Rai People
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The Rai (
Kirati The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state ...
: also known as Jimee or Khambu, ''Rāi'';
Devanagari Devanagari ( ; in script: , , ) is an Indic script used in the Indian subcontinent. It is a left-to-right abugida (a type of segmental Writing systems#Segmental systems: alphabets, writing system), based on the ancient ''Brāhmī script, Brā ...
: राई) are an
ethnolinguistic group An ethnolinguistic group (or ethno-linguistic group) is a group that is unified by both a common ethnicity and language. Most ethnic groups share a first language. However, "ethnolinguistic" is often used to emphasise that language is a major bas ...
belonging to the
Kirat The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state o ...
family and primarily
Sino-Tibetan Sino-Tibetan (also referred to as Trans-Himalayan) is a family of more than 400 languages, second only to Indo-European in number of native speakers. Around 1.4 billion people speak a Sino-Tibetan language. The vast majority of these are the 1.3 ...
linguistic ethnicity. They are indigenous to the eastern parts of
Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
, the
Indian states India is a federal union comprising 28 states and 8 union territories, for a total of 36 subnational entities. The states and union territories are further subdivided into 800 districts and smaller administrative divisions by the respe ...
of
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
,
West Bengal West Bengal (; Bengali language, Bengali: , , abbr. WB) is a States and union territories of India, state in the East India, eastern portion of India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal, along with a population of over 91 million inhabi ...
(predominantly
Darjeeling Darjeeling (, , ) is a city in the northernmost region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of West Bengal. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it has an average elevation of . To the west of Darjeeling lies the Koshi Pr ...
and
Kalimpong Kalimpong is a town and the headquarters of an eponymous district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of . The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district. The region comes under Gorkhaland Territo ...
Hills) and in southwestern
Bhutan Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, in the Eastern Himalayas between China to the north and northwest and India to the south and southeast. With a population of over 727,145 and a territory of , ...
. The Rai, as a set of groups, are one of the oldest tribes of Nepal. They inhabited the area between the
Dudh Koshi Dudh Koshi (दुधकोशी नदी, ''Milk-Koshi River'') is a river in eastern Nepal. It is the highest river in terms of elevation. Dudh Koshi originates from the glacier lakes at the height of 5,100 meters above sea level and meets Sapt ...
and Tamur River in Nepal. They claim that their country called Kiratdesh in modern times, has spread over
Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
,
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
and
West Bengal West Bengal (; Bengali language, Bengali: , , abbr. WB) is a States and union territories of India, state in the East India, eastern portion of India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal, along with a population of over 91 million inhabi ...
. The name Rai is a derivative of a Nepali word meaning "commander." This title is said to have been conferred on the Khambu by Prithvinarayan Shah after the Gorkha conquest of Khambuan. Rai are also known as "Khambu" in some places. They are known for worshipping nature and ancestral spirits. Rai are one of the tribes of the
Kirati The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state ...
group. They are popularly believed to have offered a stiff resistance to the invasion of the Gorkhas. Kiranti Rai are hill tribes who once possessed considerable power and territory but were reduced to submission by
Prithvi Narayan Shah Prithvi Narayan Shah (; 7 January 1723 – 11 January 1775), was the last king of the Gorkha Kingdom and first king of the Kingdom of Nepal (also called the ''Kingdom of Gorkha''). Prithvi Narayan Shah started the unification of Nepal. He is a ...
after his conquest of Nepal. Kirati rule in the eastern hills of Nepal ended after the conquest of the Gorkha Kingdom in 1772–1773.


Geographical distribution


Nepal

Numbering about 750,000, the Rai people mainly inhabit the eastern part of Nepal. Linguists have identified up to 28 different
Rai languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the Ki ...
, most of them mutually unintelligible. Rai traditionally Inhabited districts of Eastern Nepal by linguistic groups are: * Khotang inhabited by: Chamling, Dumi, Puma, Sampang, Koyu, Nachhiring and Tilung. * Bhojpur inhabited by: Bantawa, Dungmali, Sampang, Kulung and Mewahang/Newahang. * Solukhambu inhabited by: Kulung, Khaling, Thulung Nachhiring/ Sotang and Bahing/Bayung. * Sankhuwasabha inhabited by: Yamphu, Mewahang, Lohorung and Kulung *
Dhankuta Dhankuta ( ) is a hill town and the headquarters of Dhankuta District in Koshi Province in Eastern Nepal. According to 2011 Nepal census, it has population of 26,440 inhabitants. History Until about 1963, Dhankuta Bazaar (the town) was the ...
inhabited by: Athpare, Belhare, Chiling/ Chulung, Mugali, Phangduwali and Bantawa. *
Okhaldhunga Okhaldhunga is the headquarters of the Okhaldhunga District in the Sagarmatha Zone of Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3761 living in 790 individual households. Climate Media To promote local culture Okhal ...
inhabited by: Wambule, Jerung and Bahing/Bayung. * Udaypur inhabited by: Chamling, Tilung and Wambule *
Sindhuli Sindhuli District (), a part of the Bagmati Province, is one of the List of districts of Nepal, seventy-seven districts of Nepal, a landlocked country located in South Asia. The district, with Sindhulimadhi Kamalamai as its headquarters, covers a ...
inhabited by: Jerung and Wambule * Makawanpur ( Rai gaun) inhabited by: देवास Dewas Large number of Rai population are inhabiting in Ilam, Panchthar, Terhatum,
Taplejung Taplejung District ( ) is one of List of districts of Nepal, seventy-seven districts of Nepal and one of the Districts of Province No. 1, 14 districts of Koshi Province. It is located deep in the Himalayas in Eastern Nepal with Tibet, བོད ...
and tarai districts
Jhapa Jhapa District (; ) is a district of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal named after a Rajbanshi Surjapuri language word "Jhapa", meaning "to cover" (verb). The 2021 Nepal Census, puts the total population of the district at 994,090. The total a ...
, Morang,
Sunsari Sunsari District is one of 14 districts in Koshi province of eastern Nepal. The district is located in the eastern part of the Outer Terai and covers an area of . According to the 2011 Nepal census, the population was 753,328. The district head ...
also in
Kathmandu Valley The Kathmandu Valley (), also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley (, Newar language, Nepal Bhasa: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐵𑑅, नेपाः गाः), National Capital Area, is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Himalayas, Hima ...
.
2011 Nepal census Nepal conducted a widespread national census in 2011 by the Nepal Central Bureau of Statistics. Working in cooperation with the 58 municipalities and the 3,915 Village Development Committees at a district level, they recorded data from all the m ...
classifies the Rai people within the broader social group of Mountain/Hill Janajati.Population Monograph of Nepal, Volume II go to page 56
/ref> At the time of the Nepal census of 2011, 620,004 people (2.3% of the population of Nepal) were Rai. The frequency of Rai people by province was as follows: *
Koshi Province Koshi Province () is an autonomous Provinces of Nepal, province of Nepal adopted by the Constitution of Nepal on 20 September 2015. It covers an area of , about 17.5% of the country's total area. With the industrial city of Biratnagar as its cap ...
(11.3%) *
Bagmati Province Bagmati Province (, ''Bāgmatī pradēśa'') is one of the seven Provinces of Nepal, provinces of Nepal established by the constitution of Nepal. Bagmati is Nepal's second-most populous province and fifth largest province by area. It is bordered ...
(1.5%) *
Gandaki Province Gandaki Province ( ) ), is one of the seven federal provinces established by the current constitution of Nepal which was promulgated on 20 September 2015. Pokhara is the province's capital city. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region in Southw ...
(0.3%) *
Madhesh Province Madhesh Province () is a Provinces of Nepal, province of Nepal in the Terai region with an area of covering about 6.5% of the country's total area. It has a population of 6,126,288 as per the 2021 Nepal census, making it Nepal's most densely po ...
(0.2%) *
Lumbini Province Lumbini Province () is a Provinces of Nepal, province in western Nepal. The country's Provinces of Nepal, third largest province in terms of area as well as List of Nepalese provinces by population, population, Lumbini is home to the World Herita ...
(0.1%) *
Karnali Province Karnali Province () is one of the seven federal provinces of Nepal formed by the new constitution, which was adopted on 20 September 2015. The total area of the province is , making it the largest province in Nepal with 18.97% of the country's ...
(0.0%) *
Sudurpashchim Province Sudurpashchim Province () is one of the seven Provinces of Nepal, provinces established by the Constitution of Nepal, new constitution of Nepal which was adopted on 20 September 2015. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north, ...
(0.0%) The frequency of Rai people was higher than national average (2.3%) in the following districts: * Khotang (36.8%) * Bhojpur (32.1%) * Ilam (23.8%) *
Dhankuta Dhankuta ( ) is a hill town and the headquarters of Dhankuta District in Koshi Province in Eastern Nepal. According to 2011 Nepal census, it has population of 26,440 inhabitants. History Until about 1963, Dhankuta Bazaar (the town) was the ...
(19.8%) *
Solukhumbu Solukhumbu District ( , Sherpa: , Wylie: shar khum bu dzong) is one of 14 districts of Koshi Province of eastern Nepal. As the name suggests, it consists of the sub-regions Solu and Khumbu. The closest post office to Solukhumbu with a postal co ...
(19.7%) * Udayapur (17.3%) * Panchthar (13.8%) * Sankhuwasabha (10.7%) *
Okhaldhunga Okhaldhunga is the headquarters of the Okhaldhunga District in the Sagarmatha Zone of Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3761 living in 790 individual households. Climate Media To promote local culture Okhal ...
(10.0%) *
Sunsari Sunsari District is one of 14 districts in Koshi province of eastern Nepal. The district is located in the eastern part of the Outer Terai and covers an area of . According to the 2011 Nepal census, the population was 753,328. The district head ...
(6.6%) *
Taplejung Taplejung District ( ) is one of List of districts of Nepal, seventy-seven districts of Nepal and one of the Districts of Province No. 1, 14 districts of Koshi Province. It is located deep in the Himalayas in Eastern Nepal with Tibet, བོད ...
(5.1%) * Morang (5.0%) *
Jhapa Jhapa District (; ) is a district of Koshi Province in eastern Nepal named after a Rajbanshi Surjapuri language word "Jhapa", meaning "to cover" (verb). The 2021 Nepal Census, puts the total population of the district at 994,090. The total a ...
(4.7%) * Nuwakot (3.6%) * Lalitpur (2.7%)


