Abstract:
This ethnographic study is concerned with Magar ethnic community of
Lhotsampas and their pendulant situation in the nationalistic stand. Magars in Bhutan
practiced Brahministic ritual tradition before they exiled. After they found refuge in
Nepal, they changed their ritual practice from Brahministic one to their original
Lamastic tradition of Bonbo sect. Even though actions taken by authorities to repatriate
these refugees to Bhutan and the expatriate extremists in refugee camps also compel
them to return to their national homeland, Magars refute to return there and stipulate to
reintegrate within Nepal population. The study finds that as exiled Magars found their
refuge in Nepal, they have changed their ritual tradition in order to adjust their way of
life consistent with the Nepal’s Magar communities. Such change has its reflections in
ethno-nationalistic stand of this community and it eventually let them to stay firm in
reintegration strategy among three enduring resolving strategies of refugee problem.
