A comprehensive guide to Rai community terms, words, and definitions. Learn the meaning and significance of key concepts in Rai culture, language, religion, and traditions.
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The Rai community of eastern Nepal has a rich vocabulary rooted in the Kiranti languages and Kirat Mundhum spirituality. Key terms include Khambu (the largest Rai subgroup), Mundhum (sacred oral scripture), Sakela Sili (the sacred circular dance), Damphu (the traditional frame drum), and Nakchhong (Rai shaman). These terms reflect the deep connection between the Rai people, their land, and their spiritual traditions.
The largest Rai subgroup, originating from Khotang and Bhojpur districts of eastern Nepal. Also used as a synonym for the Rai people as a whole. The Khambu Rai have their own distinct dialect and cultural practices, and are the second largest Kirat group after the Limbu.
A major Rai subgroup belonging to the Kirat branch, primarily inhabiting Solukhumbu and eastern Nepal. The Thulung people have their own distinct language (Thulung Rai), which belongs to the Kiranti language family. Known for their rich textile traditions and agricultural practices.
A major branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family spoken by the Rai, Limbu, Sunuwar, and related ethnic groups of eastern Nepal. The Kiranti languages number over 40, with 32+ belonging specifically to the Rai people. They are classified into Central, Eastern, Western, and Upper Dudhkosi sub-groups.
The most widely spoken Rai language, with approximately 85,000 speakers. Bantawa belongs to the Central Kiranti sub-group and is spoken primarily in Bhojpur, Dhankuta, and Khotang districts. It uses the Devanagari script for writing.
A Rai subgroup and language belonging to the Eastern Kiranti branch. The Chamling people primarily inhabit Dhankuta, Terhathum, and Sankhuwasabha districts. Chamling is one of the better-documented Rai languages with approximately 20,000 speakers.
A Rai subgroup and language belonging to the Central Kiranti branch. The Kulung people inhabit the Solukhumbu district along the Hongu River valley. The Kulung language has approximately 33,000 speakers and several distinct dialects including Sotang and Chukwa. Known for their connection to the Himalayan landscape.
A Rai subgroup and language belonging to the Upper Dudhkosi branch of the Kiranti languages. The Khaling people live along the Upper Khaling River in the Koshi region of eastern Nepal. With approximately 35,000 speakers, Khaling is one of the better-attested Kiranti languages with a significant population.
The sacred oral scripture of the Kirat people, containing creation myths, moral codes, rituals, and historical narratives. The Mundhum is the foundation of Kirat Mundhum, the indigenous religion of the Rai and Limbu people. It is passed down through generations by shamans and elders.
A Rai shaman or spiritual practitioner who serves as the intermediary between the physical world and the spiritual realm. Nakchhong perform rituals, heal the sick, interpret dreams, and lead ceremonies during festivals. They are highly respected in Rai society and undergo years of training.
The mother goddess in Kirat Mundhum, representing Mother Earth, fertility, and creation. Sumnima is the female counterpart to Paruhang (the father god) and is worshipped during Sakela and other Rai festivals. She embodies the nurturing and life-giving aspects of nature.
The father god in Kirat Mundhum, representing the sky, divine authority, and protection. Paruhang is the male counterpart to Sumnima (the mother goddess) and is worshipped as the supreme sky god. The Bansuri flute is associated with him — it is said he created the first flute to communicate his love to Sumnima.
A traditional Rai shaman and spiritual healer who serves as the intermediary between the physical and spiritual worlds. Bijuwa perform healing rituals, herbal medicine treatments, and lead ceremonies. They are similar to Nakchhong but the term is used more specifically for healers in some Rai subgroups.
A Rai ritual specialist or shaman who performs healing ceremonies, exorcisms, and spiritual consultations. Mangpa use traditional methods including herbal remedies, chanting from the Mundhum, and trance states to diagnose and treat illnesses. They are highly respected in Rai society.
The most sacred dance of the Rai people, performed during the Sakela festival. Dancers form concentric circles, joining hands and moving in unison to the beat of the Damphu drum. The dance mimics movements of animals, birds, and daily life activities. Also called Sakela, Toshi, or Sakela Naach.