India, Bhutan and other countries

Rai predominate in the Indian states of
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
,
Darjeeling Darjeeling (, , ) is a city in the northernmost region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of West Bengal. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it has an average elevation of . To the west of Darjeeling lies the Koshi Pr ...
,
Kalimpong Kalimpong is a town and the headquarters of an eponymous district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is located at an average elevation of . The town is the headquarters of the Kalimpong district. The region comes under Gorkhaland Territo ...
,
Kurseong Kurseong (, ) is a town and a municipality in Darjeeling district in the Indian state of West Bengal. It is the headquarters of the Kurseong subdivision. Located at an altitude of , Kurseong is from Darjeeling and has a pleasant climate throu ...
,
Mirik Mirik is a small town and a Notified Area of Darjeeling district in the state of West Bengal, India. It is the headquarters of the Mirik subdivision. The name ''Mirik'' comes from the Lepcha words ''Mir-Yok'' meaning "place burnt by fire". ...
and
Dooars The Dooars or Duars () are the alluvial floodplains in eastern-northeastern India and southern Bhutan that lie south of the outer foothills of the Himalayas and north of the Brahmaputra River basin. This region is about wide and stretches ov ...
of
West Bengal West Bengal (; Bengali language, Bengali: , , abbr. WB) is a States and union territories of India, state in the East India, eastern portion of India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal, along with a population of over 91 million inhabi ...
. Rai is the single largest ethnic community in
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
. Rai population is mostly found in the south, west and east of Sikkim. Large number of Rai people are also found living in
Assam Assam (, , ) is a state in Northeast India, northeastern India, south of the eastern Himalayas along the Brahmaputra Valley, Brahmaputra and Barak River valleys. Assam covers an area of . It is the second largest state in Northeast India, nor ...
and other northeastern states of India, the Kingdom of
Bhutan Bhutan, officially the Kingdom of Bhutan, is a landlocked country in South Asia, in the Eastern Himalayas between China to the north and northwest and India to the south and southeast. With a population of over 727,145 and a territory of , ...
, while some have recently migrated to the United Kingdom,
Hong Kong Hong Kong)., Legally Hong Kong, China in international treaties and organizations. is a special administrative region of China. With 7.5 million residents in a territory, Hong Kong is the fourth most densely populated region in the wor ...
, the United States and other countries.


History


Mythology of Rai People

Rai tradition relates that the first of the ancestral Kirati entered Nepal's eastern hills through the Barahachhetra gorge of the
Kosi KOSI (101.1 FM) is a commercial radio station in Denver, Colorado. KOSI is owned by Salt Lake City–based Bonneville International and airs an adult contemporary music format, switching to Christmas music for much of November and December. ...
Valley the natural gateway into the region through the Mahabharat Range, which separates the hilly hinterland from the plains. According to the Mundum, in oral history, Kirati ancestors came out of the " Khuwalung" and then followed the small river of the Saptakoshi. They journeyed through the Arun,
Dudh Koshi Dudh Koshi (दुधकोशी नदी, ''Milk-Koshi River'') is a river in eastern Nepal. It is the highest river in terms of elevation. Dudh Koshi originates from the glacier lakes at the height of 5,100 meters above sea level and meets Sapt ...
,
Sun Koshi The Sunkoshi, also spelled Sunkosi, is a river that is part of the Koshi River, Koshi or Saptkoshi River system in Nepal. Sunkoshi has two river source, source streams, one that arises within Nepal in Choukati, and the other more significant stre ...
and Tama Koshi and finally settled down in the
Bhote Koshi Bhote Koshi in Nepal and Poiqu in Tibet (both names roughly mean "Tibetan river") is the name given to the upper course (main tributary) of the Sun Kosi river. It is part of the Koshi River system in Nepal.Shrestha, A. B., Eriksson, M., Mool, ...
valley. According to the myths of the Kirati Rai people "Tayama" (elder sister), "Khiyama" (younger sister) and "Raichhakule" ( Tayama and Khimaya's younger brother) are supposed to be the primaeval ancestors of the Kirati Rai's Civilization. The sisters are believed to have lived in " Tuwachung" whereas the brother in the cave of Halesi. Tayama and Khiyama were skilful in weaving the looms. They are regarded as the pioneers of textiles. Tayama is recognized by names like: Khew, Toyama, Toma, Tayama, Tangwama, Jauma, Jaumo, Dawa and Kakcha, and accordingly, Khiyama is also called Khema, Khiwama, Khliuma, Khlemo, Khewa, Khauma and Los in distinct
Kiranti languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the K ...
. Raichhakule (younger brother of Tayama and Khimaya) also known as Hetchhakuppa, Hetchhakuwa, Khokchilipa, Khakchhilip etc. is considered to be the beginner of the agricultural era in the cultural history of Kirati- Rai People. Salpa Pokhari is believed to be the origin of Kirati-Rai. Salpa Pokhori is the centre of cultural belief for Kirati Rai and is related to the myth of "Salpa" and "Ribrima"(Salpa King and Queen). so Kirati Rai believed to have been born from these ancestors, Salpa and Ribrima. Salpa Pokhori is very significant and popular among Kirati Rai from cultural and religious views according to the Kirati Rai's myth, this place is the origin of the Kirati Rai people. The Sillichung Mountain known as the prime tribute is supposed to be the origin of "Mundum" according to the Kirati myth.


Kirat Dynasty in Kathmandu Valley

Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
enters into real historical era with the conquest of Kathmandu Valley by the Kiratis. The Kiratis are said to have been the aborigines inhabiting Eastern Nepal and having their own administrative set-up. Under the able leadership of their chieftain "Yalung" or Yalambar the Kiratis defeated Bhuwan Singh; the last king in the Ahir Dynasty and brought the Kathmandu valley under their sway. From various sources mentioning Long period altogether 29 to 32 Kirati kings who had ruled over Nepal 1225 years from 800 BCE to 300 AD. Gopal genealogy mentions 32 Kirati Kings to have ruled over Nepal different genealogies have found to be stating different names of last Kirati King. The Lichhavi monarchical dynasty was established in Nepal by defeating last Kirati King 'Khigu', according to Gopal genealogy, 'Galiz' according to language-genealogy and 'Gasti', according to Wright genealogy.
Chyasal Chyasal (Nepal Bhasa:च्यास:) is an ancient town in the District of Lalitpur in Bagmati Zone in Nepal and a section of the city of Lalitpur. Also known as Yala in Nepal Bhasa. The 800 Kiratis are said to been slain in this Dabu by Li ...
is the place of final battlefield for Kiratis and Lichhavis. About 250 A.D. Kirati rule end in Kathmandu Valley and Kiratis moved towards east. Various ancient historical, archeological sites related to history of Kiratis and Kirati period in Kathmandu Valley like
Chyasal Chyasal (Nepal Bhasa:च्यास:) is an ancient town in the District of Lalitpur in Bagmati Zone in Nepal and a section of the city of Lalitpur. Also known as Yala in Nepal Bhasa. The 800 Kiratis are said to been slain in this Dabu by Li ...
, Patan Durbar, Patuk Don,
Gokarna Gokarna may refer to: Places * Gokarna, Karnataka, a town in Karnataka, India * Gokarna, West Bengal, a village in West Bengal, India * Gokarnamatam, a village in Andhra Pradesh, India * Trincomalee, a city in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka also k ...
,
Thankot Thankot is a village and former Village Development Committee (Nepal), Village Development Committee that is now part of Chandragiri Municipality in Kathmandu District in Province No. 3 of central Nepal. It lies in the lap of Chandragiri Hill, Nepa ...
, Birupakshya, Lalitpur,
Akash Bhairav Akash Bhairav () or Aaju () is one of the different forms of Bhairava. The temple of Akash Bhairav is supposed to have been a palace of the king of Nepal, Kirati King Yalambar around 3100–3500 years back. The surrounding of Akash Bhairav is ...
etc.


Kirat Kingdom in the east

According to historians the Lichhavis got victory only over Kathmandu. in other parts of the eastern country Kirati rule is still maintained. After the defeated Kiratis by Lichhavis in Kathmandu valley the Kiratis moved gradually east wards ruling in the small territories. In the process of expansion Kiratis extended from Banepa, Dulikhel, Sindupalchok, Darawardanda, Dolakha, Charikot to Kiratichap. Kiratis built a fort in Kiratichap and started to rule again still many evidences of Kiratis ancient ruins graveyard can be found in Dolakha, Sindupalchok region like "Kirat Thursa" in Jiri "Kiratichap" in Dolakha. according to various folklore and oral history Lichhavi attacked again Kiratis in Dolakha and chased away. In Pursuit of the fertile land some kiratis followed Sunkoshi river they become Sunuwar. others who followed the Tamakoshi, Dudhkoshi, Arun and Tamur rivers they become today's Rai, Yakkha, Sunuwar and Limbu . After settling down in different areas Kiratis made their appropriate 'Kipat,' 'the area,' and again in the mountain region eastern hills Kiratis ruled over for centuries. in course of time due to the geo-political division three Kirati states were created as Wallo Kirat(Near Kirat), Majh Kirat (Middle Kirat) and Pallo Kirat or (Far east Kirat).


