Kirat and Dhimal Cultural Traditions
- Name (English)
- Kirat and Dhimal Cultural Traditions
- Type
- Cultural Tradition
- Description
Kirat and Dhimal Cultural Traditions
The Kirat and Dhimal peoples represent some of the oldest indigenous ethnic groups in Nepal, with rich cultural and religious practices.
Kirat Culture and Mundhum
- Kirat Mundhum: The religious and philosophical oral scripture of the Kirat people (Rai, Limbu, Yakkha, Sunuwar).
- Major Festivals: Sakela Ubhauli (spring festival marking planting season) and Udhauli (autumn festival marking harvest and migration).
- Spiritual Leaders: Shamans known as Phedangma or Samba conduct rituals and preserve historical lineages.
Dhimal Culture
- First Settlers: Dhimal people are known as the "first settlers of the Terai" (specifically Jhapa and Morang districts).
- Gram Devta: They practice nature-worship, focusing on village deities (Gram Devta) and community-based rituals like Chiri Puja.
- Religious Association
- Indigenous
- Region / Province
- Eastern hills (Koshi Province)
- Cultural Significance
- Represents Nepal's ancient, nature-worshipping animistic traditions with oral scriptures that predate written historical records.