A circular frame drum with a skin head, considered the heartbeat of Rai music. The Damphu provides the foundational beat for Sakela dancing and is central to all Rai musical performances. Without the Damphu, there is no Sakela dance. It is played with the hands and produces a deep, resonant sound.
A traditional hot millet beer consumed by the Rai people, especially during festivals and cold weather. Millet is fermented in a bamboo vessel and sipped through a bamboo straw. Tongba is a symbol of hospitality and community bonding in Rai culture.
A fermented leafy green vegetable dish, considered one of Nepal's national dishes. Gundruk is made by fermenting mustard greens, spinach, or cauliflower leaves and is used in soups (Gundruk ko Jhol) or pickles. The fermentation technique was developed for preserving food in the mountain climate.
A traditional rice beer or wine popular among the Rai people. Chyang is brewed from rice or millet with a starter cake called 'murcha' and is consumed during festivals, weddings, and community gatherings. It is an integral part of Rai hospitality and celebrations.
A traditional Nepali staple food made from millet or buckwheat flour, cooked into a thick porridge-like consistency. Dhido is the everyday staple of the Rai people and is eaten with Gundruk, curries, or pickles. It is considered the 'people's food' and is central to Rai culinary identity.
A fermented radish pickle, a staple in traditional Rai cuisine. Sinki is made by fermenting dried radish roots and is used as a pickle or in soup (Sinki ko Jhol). Like Gundruk, it is a preserved food that reflects the Rai people's mountain climate food preservation techniques.
The main umbrella organization of the Rai people of Nepal, established to preserve and promote Rai culture, languages, and identity. Founded in 1990 (2047 BS), Kirat Rai Yayokkha coordinates Rai cultural activities, advocacy for indigenous rights, and community development programs across Nepal.
Central Kirat — the traditional homeland of the Rai people in eastern Nepal, comprising six core districts: Khotang, Bhojpur, Dhankuta, Udayapur, Okhaldhunga, and Solukhumbu. The name means 'Middle Kirat' and is the cultural heartland of the Rai community.
Western Kirat — the traditional Rai territories in the western part of the Kirat region, including districts like Okhaldhunga, Sindhuli, and parts of Ramechhap. Pallo Kirat is distinct from Majh Kirat (Central Kirat) and Wallo Kirat (Eastern Kirat) in terms of geography, dialects, and cultural practices.
A winter ancestral festival celebrated by the Rai people, observed before the harvest season. During Nwagi, the community offers the season's first harvest to ancestors and nature spirits, seeking blessings for prosperity and protection. It is one of the oldest and most important Rai rituals.
Udhauli (meaning 'going down') is the autumn festival celebrated in November, marking the migration of people from higher elevations to lower valleys. Ubhauli (meaning 'going up') is the spring festival in March-April, marking the return to higher fields. Together, these form the two halves of the Sakela festival cycle.
The most important festival of the Rai people, celebrated twice a year as Sakela Udhauli (autumn) and Sakela Ubhauli (spring). The festival centers on the Sakela Sili dance performed in concentric circles to honor ancestors, pray for good harvests, and celebrate community unity. Also known as Toshi in some Rai subgroups.
Mundhum means "the power of great strength" or "sacred knowledge" in the Kiranti languages. It refers to the oral scripture of the Kirat people — a collection of creation myths, rituals, moral codes, and historical narratives. The Mundhum is the foundation of Kirat Mundhum, the indigenous religion of the Rai and Limbu people.
Khambu is often used as a synonym for the entire Rai community, but technically it refers to the largest Rai subgroup, originating from Khotang and Bhojpur. The Rai community as a whole comprises 14+ subgroups (Khambu, Bantawa, Chamling, Thulung, etc.), while Khambu specifically refers to one subgroup. Both terms are used interchangeably in common parlance.
Sakela is pronounced "Sa-keh-la" (sa as in "suh", keh as in "kettle", la as in "lull"). The stress falls on the second syllable. It may also be called Sakela Sili (Sili = dance) or Toshi in some Rai subgroups. The term refers to both the festival itself and the sacred circular dance performed during it.