Gorkhali conquest in Kirat country

Around 1743 AD King
Prithvi Narayan Shah Prithvi Narayan Shah (; 7 January 1723 – 11 January 1775), was the last king of the Gorkha Kingdom and first king of the Kingdom of Nepal (also called the ''Kingdom of Gorkha''). Prithvi Narayan Shah started the unification of Nepal. He is a ...
of
Gorkha The Gurkhas or Gorkhas (), with the endonym Gorkhali ( Nepali: गोर्खाली ), are soldiers native to the Indian subcontinent, chiefly residing within Nepal and some parts of North India. The Gurkha units consist of Nepali and ...
started to
Unification of Nepal The unification of Nepal () was the process of building the modern Nepalese state, by invading fractured Malla kingdoms including the Baise Rajya's 22 kingdoms and the Chaubisi Rajya's 24 kingdoms. It began in 1743 CE (1799 BS), by Prithvi N ...
campaign, conquering many small states Gorkhalis also started to attacked in the Kirat Region. according to historians, before the unification of Nepal by Prithvivinaryan Shah from Banepa to
Trishuli River The Trishuli River () is one of the major tributaries of the Narayani River basin in central Nepal. The river is formed by the merger of the Kyirong Tsangpo and the Lende Khola originating in Gyirong County of Tibet, which join together near the ...
and around
Teesta River Teesta River is a long river that rises in the Pauhunri Mountain of eastern Himalayas, flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and subsequently enters Bangladesh through Rangpur division. In Bangladesh, it merges with Jamu ...
known as Kiratdesh the territory of Kiratis. Looking at the evidence of the time when Prithvinarayan Shah expanded the Gorkha kingdom, Dolakha, Ramechhap and
Sindhuli Sindhuli District (), a part of the Bagmati Province, is one of the List of districts of Nepal, seventy-seven districts of Nepal, a landlocked country located in South Asia. The district, with Sindhulimadhi Kamalamai as its headquarters, covers a ...
fall in Wallo Kirat and the part from Sunkoshi to upper Arun river falls in Manjh Kirat . The area from Upper Arun Arun river to East
Teesta River Teesta River is a long river that rises in the Pauhunri Mountain of eastern Himalayas, flows through the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal and subsequently enters Bangladesh through Rangpur division. In Bangladesh, it merges with Jamu ...
falls within Pallo Kirat . when Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded the Dhulikhel border area of (Wallo Kirat) in 1768 AD, that time the Kirat King of Dhulikhel Chaukhat Mahindra Sing Rai and his brother Namsing Rai strongly resisted and fought valiantly with Prithivinarayan shah's huge army for a very long time. King
Prithvi Narayan Shah Prithvi Narayan Shah (; 7 January 1723 – 11 January 1775), was the last king of the Gorkha Kingdom and first king of the Kingdom of Nepal (also called the ''Kingdom of Gorkha''). Prithvi Narayan Shah started the unification of Nepal. He is a ...
had deployed ''
Sardar Sardar, also spelled as Sardaar (, , 'commander', literally 'headmaster'), is a title of royal family, royalty and nobility that was originally used to denote princes, noblemen, chiefs, kings and other Aristocracy (class), aristocrats. It ha ...
''
Ram Krishna Kunwar Ram Krishna Kunwar or Ramakrishna Kunwar (; IAST: ''Rāmakr̥ṣṇa kum̐vara'') was a military commander (Sardar) of Gorkha Kingdom during the Unification of Nepal at the reign of King Prithvi Narayan Shah. He was born circa 1728 AD to Ashiram ...
to the invasion of
Kirant The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state ...
regional areas comprising; Pallo Kirant, Wallo Kirant and Majh Kirant. There are many kings and chiftens and forts under Wallo Kirat and Majh Kirat area. It is mentioned in the book "Mechi to Mahakali" Part-1 eight thums forts of (Wallo Kirat)
Okhaldhunga Okhaldhunga is the headquarters of the Okhaldhunga District in the Sagarmatha Zone of Nepal. At the time of the 1991 Nepal census it had a population of 3761 living in 790 individual households. Climate Media To promote local culture Okhal ...
, namely Bungnam, Taluwa, Chyanam, Solu, Tilpung, Chisankhu, Chuplu and Chauras. other forts in Majh Kirat are Hatuwa, Chawdandi, Mukali, Halesi, Khotehang, Kulum, Majhuwa, Khamtel, Pamakham, Rawa and Kepilas one by one, the Gorkhalis conquered all these forts in Wallo and Majh Kirat. At the time when Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Kirat region. In this historical period, Waling Hang was the king in Hatuwā Gaḍhi(Majh Kirat) in across the Arun River. The kings of Hatuwa extended their rule over part of
Khalsa The term ''Khalsa'' refers to both a community that follows Sikhism as its religion,Khalsa: Sikhism< ...
. The Khalsa territory present day Ankhisalla, Dhankuta District ruled by King Budhahang. Budhahang disappeared when Prithivi Narayan Shah attacked him. It is said that during the war with the Shah king, he could revive dead Kirati warriors who were killed. On 29 August 1772, Ram Krishna Kanwar crossed Dudhkoshi river enter Chaudandi to invade of Kirant and Saptari region with fellow commander
Abhiman Singh Basnyat Abhiman Singh Basnet/Basnyat () was the first Commander-in-Chief of unified Nepal."Regmi Research Series" Author:Mahesh Chandra Regmi Abhiman Singh became the first Commander in Chief after General Kalu Pande died during his second attempt to ca ...
. Khambu Kirati Youths who were skilled archers, stemmed the advance of the Gorkhali troops at every step with their arrows. they inflicted heavy losses on the Gorkhalis, so that Prithivinarayan Shah had to send reinforcement sounder the commend of Subedar Shiva Narayan Khatri. Chatim Rai of Rawa Khola and Atal Rai of Pamakham were two principal Khambus Kirati ultimately proved ineffective before, the bows and arrows of the Gorkhalis. within a period of 5 months the Gorkhalis occupied Rawa, Halesi, Majuwa, Kulum and Dingla thus conquering the hole of Majh Kirat.


Culture

Rai Community has its own traditional culture and rituals. all Rai people practice same rituals of life from birth to death. but there are some variation in rites and rituals in Rai communities living in different places.


Marriage system

Marriage in Rai group is not merely a biological and psychological relation between the couple, but essentially considered a social phenomenon that must be approved by the society. Unless the society gives recognition to the couples, they find their marital relation insecure. After the marriage, the woman's clan is not changed, though she stays with her husband; but her children follow the clan of her husband. Both the practices of monogamy and polygamy are found among Rai; but the system of polygamy has declined greatly for legal reason and due to change of attitude. Some traditional important types of marriage found among Rai are: a) Chori Biha (theft marriage): It is called Chori Biha by Rai. If a man takes a woman away from her home secretly without informing her parents, it is called 'theft marriage'. This sort of marriage is a bit different from 'love marriage', in that the man and woman may not have developed personal relationship for a long time, which is found in love marriage. The man may like the woman all of a sudden, which the woman may not be noticing. All of a sudden, the man expresses his wish to marry her when he meets her on some occasion or gathering – like in the fairs and marketplace. In such a case, if some of her relatives or close friends encourage her to elope with the man, she may be convinced and becomes ready to go with him. Nowadays theft marriage is gradually being replaced by 'love marriage', in which the concerned boy and girl spend some time to know each other without the influence or intervention of anybody; then they can either decide to marry, just maintain their friendship or discontinue it, depending on how far the two parties like or dislike each other. b) Zari Biha (marriage by paying penalty): Taking the wife of another man away in her consent for the purpose of marriage is called Zari Biha in Rai community. In such a case, a certain amount of cash is paid as a penalty by the woman's new husband to the earlier one. c) Senzi Zari Biha (widow marriage): In Rai community, there is not any social prohibition for the widows to marry. A widow or widower is allowed to get married, though it is not a compulsion. In this marriage, a certain penalty is paid to the widow's father-in-law or the senior family member, as a compensation for losing a member of the family. d) Magi Biha (
arranged marriage Arranged marriage is a type of Marriage, marital union where the bride and groom are primarily selected by individuals other than the couple themselves, particularly by family members such as the parents. In some cultures, a professional matchmaki ...
): Arranged marriage is performed with the mutual understanding and arrangements of both the families – the boy's side and the girl's side. It is called Magi Biha. In this marriage, the consent of the girl, the forthcoming bride, is a must.


