aware about the culture and capable enough to exhibit my inner talent." Gyanu Maya gives reasons with a smile.
Blessed with good height Sima Moktan, 17 of Bara, expresses her interest to bring out the Tamang identity through modeling. "However, the education is my first priority" she clarifies.
Photos courtesy: Rajiv Shrestha
Lalita Moktan, Kamala Shyangtan, Kritika Bomjan, Tara Moktan, Kanchana Moktan, Irina Thing, Helen Tamang, Sony Moktan, Soniya Gole, Selina Moktan, Smithu Ghising Saru Tamang, Sujata Syangdan, Sichyang Tamang and Nilam Blon all are working hard to make their dream come true.
Besides the main title, they are also striving to hold other sub-titles such as Miss Best Hair, Miss Best Personality, Miss Best Smile, Miss Photogenic, Miss Talent, Miss Best Dress, Miss Best Catwalk etc.
The organizer claims the contest intents to promote culture and education. " This is a good platform to showcase the hidden talents of young generation and at the same time a great chance for personality development" says Milan Moktan, the president of Nepal Tamang Art and Culture Centre, the organization behind the event.
During the training session, the participants were given a lesson on Tamang culture, language, traditional dance and music. They were also taken out for educational tour in different places.
This is the second time the event is taking place, after the year 2006. "we'll give continuity to it from this year if there is no any political and other interruptions in coming days." States Moktan.
Miss Tamang will be awarded with a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 whereas First Runner-up and Second Runner-up will get Rs. 15,000 and Rs, 10,000respectively.
The event organization is an umbrella organization of Tamang Artists, which has been providing free ambulance service for the past three years, explains Moktan.
-Sangmo Yonjan-Tamang in Kathmandu