Death ritual

In Rai community death is distinguished between the natural death and unnatural death in their rites of the passage as well. In the case of natural death, the body is either buried or cremated, upon the wish of the dead person. But the body must be buried in the case of unnatural death. There are many formalities in the death ritual if it is the natural death; but such formalities are less in the case of unnatural death, since it is believed that such a death turns the person into evil. If a baby dies before the growth of his/her tooth, the funeral rite observed is very simply. Such a death is considered a bad omen and categorized under unnatural death. The pollution and purification rituals are completed on the same day in such cases If a pregnant woman dies, her lower abdomen is bisected with a bamboo knife and the child is removed from her body. The mother and the child are buried at different burial sites according to the ritual of unnatural death. The pollution and purification ritual is completed on the same day. In the case of natural death, complete funeral rite is observed; and pollution and purification rituals are strictly followed. among Rai community a salt eating and oil drinking ceremony is performed three days after the death. On the ninth and tenth days, a Mangpa(Shaman) performs a merit making ceremony for the deceased. This ritual is done to put the deceased soul to a rest; otherwise, it is believed that the deceased person's spirit will bring harm to the family.


Family and kinship

Rai have the practice of living in both the nuclear and joint families. In the nuclear family, there are two generations of people, whereas a joint family has three or more generations living together by sharing the same house and kitchen. Normally the son does not get separated immediately after his marriage. But after the marriage of his younger brother, he may wish to live separately. At the time of separation, the parental property is divided equally between the parents and sons. Mainly three forms of kinship are found among Rai: i) kinship by blood; e.g. brother and sister, ii) kinship by marriage; e.g. father-in-law, sister-in-law, etc., iii) kinship by social relation; e.g. Miteri (friendship bond established after a special ritual) relation. Kinship behaviour varies according to the status of the kin. Some relatives are more respectable than others, while some are in 'joking relation'. For instance, father, mother, uncle and aunt are respectable, but solti-soltinee, sali-bhena, are all in joking relation. In Rai community, son-in-law and daughter-in-law are treated equally as the son or daughter of the family.


Gender issues and decision-making procedure

Men and women having equal status in the family and community, there is almost no gender discrimination in Rai society. Although man is usually the head of the family, woman's role is equally important in planning and decision making on domestic matters. The husband decides almost nothing in absence of his wife. They generally discuss to plan the daily activities collectively in the family after dinner; and decision is made thereupon. After a year of the death of her husband, a widow can wear her casual dresses. There is no restriction for the widow or widower regarding their clothing. They also have the freedom for remarriage; but whether to marry or not depends entirely on the widow's or widower's wish. An unmarried adult woman possesses very strong role in the family. She is heard by all. Male and female members of family share their labour in all sorts of activities. However, a few cases are exceptions; e.g. cooking meals, which is mostly considered the responsibility of women. But when women are very busy, men take the responsibility of cooking as well. Similarly, though ploughing the field is generally considered the work of men, unmarried girls are also found involved in it to support men in their work.


Attire and ornaments


Women

Rai women used to weave homespun cloth from the
khadi Khadi (, ), derived from khaddar, is a hand-spun and woven natural fibre cloth promoted by Mahatma Gandhi, Gandhi as Swadeshi movement, ''swadeshi (of homeland)'' for the freedom struggle of India and the term is used throughout the Indian sub ...
,
cotton Cotton (), first recorded in ancient India, is a soft, fluffy staple fiber that grows in a boll, or protective case, around the seeds of the cotton plants of the genus '' Gossypium'' in the mallow family Malvaceae. The fiber is almost pure ...
,
wool Wool is the textile fiber obtained from sheep and other mammals, especially goats, rabbits, and camelids. The term may also refer to inorganic materials, such as mineral wool and glass wool, that have some properties similar to animal w ...
and allo nettle plant.


Men

Rai men wear Wachinari Mala (
Dzi bead A dzi bead (Tibetan: ; pronounced "zee"; alternative spelling: ''gzi'') a type of agate bead of uncertain origin found in the Himalayan regions including Tibet, Bhutan, and Ladakh. Traditionally they are worn as part of a traditional Tibetan n ...
), Potlung (Puwalo Mala) garland, and animal tooth necklaces. Male dress comprises headgear (feta; pagari; sayabung); Betebung shirt (dawm; lockchham); pant (suruwal; langsup); sleeveless coat made of stinging nettle plant fiber (chhakchha; fenga); waistband (narimokty); (patuki, chakchhinma), a large knife (
khukuri The kukri () or khukuri (, ) is a type of knife or short sword with a distinct recurve in its blade that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It serves multiple purposes as a melee weapon and also as a regular cutting/chopping tool throughout ...
, dabhay).


Religion

Rai have been following Kirat religion since the ancient times. Kirat religion is based on animistic nature and ancestor worship. Rai do not believe in heaven or hell. There is no religious hierarchy. Kirati Rai engages Nakchong, Mangpa, Bijuwa, Nakso their tribal shamans in their religious rites. During the course of their recent history the Rai has increasingly borrowed elements from the major religions they have had contact with from Lamaist Buddhism or Nepalese Hinduism without however renouncing their own tribal traditions. As per Nepali Census of 2011 AD, roughly one third of Rai people follow
Hinduism Hinduism () is an Hypernymy and hyponymy, umbrella term for a range of Indian religions, Indian List of religions and spiritual traditions#Indian religions, religious and spiritual traditions (Sampradaya, ''sampradaya''s) that are unified ...
(30 %), two third follow Kirat Mundhum Dharma(65 %), while 5% are
Christians A Christian () is a person who follows or adheres to Christianity, a monotheistic Abrahamic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. Christians form the largest religious community in the world. The words '' Christ'' and ''C ...
.


Suptulung: Places of sacred worship

Teen Chula or Chula Dhunga "The three hearth made stones" called Dayahulung or Suptulung is the central part all the rituals or rites of Rai practised from birth to death are done in this Teen Chula 'Suptulung' The major deity of all Rai is 'Teen chula' (Suptulung) The three hearthmade stoned oven' of the house. "The Term Lu or Lung refers to the stone and thus the suffix like lu or lung is found in most of the names of the oven in house eg; Taplelung, Suptulung, Mayalung, Ghewalung etc. Almost every thing from the right beginning of birth 'cradle to the tomb' is performed on the sacred teen chula without Teen Chula no rituals can be done. In Rai culture, Teen Chula is the gate-way to enter in the real and practical day to day life. There is (Suptulung) 'Teen Chula' in every house of Rai. It is buried on one side of the inner corner of the house. It said that "Dash Rai Dash Bhasa Ek Chula" "There is Same Teen Chula of all ten diversified Rai" it is believed that in the beginning there is only Ten 'Thars' of Rai but later Rai are divide into many 'thars' sub-group Teen Chula (Suptulung) is the Tribal identity of Rai and its a symbol of unity of different diviersified Kirati Rai in one ethnic family. Teen Chula(Suptulung)also known as Samkhalung in bantawa Rai dialect The word "Samkha" means ancestors and "Lung" means stones. Samkhalung the three main stones, # Papalung: symbolizing male ancestors, # Mamalung: symbolizing female ancestors, and # Ramilung: symbolizing societal spiritual energies. The Teen Chula are considered by the Rai to be their most important shrines Teen Chula is sacred place after death where the departed souls ancestors of the Rai live in this place. Teen Chula philosophy (three knowledge perspectives) as the distinctive original identity of Rai.


Folk gods and goddesses

Kirati Rai are basically animist they worship various
Household deity A household deity is a deity or spirit that protects the home, looking after the entire household or certain key members. It has been a common belief in paganism as well as in folklore across many parts of the world. Household deities fit int ...
and Nature deities. Kirati Rai worship as ancestral god and goddess to Sumnima and Paruhang. Sumnima also known as 'Hengkhamma' the Mother Earth and Paruhang also known as 'Ninamma' Father the Sky god. The Sumnima is the supreme female God, wife of the Paruhang She represents the earth and ancestral mother. Paruhang is the supreme male God, husband of the Sumnima, lords of flowers. Sumnima-Paruhang are the deities of creator, preserver and sustainer god and goddess of the Rai. These deities are sometimes conflated with the Shaivist deities of Nepalese Hinduism, primarily
Shiva Shiva (; , ), also known as Mahadeva (; , , Help:IPA/Sanskrit, ɐɦaːd̪eːʋɐh and Hara, is one of the Hindu deities, principal deities of Hinduism. He is the God in Hinduism, Supreme Being in Shaivism, one of the major traditions w ...
and
Parvati Parvati (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, pɑɾʋət̪iː/), also known as Uma (, , IPA: Sanskrit phonology, /ʊmɑː/) and Gauri (, , IPA: /Sanskrit phonology, gə͡ʊɾiː/), is one of the principal goddesses in Hinduism, revered as the Devi, ...
, although they are distinct in origin.


Rai shamanism

Rai shamanism comprises a plurality of shamanic traditions, varied but closely related, like the Rai groups themselves. The Rai in East
Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
consist of numerous subtribes, and even though they speak different languages and have their own distinct traditions, they all share a common linguistic and cultural heritage. Together with Limbu (the language of a related group residing farther to the east, also in
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
and
Darjeeling Darjeeling (, , ) is a city in the northernmost region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of West Bengal. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it has an average elevation of . To the west of Darjeeling lies the Koshi Pr ...
), the Kirati Rai languages belong to the
Kiranti The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state ...
family, which is a subgroup of
Tibeto-Burman The Tibeto-Burman languages are the non- Sinitic members of the Sino-Tibetan language family, over 400 of which are spoken throughout the Southeast Asian Massif ("Zomia") as well as parts of East Asia and South Asia. Around 60 million people speak ...
. Culturally the Rai have been influenced by both Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, but these influences have only marginally affected their ancestral traditions, in which shamanic features still figure prominently.


The Mundum

The "mundum" is the oral tradition among the Rai and it is also a long-standing, and ancient, though not unchanging, ritual practice. Mundum is also addressed as "Ridum" "Muddum" or "Pelam". Iiterally, "Muna" means "Man" and "dum" means talk" which can be said speaking of man or oral talking as a hole the mundum is an oral tradition. so, it may differ in place to place. The term mundum is generally pronounced as
mundhum The Mundhum (also known as ''Peylan'') is the ancient religious scripture and folk literature of the Kirat people. It is an ancient, indigenous religion of Nepal. Mundhum means "the power of great strength" in the Limbu language. The Mundhum cov ...
by Nepali speakers. Many researchers have documented the term mundhum in their research. The /dh/ sound in mundum is not found in many Kirati languages. If it is found in other Kirati languages, it often is a loan sound. The term
mundhum The Mundhum (also known as ''Peylan'') is the ancient religious scripture and folk literature of the Kirat people. It is an ancient, indigenous religion of Nepal. Mundhum means "the power of great strength" in the Limbu language. The Mundhum cov ...
thus might be of Nepali influence. So, the native term is "mundhum”. In this case, the term mundum changes into the mundhum because the alveolar is changed into the dental aspirated /dh/ because it might be the influence of the Nepali language. Although, the concept is the same, the term mundum has different variants among different subgroups of Rai. Gaenszle (2002: 40–42), who has done pioneering work in the field of Kirati ritual, has extensively studied about it and collected different terms, which are as follows: * Mundhum: Chintang, Bantawa, Belhare * Muddum/Mudum: Mewahang, Bantawa, Sampang * Mindum/Pe-lam: Yamphu * Ridum: Kulung * Mundum : Chamling * Pe-lam: Lohorung


Rai tribes and clans

Rai have distinct cultural tradition. The community is divided into different subtribes called "Thar", all have their own distinctive language or dialect. This division of Rai into various subtribes allows for the minor alterations in the ritualistic practices, while the essence of the traditions remains mostly homogeneous. Within the "Thar" there are clan division called "Pacha"(pa=papa/father and cha=children). Clans are exogamous. There is further classification within the Pacha known as "Samet", Samet traces the relationship of a person to his/her ancestor. Pacha and Samet is main ritual identity of Rai, which is compulsory needed in every ritual performance.


Languages

The
Rai languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the Ki ...
are members of the
Sino-Tibetan Sino-Tibetan (also referred to as Trans-Himalayan) is a family of more than 400 languages, second only to Indo-European in number of native speakers. Around 1.4 billion people speak a Sino-Tibetan language. The vast majority of these are the 1.3 ...
language family. They belong to the Kiranti group of the
Tibeto-Burman languages The Tibeto-Burman languages are the non- Sinitic members of the Sino-Tibetan language family, over 400 of which are spoken throughout the Southeast Asian Massif ("Zomia") as well as parts of East Asia and South Asia. Around 60 million people spe ...
branch of the Sino-Tibetan family. In the
Nepal Nepal, officially the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal, is a landlocked country in South Asia. It is mainly situated in the Himalayas, but also includes parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plain. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China Ch ...
National Census of 2011, roughly 800,000 respondents declared a
Kiranti languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the K ...
as their "mother tongue". The number of speakers is probably less than this. The Census of India (2001) reported 50,000 speakers of
Limbu Limbu may refer to: * Limbu people, an indigenous tribe living in Nepal, Sikkim (India) and Bhutan ** Limbu language, their Sino-Tibetan language *** Limbu script **** Limbu (Unicode block) * Rambahadur Limbu Rambahadur Limbu, (; 8 July 1939 ...
and Rai in India (most in
Sikkim Sikkim ( ; ) is a States and union territories of India, state in northeastern India. It borders the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north and northeast, Bhutan in the east, Koshi Province of Nepal in the west, and West Bengal in the ...
)
Linguistic Survey of India The Linguistic Survey of India (LSI) is a comprehensive survey of the languages of British India, describing 364 languages and dialects. The Survey was first proposed by George Abraham Grierson, a member of the Indian Civil Service and a lingu ...
n.d.).


Festivals


Sakela

Sakela Sakela (also Sakewa or Sakenwa) () is one of the main festivals of the Khambu (Rai people), an ethnic group indigenous to Eastern Nepal and the Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling regions of India. Sakela is celebrated twice a year and is distin ...
is the gathering of Rai people for the celebration of Udhauli and Ubhauli. Sakela is actually affiliated with Chamling people of Kirati Rai community. Since the identity of different groups of Rai are at depleting, many Rai are taking Sakela as the main festival of Rai. However, truth remains that Sakela is a dance performed during Udhauli and Ubhauli while Rai people gather together. The Rai people (Chamling group) call it by different names like Sakenwa, Sakela, Tosh or Toshi, Bhume, Sakel, Wass, Segro, Sakewa, Dhuulu, Phagulak, Gelang, Gayapuja among different linguistic groups. This event is performed for 15–15 days in a year as
ubhauli Ubhauli () is festival of the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Limbu, Yakkha and Rai of Nepal, India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, sevent ...
(Dhirinam) in full moon day of the
Baisakh Vaisakha (, ) is a month of the Hindu calendar that corresponds to April/May in the Gregorian Calendar. In the Indian national calendar, Vaisakha is the second month of the year. It is the first month of the Vikram Samvat calendar, Odia calenda ...
and
udhauli Udhauli () is a festival of the Kirat communities of Kirati people specially celebrated by Sunuwar, Limbu, Yakkha, Khambu Rai etc. of Nepal, India and other different countries around the world where these indigenous people (Kirati People) res ...
(Chhirinam), in full moon day of Mangsir in Kirati Rai villages. The major philosophy of Sakela is nature worship; importance is placed on paying tribute to ancestors to whom current generations owe their existence. Since Kirati people consider themselves the followers of the nature, they celebrate Udhauli and Ubhauli with sakela to worship sky, earth, rivers, and forest on the one hand; they pay tribute towards the deceased members of their family on the other hand. During , the dance known as is performed. varies from village to village in the beating of jhyamta
cymbal A cymbal is a common percussion instrument. Often used in pairs, cymbals consist of thin, normally round plates of various alloys. The majority of cymbals are of indefinite pitch, although small disc-shaped cymbals based on ancient designs sou ...
s and
dhol Dhol () can refer to any one of a number of similar types of double-headed drum widely used, with regional variations, throughout the Indian subcontinent. Its range of distribution in Indian subcontinent primarily includes northern areas such ...
. The choreography of depicts important daily activities, and explains the traditional origins of agricultural practices such as digging, tilling, weeding and farming cotton. Likewise, the imitation of the birds and animals is also performed in lively . Other activities like worshiping the tap and sun are depicted in the and in the spiritual , the ancestors, like "Tayama-Khiyama", hunter, Chasum, Narawa, "Paruhang-Nayuma" are shown in dance. The Kirati ancestor "Hetchhakuppa" is considered to be the first performer of . Around 45 silli are claimed to be in the existence even today.


Nwagi

Nwagi is celebrated before eating the harvested food crops. Kirati Rai cleans the ancestral room (Suptulung), and various new crops are offered to the ancestors during Nwagi puja. Nwagi puja also known as (Pirtri puja) ancestor worship, it is believed that new food crops will not be eaten until the Nwagi puja or without being offered to the ancestors. Nwagi puja is all about offering new food of the year to the ancestors' cooking a lot of varieties of food (including alcohol) to offer to the ancestors. this puja is performed by a priest or elder people (male) of the house performing all the rituals. During the Nwagi celebration, family relatives are also invited to the house, different kinds of food and alcohol are served to the guests, relatives chat with each other and the day ends with a farewell. Kirati Rai calls the Nwagi puja by different names and performs it in different ways.


Yele

Yele Sambat Yelam Sambat (Devanagari: येलम संबत् ) is the lunar calendar used by the Kirat community of Nepal. The Yelam Sambat calendar is named after the first Kirat king Yalambar. The Rais call it ''Yele Dong,'' the Sunuwars call it ''Yel ...
also known as "Yaledong" By Rai People
Maghe Sankranti Maghe Sankranti (, , Nepal Bhasa: ) is a Nepali festival observed on the first of Magh (Nepali calendar), Magh in the Vikram Samvat, Vikram Sambat (B.S) or Yele Sambat, Yele calendar marking the end of the winter solstice and the month of Poush. ...
also celebrate same day. The Yele Sambat calendar is named after the first Kirat king Yalambar. It is said that this calendar started when the Kirat king Yalambar defeated the Gopal dynasty in the
Kathmandu Valley The Kathmandu Valley (), also known as the Nepal Valley or Nepa Valley (, Newar language, Nepal Bhasa: 𑐣𑐾𑐥𑐵𑑅 𑐐𑐵𑑅, नेपाः गाः), National Capital Area, is a bowl-shaped valley located in the Himalayas, Hima ...
. The Yele Sambat calendar begins on 15 January. This new year day is also celebrated as
Maghe Sankranti Maghe Sankranti (, , Nepal Bhasa: ) is a Nepali festival observed on the first of Magh (Nepali calendar), Magh in the Vikram Samvat, Vikram Sambat (B.S) or Yele Sambat, Yele calendar marking the end of the winter solstice and the month of Poush. ...
in Nepal when people eat sweet potato and various kinds of yams and
sel roti Sel roti () is a traditional Nepalese ring-shaped sweet fried dough made from rice flour. It is mostly prepared during Dashain and Tihar, widely celebrated Hindu festivals in Nepal as well as Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim and the Kumaon re ...
.


Other festivals

*Wadangmi Festival: Wadangmi is a Major Festival of Rai Community of
Khalsa The term ''Khalsa'' refers to both a community that follows Sikhism as its religion,Khalsa: Sikhism< ...
Region of
Dhankuta Dhankuta ( ) is a hill town and the headquarters of Dhankuta District in Koshi Province in Eastern Nepal. According to 2011 Nepal census, it has population of 26,440 inhabitants. History Until about 1963, Dhankuta Bazaar (the town) was the ...
District "Wadangmi" also known as "Papani" this festival started from
Kartik Purnima Kartika Purnima (), also known as Kartika Pournami, is a Hindu, Sikh, and Jain cultural festival that is celebrated on ''purnima'' (full moon day), the 15th day of the lunar month Kartika. It falls on November or December of the Gregorian ...
and continues up to fifteen days . *Dhwangkum Festival: "Dhwangkum" is a cultural festival celebrated in the origin place of Wambule Rai. It is also called Dhwangkum. According to the Hindu calendar,
Janai Purnima Main festivals Nepal stands as a unique example of a secular and multicultural nation where diverse festivals are joyfully celebrated within communities. In Nepal, individuals of varying religious backgrounds coexist in the same neighborhoods ...
is celebrated on a date. As it usually falls in August, it is also called Bhadau Purnima. Wambule calls this date "Dhwangkum Purne" In Dhwangkumo, Libju Upo (Libju Baje), Bhumju Upo (Bhumju Baje), Dibju Upo (Dibju Baje), Sisi Sikari, Earth(Dharti), Sky(Akash) and the ancestors are worshiped. *The Saune Sankranti festival is celebrated in the Nepali month calendar Shrawan


Folk songs and dances

Tody in the field of Nepali music, vocal lyrics dance and other arts the Kirati- Rai occupied a large space. Specially Eastern Nepali folk music mostly influence from Rai community.


Folk songs

Rai community has numerous cultural rituals. The community stores a vast number of chham 'songs' which are sung for different purposes on specific occasions. *"Hiyari Chham" is a special song that is performed on the occasion of the wedding ceremony in the Rai community. this song is a questions and answer song sung both male and female during wedding occasion. This song is sung in "Sungkhim" a (temporary or new house for guests). it is found that singing is done in some places even when the guests are leaving. * "Saima Chham" is a song of birth, life and living and it is sung at work and at the waterpoint etc. Saimachham sung specially by women. * "Hakpare Chham" can also be taken as a folk song in Kirant Rai community. This song can be sung anywhere and by anybody and in anytime.hakpare chham is popular folk song specially in Yamphu, Lohorung and Mewahang Rai community * "Laibari/Lamwari Chham" is one of the ancient original folk song of the Rai. In Bantawa Rai language "Laam" means Root "Wa"Means Water and "Ri" means Song "life song of rivers and streams".this folk song is an endangered already extinct these days.


Folk dances

File:Sakela Silli dance in Dharan.jpg, Sakenwa Silli dance File:Bayung Rai Hang Silli Dance in Kathmandu 2011.jpg, (Segro)Hang silli dance File:Khaling Rai Silli Dance In Tundikhel Kathmandu.jpg, Wass silli dance File:Yamphu Rai Gelang Silli Dance In Sankhuwasabha.jpg, Gelang silli dance File:Thulung Rai Toshi Silli Dance In Kathmandu.jpg, Toshi silli dance * "Silli Dance": Silli dances are performed during
Udhauli Udhauli () is a festival of the Kirat communities of Kirati people specially celebrated by Sunuwar, Limbu, Yakkha, Khambu Rai etc. of Nepal, India and other different countries around the world where these indigenous people (Kirati People) res ...
,
Ubhauli Ubhauli () is festival of the Kirat communities of Sunuwar, Limbu, Yakkha and Rai of Nepal, India India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the List of countries and dependencies by area, sevent ...
Sakela Sakela (also Sakewa or Sakenwa) () is one of the main festivals of the Khambu (Rai people), an ethnic group indigenous to Eastern Nepal and the Sikkim, Kalimpong, and Darjeeling regions of India. Sakela is celebrated twice a year and is distin ...
Festival Silli dances are different styles and types among the various Rai sub-group. in silli dances the major instruments used Jhyamta and
Dhol Dhol () can refer to any one of a number of similar types of double-headed drum widely used, with regional variations, throughout the Indian subcontinent. Its range of distribution in Indian subcontinent primarily includes northern areas such ...
some Rai group only used Jhyamta in their silli dances. Horasungchha, Kulung, Khaling, Thulung, Nachhiring Rai also used animal
Horn Horn may refer to: Common uses * Horn (acoustic), a tapered sound guide ** Horn antenna ** Horn loudspeaker ** Vehicle horn ** Train horn *Horn (anatomy), a pointed, bony projection on the head of various animals * Horn (instrument), a family ...
(Pung Baja) in silli dances. Silli are mostly perform their daily activities that are similar to the activities of the human beings similarly the imitate other activities like worshiping the tap and sun the sillis show how people began agriculture like digging tilling, weeding and farming cotton. like wise the imitation of the Birds and animals, depiction of hunting, war etc. can be seen in silli dance. * "Wadangmi Papani", also knowan as Papani or wadangmet this dance perform during Wadangmi festival. Wadangmi is a great festival of Rai community in Khalsa region of Dhankuta District. The dancing style of wadangmi is steps forward, three steps later, with the help of shoulder, the body communicates and dances to the beat of
Dhol Dhol () can refer to any one of a number of similar types of double-headed drum widely used, with regional variations, throughout the Indian subcontinent. Its range of distribution in Indian subcontinent primarily includes northern areas such ...
and Jhyamta, singing songs of love, harmony and devotion. It is like a celebration of love. At this time, no one should scold or fight, if they scold or fight the ancestor deity Budhahang will unhappy. At this time, there is a popular belief that if a boy offers love to a girl or a girl offers love to a boy, he should not complain. "This festive dance beautifully embodies the issue of women's freedom and also shows that women do not have to endure any pressure at this time. * "Chhonglak", also the part of Wadangmi Chhonglak is the language of the Rai of the Khalsa region of Dhankuta District. The word "Uchompakma" and "Lakwat" means to come from the soul to be happy, to forget all sorrows and get up. "Lak" means to dance happily. It is also said that it is time for the gods and goddesses to come to the Khalsa region. This is the initial stage of the Wadhangmi dance, which is celebrated throughout the Chhonglak festival to make happy the souls of the gods and goddesses. * "Hopcha" is the traditional classical dance of Rai community and is mostly practiced in
Dhankuta Dhankuta ( ) is a hill town and the headquarters of Dhankuta District in Koshi Province in Eastern Nepal. According to 2011 Nepal census, it has population of 26,440 inhabitants. History Until about 1963, Dhankuta Bazaar (the town) was the ...
Region . * "Hurla" is cultural dance of Yamphu Rai of Sankhuwasabha District it is perform in the month of Mangsir (November–December) Hurla dance is performed with singing song during rice harvesting season in paddy field. this dance also called Paddy dance(Dhan Nach). * "Shamanistic Dance" performed by Bijuwa, Nakchhong, Nakcho, Bijuwa Mangpa Shamans of Rai Community in various Ritual activities. * "Maruni Dance" is a Popular Nepali folk Dance there are different types of Maruni dances Rai Community also perform maruni dance in various occasions Adhiya Maruni, Madale Maruni are very popular Maruni dances in Rai Community.


Folk musical instruments

Some of the musical instruments found in Rai community are: Dhol, Jhyamta Binayo, Murchunga, Murali/Bansuri, Mandala (madal), Jhyali, Majira, Bimbilia, Sumbak), Khakuma, Pung, Sillimi, Yalamberbaja etc. * Binayo Kongkongma/Dong Kongkongma or Binayo is a traditional Kirati- Rai Instrument made from hidden Malingo species of bamboo. Binayo is made by digging in the middle of a small bamboo-about six-inch stream, removing the tongue, tying the thread on both sides and carving a beautiful pattern. Binayo made in this way is played by shaking the long rope of the bar in front of the tongue When playing in this way, Binayo is placed on both the lips of the mouth to make various vakas and the vibration caused by the push of air from inside is affected by the tongue.This instrument is carried by a Kirat Rai woman hanging on the tuna of her cholo. * Dhol Bubuk Ken The main rhythm instrument of the Kirat Rai is Dhol or (Bubuk ken). This instrument is mainly used in Sakewa (Sakela dance) in some places mangpa and Bijuwas are also used for worship while sitting in the place . It is also a popular instrument in Nepal. * Jhyamta Munikomma/Maniken Along with the Dhol, Jhyamta (Munikomma) is also played in Sakewa Sakela dance. In some places, Bijuwa and Mangpas are also used for worship while sitting in the place. * Yalamber Baja Yala Ken Among the various bamboo instruments, the Yalambar is one of the most important and original instrument of the Kirat Rai . By keeping the eyes on both the sides of the bamboo, the choya of the same bamboo is taken out and a four-cornered hole is made in the middle of the bamboo choita chaper. This instrument is also an indicator of musical civilization. * Murchunga Kakkong Murchunga Or Kakkong made of iron is the original traditional instrument of Kirat Rai. It is customary for Kirat Rai youths to give this instrument as a gift to their favorite friends. * Leaf (instrument) Sumbak Ken Sumbak or leaf instrument is a musical instrument that is played by holding the side of a smooth leaf between two lips and taking out various vakas. This instrument is especially popular in Kirati community of Eastern Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling region. * Chari Baja
Pan flute A pan flute (also known as panpipes or syrinx) is a musical instrument based on the principle of the closed tube, consisting of multiple pipes of gradually increasing length (and occasionally girth). Multiple varieties of pan flutes have been ...
Khakuma Khakuma or Charibaja is an instrument made of bamboo. this instrument is called Charibaja or (Khakuma) because it sounds like a bird when it is blown of the mouth. * Animal-horn instrument Pung Ken Pung is an instrument played by blowing the horn of Animal Wild buffalo with a hole in the top and placing a Malingo pipe in that small hole. This baja is played along with Dhol-zyamta with Nokcho (Shaman Priest) when going to worship at Tosh or Toshi, Wass (Sakela) Than. This instrument is a traditional instrument prevalent in the Khambu Rai community. This instrument is used with special importance by the Kulung, Khaling, Thulung, Nachhering of the Rai community. Its sound is similar to that of a conch shell. * Murali Bibilimma Murali (Bibilimma) Flute is made of small bamboo of Malingo species. Nigalo Malingo bamboo is very good for to make Murali flute . It is cut horizontally on one side and a thin bamboo choya or bhakkimila wood is placed there and a hole is made. On the other side, 6–7 hole are placed. To play it, you put the side of the flute in your mouth and blow it slowly, then the sound starts flowing from there. In order to convert this flowing sound into music, the holes covered by the fingers are covered and opened in order. When playing the flute in this way, a very melodious voice flows. It is the most beloved instrument of Kirat Rai. * Jharky Thal Chambyken Chambyken (Jharky Thal) Bronze Plate are especially played by Mangpa, Bijuwa,
Nakchhong Nakchhong (नाक्छोङ) are the Shamanism, Shamanic tribal priest of Rai people, Khambu Rai people an ethnic group that is predominantly located in the Himalayas of Nepal, Sikkim, Darjeeling and Kalimpong. ...
s when they Chanting Mundum mantras. * Jor Murali Jor Murali (Two in One Flute) is endangered folk instrument of Kirat Rai. Jor Murali is played by tying two strings made of bamboo sticks with the same sound. Kirat Rai style of Jor Murali Baja is left to make in the present days. this Instrument have already become extinct. * Dhyangro ''Sangra Ken Dhyangro or (Sangra Ken) is mostly used by Khambu Rai Shamans; Mangpa, Bijuwa, well as their allies Kencharawa. * Sillimi This silimi is made by placing 12 rings side by side in a flat elongated shape made of iron and placing four rings under the lower grip. The silimi baja is played by holding the sili dance in one's hand and shaking it with the dance moves. This is the traditional instrument of the Rai Community *
Madal The madal () or maadal is a Nepalese folk musical instrument. The madal is used mainly for rhythm-keeping in Nepalese folk music. It is very popular and widely used as a hand drum in Nepal. The madal has a cylindrical body with a slight bulge at i ...
Rantang Madal is one of the most popular instruments in Nepali music today. This Madal wooden stone is made of Animal leather, coal, rice husk and other materials. It is believed that Madal was made after the Yalambar Baja of the Kiratis. Madal has a special cultural significance in Wambule Rai community. * Basuri Basuri is also a major folk Instrument among Kirat Rai. Basuri has a Special Cultural significance important of Wambule Rai community. * Suseli Suisuila The Kirat Rai used Susulila/Suseli as sweet music.
Whistling Whistling, without the use of an artificial whistle, is achieved by creating a small opening with one's lips, usually after applying moisture (licking one's lips or placing water upon them) and then blowing or sucking air through the space. Th ...
can be done only with the mouth without the help of any object, while using the fingers of the hand in the mouth is also used to transmit signals far and wide. *
Kangling ''Kangling'' (), literally translated as "leg" (''kang'') "flute" (''ling''), is the Tibetan name for a trumpet or horn made out of a human tibia or femur, used in Tibetan Buddhism for various chöd rituals as well as funerals performed by a ch ...
Bhalangkat Kangling is mostly used by Rai (Shamans) Mangpa, Bijuwa, Nakchong during ritual activities


Occupations

Farming is the main occupation of the majority of Rai people. Mostly they cultivate
maize Maize (; ''Zea mays''), also known as corn in North American English, is a tall stout grass that produces cereal grain. It was domesticated by indigenous peoples in southern Mexico about 9,000 years ago from wild teosinte. Native American ...
,
millet Millets () are a highly varied group of small-seeded grasses, widely grown around the world as cereal crops or grains for fodder and human food. Most millets belong to the tribe Paniceae. Millets are important crops in the Semi-arid climate, ...
,
wheat Wheat is a group of wild and crop domestication, domesticated Poaceae, grasses of the genus ''Triticum'' (). They are Agriculture, cultivated for their cereal grains, which are staple foods around the world. Well-known Taxonomy of wheat, whe ...
,
mustard Mustard may refer to: Food and plants * Mustard (condiment), a paste or sauce made from mustard seeds used as a condiment * Mustard plant, one of several plants, having seeds that are used for the condiment ** Mustard seed, small, round seeds of ...
in dry terraces, and
rice Rice is a cereal grain and in its Domestication, domesticated form is the staple food of over half of the world's population, particularly in Asia and Africa. Rice is the seed of the grass species ''Oryza sativa'' (Asian rice)—or, much l ...
in the wet fields. The grains grown are mostly for their own daily needs such as to use in festivals and to feed the animals. Besides that they use it to make spirits and beer for consumption and some sell at the bazar at the local market. In almost all households women Raise buffalo,
pig The pig (''Sus domesticus''), also called swine (: swine) or hog, is an omnivorous, domesticated, even-toed, hoofed mammal. It is named the domestic pig when distinguishing it from other members of the genus '' Sus''. Some authorities cons ...
s and
chicken The chicken (''Gallus gallus domesticus'') is a domesticated subspecies of the red junglefowl (''Gallus gallus''), originally native to Southeast Asia. It was first domesticated around 8,000 years ago and is now one of the most common and w ...
s, and they run tiny provision stores for supplementary income, especially used to sell homemade beer and alcohol (Lee, 2005:16). In the past Rai people were into hunting and they liked to use bow and arrows, and they used to weave their own clothes made from Bhangra (allo) to wear. But in the modern times significant number of Rai are also employed in foreign
military A military, also known collectively as armed forces, is a heavily armed, highly organized force primarily intended for warfare. Militaries are typically authorized and maintained by a sovereign state, with their members identifiable by a d ...
service and in foreign employment, like the Indian Gorkha Regiment, British Gurkha Regiment, Gurkha Contingent of Singapore Police. Along with their relatives they have had the opportunity to work and live abroad in countries like United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Brunei and India. Because of that financially, compared to some other indigenous groups, they are relatively better off. Some Rai have reached top national level Political, bureaucratic, academic and Diplomatic positions( see Notable Rai people below) Traditionally daily housework, such as cooking is the responsibility of the young women, especially girls,. They tend to be the ones who gather firewood from the forests and carry water from the communal water sources while men are mostly involved in the agriculture activities. In the past
Kirati The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state ...
Rai people used to use the land under the Kipat system where the people exercised communal rights over the land; land that was tax free and included dominion over all cultivated lands, forests, streams and rivers within its bounds (Bista, 1967:38). Under the Kipat system other ethnic groups had to pay tax to the Rai owners of the land. People used to farm their land on their own, seldom were fields rented or cultivated by anyone others than the owners. Almost every single Rai village has a few soldiers, police or civil servants and older pensioners. Because of their bravery, fearlessness, honesty and straightforward nature it's easy for them to join the armies. Nowadays many Rai are also working with the government services too; some holding high ranks and positions (ibid: 39). These types of professions really show the Rai people as a hard working people. The planting and harvesting seasons from spring to autumn gives them plenty of work to do and in winter time villagers make trips towards the important towns to buy necessary goods such as salt, oil and materials for clothing. They carry goods for trade rather than money on these trips. One farmer may have several fields and they shift from one to another according to the seasons. Traditional Bullocks are used for ploughing the land, the grass and dry undergrowth are burned away, supplying the soil with ash residue (ibid: 38). A majority of the people are in debt, the usual practice for money transaction to be made against security in the land.


Notable Rai people

* Agansing Rai, recipient of 13th Victoria Cross * Amar Singh Rai Indian Politician from Darjeeling *
Ashok Rai Ashok Kumar Rai () is a Nepalese politician and chairman of the newly formed People's Socialist Party. Rai is also the current MP for Sunsari 1 and the former Minister for Science, Education and Technology of Nepal. Political life He was ...
, Former Vice Chairperson of Communist Party of Nepal and Senior leader of Socialist Party * Asit Rai, writer and novelist
Sahitya Akademi The Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of literature in the languages of India. Founded on 12 March 1954, it is supported by, though independent of the Indian government. Its off ...
winner *
Bal Bahadur Rai Bal Bahadur Rai (बल बहादुर राई) (1921-2010) was the leader of the Nepali Congress political party and a former cabinet minister in the Government of Nepal. He actively participated in major democratic movements in Nepal’s h ...
, senior cabinet minister, acted as Prime Minister; senior leader of Nepali Congress Party * Bhupal Rai poet, writer and Chancellor of
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* Bartika Eam Rai Nepali Singer/Song Writer * Chandra Das Rai, Indian politician, senior leader in Sikkim State Congress, bureaucrat and former journalist. *
Dayahang Rai Dayahang Rai (; born 13 April 1980) is a Nepalese actor, director, and playwright. He is one of the most popular actor of Nepal. He has starred in over 50 films and is one of the leading contemporary actors of Nepal. He has received various acc ...
, actor, director, play writer and founder of 'Mandala Theatre' * Deo Prakash Rai General secretary of the All India Gorkha League and named as Minister in the West Bengal state government. * Dhiraj Rai, Nepalese Singer * Dil Maya Rai, National Assembly of Bhutan * Garja Man Rai, Bhutanese Politician * Gopal Kirati, Nepalese Politician * Haiman Das Rai Writer in Indian Nepali Literature
Sahitya Akademi The Sahitya Akademi, India's National Academy of Letters, is an organisation dedicated to the promotion of literature in the languages of India. Founded on 12 March 1954, it is supported by, though independent of the Indian government. Its off ...
winner * Hari Prasad Gorkha Rai writer *
Harka Raj Rai Harka Raj Sampang Rai (or Harka Sampang; ) is a Nepalese politician and the current mayor of Dharan. Rai is also a social activist. He has been elected as an independent candidate for the post Mayor, having 'Walking stick/Lauro' as the electoral s ...
(Harka Sampang)
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*
Indra Bahadur Rai Indra Bahadur Rai (3 February 1927 – 6 March 2018) was an Indian Nepali language writer and literary critic from Darjeeling, India. He wrote multiple essays, short stories, novels and criticism in his lifetime. ''Kheer'' and ''Raat Bhari Huri ...
, writer and literary critic * Jai Bir Rai, Minister of Education Bhutan * Kiban Rai Professional Welsh footballer *
Jitu Rai Jitu Rai (born 26 August 1987) is an Indian Army Subedar Major who competes in the 10 metre air pistol and 50 metre pistol events. The Government of India announced the Khel Ratna Award for him in 2016. In 2020, the Government of India honoure ...
Indian shooter
Padma Shri The Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī'', lit. 'Lotus Honour'), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. In ...
and Khel Ratna Award winner * Lain Singh Bangdel, former Chancellor of the Royal Nepal Academy *
Lalit Rai Colonel Lalit Rai, VrC is a former Indian Army officer who was decorated for his brave actions during the Kargil War in 1999. As the commanding officer (CO) of the 1st battalion, 11 Gorkha Rifles, he was tasked with capturing the strategic h ...
, Indian Kargil War * Man Bahadur Rai Indian Army Officer * Manbir Rai, Defence Minister
Government of Nepal The Government of Nepal () is the central executive authority of the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal. The government is led by the Prime Minister of Nepal, prime minister (K. P. Sharma Oli, K.P. Oli since 15 July 2024) who selects all the o ...
* Meenakshi Madan Rai first female Judge of Sikkim High Court *
Melina Rai Melina Rai (), is an Indian Singer of Nepalese origin, with captivating singing style. Hailing from Morang, Nepal, Melina Rai has swiftly risen to become one of the most prominent pop artists in the region. This article explores her journey, he ...
, Nepalese singer *
Milan Chams Milan Chamling Rai (born 20 March 1980), known professionally as Milan Chams, is a Nepali film director and producer. He is active in the Cinema of Nepal, Nepali film industry and is known for directing several feature films, including ''Blind R ...
, Nepalese Director * Mira Rai, athlete and trail runner * Narad Muni Thulung, senior cabinet acted as Prime Minister of Nepal *
Pawan Kumar Chamling Pawan Kumar Chamling Rai (born 22 September 1950) is an Indian politician and writer who served as the 5th Chief Minister of Sikkim from 1994 to 2019. He is the List of longest-serving Indian chief ministers, longest serving Chief Minister in ...
, Longest serving Chief Minister of India (24 years, 165 days), founder of the Sikkim Democratic Front party * Pradeep Kumar Rai, lyricist of current Nepalese National Anthem,
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* Prem Das Rai, Indian politician from Sikkim * Rajan Mukarung, writer and activist * Rajendra Kumar Rai 3rd Chief Minister of Province No. 1 Nepal * Rajendra Kumar Rai, cabinet minister Ministry of Land Management, Cooperatives and Poverty Alleviation Nepal * Rajesh Payal Rai, singer and music composer * Ram Prasad Rai, revolutionary fighter against Rana autocracy * Ratna Bahadur Rai, Indian Politician From
Darjeeling Darjeeling (, , ) is a city in the northernmost region of the States and union territories of India, Indian state of West Bengal. Located in the Eastern Himalayas, it has an average elevation of . To the west of Darjeeling lies the Koshi Pr ...
* Sabin Rai, pop singer from Dharan * Santa Bahadur Rai, Secretary & Chairman Public Service Commission * Sarita Rai, Indian Politician from
West Bengal West Bengal (; Bengali language, Bengali: , , abbr. WB) is a States and union territories of India, state in the East India, eastern portion of India. It is situated along the Bay of Bengal, along with a population of over 91 million inhabi ...
* Shiba Kumar Rai, scientist, Professor of medical microbiology and ex-member of National Planning Commission of the government of Nepal * Shiva Kumar Rai, Nepali writer and the first Gorkha minister in the state of West Bengal * Shrawan Mukarung, poet * Sudan Kirati, cabinet minister Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Nepal *
Suk Bahadur Rai Private Aung San Thuriya Suk Bahadur Rai (, Burmese: ဆွတ်(ခ်)ဗဟာဒူးရိုင်း) (serial No.(kyee) 01914) was the only Gurkha (ဂေါ်ရခါး in Burmese) to have received Aung San Thuriya medal, the h ...
, awarded
Aung San Thuriya This article describes the religious, military and civil orders, decorations and medals of the Union of Myanmar. Religious honorary orders Before and after Myanmar's independence, governments presented two religious orders, Abhidhaja Mahā R ...
in 1950 A.D. * Tanka Bahadur Rai, Indian Politician from Assam belong to
Indian National Congress The Indian National Congress (INC), colloquially the Congress Party, or simply the Congress, is a political parties in India, political party in India with deep roots in most regions of India. Founded on 28 December 1885, it was the first mo ...
*
Tarundeep Rai Tarundeep Rai (born 22 February 1984) is an Indian archer from Sikkim. He was awarded the Padma Shri in 2021 by the Government of India for his contribution to sports. He is a three time Olympian. Early life Rai was born in Namchi, Sikkim, ...
, Indian Olympiad archer
Padma Shri The Padma Shri (IAST: ''padma śrī'', lit. 'Lotus Honour'), also spelled Padma Shree, is the fourth-highest Indian honours system, civilian award of the Republic of India, after the Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan and the Padma Bhushan. In ...
and
Arjuna Award The Arjuna Award, officially known as Arjuna Awards given for Outstanding Performance in Sports and Games, is the second-highest sporting honour of India, the highest being the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The award is named after Arjun ...
winner * Tek Bahadur Rai, politician from Bhutan, Member of the National Assembly of Bhutan * Tulshi Devi Rai, Former minister of Water Security, Public Health Engineering, Social Justice, Empowerment & Welfare Departments of Sikkim * Wilson Bikram Rai, comedian, actor, singer, dancer, film producer


See also

*
Ethnic groups in Bhutan Numerous ethnic groups inhabit Bhutan, with the Ngalop people who speak the Dzongkha language being a majority of the Bhutanese population. The Bhutanese are of four main ethnic categories, which themselves are not necessarily exclusive – the p ...
*
Ethnic groups in Nepal Ethnic groups in Nepal are delineated using Languages of Nepal, language, ethnic identity or the caste system in Nepal. They are categorized by common culture and endogamy. Endogamy carves out ethnic groups in Nepal. Broad ethnic categories of ...
*
Kiranti languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the K ...
(
Rai Languages The Kiranti languages are a major family of Sino-Tibetan languages spoken in Nepal and India (notably Sikkim, Darjeeling, Kalimpong, and Bhutan) by the Kirati people. External relationships George van Driem had formerly proposed that the Ki ...
) * Sikkimese people *
South Asian ethnic groups Ethnic groups in South Asia are ethnolinguistic groupings within the diverse populations of South Asia, including the countries of Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Afghanistan is variously considered to be a ...
*
Kirati people The Kirati people, also spelled as Kirat or Kirant or Kiranti, are Tibeto-Burman ethnolinguistic groups living in the Himalayas, mostly the Eastern Himalaya extending eastward from Nepal to North East India (predominantly in the Indian state o ...


References


External links

*
Rai languages of Nepal Indigenous rights RadioKirat Rai Historical DocumentaryWorldcat archive related Rai PeopleTwo Rai Shamans/Rituals From Arun Valley Sankhuwasabha District of East Nepal 1990

Kirat Rai Folk Tune By Kirat Rai Cultural Artist GroupRai Songs and RitualsAcademic Research Project on Rai Culture by the University of Vienna, AustriaThe Kirat Rai – An indigenous Ethnic Group of NepalKirat Rai Community Facebook PageIsilim magazine journals Dumi Kirat Rai Funsikim digitalhimalayaKirat Rai ScriptPavana Cāmaliṅa: zamīna se juṛe eka rājanītijña kā safaranāmāBinayo Kirat Rai Folk Historical Movie 2018Population Demography of Nepal Volume IICensus of India 2011 LanguageUnited Kirat Rai Organisation of America

Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN)
{{Authority control Indigenous peoples of Nepal Social groups of West Bengal Himalayan peoples Sikkim Kiranti Ethnic groups in Northeast India