Kirat Rai Yayokkha, diaspora groups, cultural societies, and organizations working to preserve and promote Rai identity, language, and culture.
Founded: 2007
USA
A diaspora organization formed in 2007 to unite and serve the Kirat Rai community in the United States. It works to preserve cultural identity, support community members, and connect the diaspora with the homeland.
Kathmandu, Nepal
An organization for young Rai people in Nepal. It promotes youth engagement in cultural preservation, education, and community development initiatives.
Founded: 2016
Dhankuta, Nepal
A women's cooperative producing and selling traditional Rai handicrafts, textiles, and clothing. The collective has 150+ members and exports products to fair trade markets globally.
Founded: 2015
Bhojpur, Nepal
An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting traditional Rai sports and games including archery, wrestling, stone lifting, and tug-of-war. The association organizes annual Rai sports festivals and trains young athletes in traditional disciplines.
Khotang, Nepal
An organization of traditional Rai healers (Bijuwa/Nakchhong) working to preserve and document traditional herbal medicine practices and healing rituals.
Founded: 2018
Ilam, Nepal
A cooperative of Rai tea farmers in Ilam district promoting organic tea cultivation and export. The cooperative supports 200+ Rai tea farming families and markets Rai tea internationally.
Kathmandu, Nepal
An organization dedicated to promoting Rai literature and literary works. It supports Rai writers, publishes books in Rai languages, and organizes literary events and workshops.
Kathmandu, Nepal
An organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Rai languages. It works on documentation, education, and revitalization of endangered Rai languages.
Bhojpur, Nepal
A council of Rai elders from all major subgroups that advises on cultural preservation, dispute resolution, and intergenerational knowledge transfer. The council ensures traditional practices are maintained.
Gangtok, Sikkim, India
A cultural organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Rai culture in Sikkim. It organizes cultural events, language classes, and community gatherings for the Rai community in Sikkim.
Bagdogra, West Bengal, India
A cultural institution based in Bagdogra, West Bengal, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Khambu Rai culture, language, and arts. It serves as a cultural center for the Rai community in the Darjeeling region.
Website →Nepal
A welfare-focused organization working for the development and well-being of the Kirat Rai community in Nepal. It focuses on education, health, and community development initiatives.
Bhojpur, Nepal
A youth-led organization focused on engaging young Rai people in cultural preservation, education, and community development initiatives in eastern Nepal.
Founded: 2021
Dharan, Nepal
A technology and innovation hub for young Rai people providing coding bootcamps, startup incubation, and digital skills training. The lab has supported 30+ Rai youth-led startups.
United Kingdom
The UK branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in Britain. It organizes cultural events, community gatherings, and works to maintain Rai identity in the diaspora.
Solukhumbu, Koshi Province, Nepal
The Solukhumbu district branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in the Solukhumbu district. It works to preserve Kulung, Thulung, Nachhiring, and Sotang languages and cultures in the Everest region.
Sankhuwasabha, Koshi Province, Nepal
The Sankhuwasabha district branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in the Sankhuwasabha district. It preserves Yamphu, Mewahang, and Lohorung languages and organizes cultural events in the Arun River valley region.
Khotang, Koshi Province, Nepal
The Khotang district branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in the Khotang district. It supports local Rai languages including Chamling, Dumi, Puma, and Koyu, and organizes Sakela celebrations and cultural preservation programs.
Tokyo, Japan
The Japan branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the growing Rai community in Japan. It organizes cultural events, Nepali language programs, and community support for Rai people working and living in Japan.
Hong Kong
The Hong Kong branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in Hong Kong. It organizes cultural activities and maintains community connections.
Dhankuta, Koshi Province, Nepal
The Dhankuta district branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in the Dhankuta district. It works to preserve local Rai languages including Athpare, Belhare, Chhiling, and Mugali, and organizes cultural programs.
United Arab Emirates
The UAE branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving Kirat Rai workers and residents in the United Arab Emirates. It organizes community events and maintains cultural connections.
Bhojpur, Koshi Province, Nepal
The Bhojpur district branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in the Bhojpur district. It organizes local cultural events, language preservation programs, and community development initiatives in one of the most densely Rai-populated districts.
Sydney, Australia
The Australia branch of Kirat Rai Yayokkha, serving the Rai community in Australia. It organizes cultural festivals, especially Sakela celebrations, and helps preserve Rai identity among the Australian Rai diaspora.
Founded: 1990
Koteshwor, Kathmandu, Nepal
The premier social organization of the Rai people, established in 1990 (2047 B.S.). Its mission is to maintain social integrity and acquire equality and justice by protecting, preserving, and promoting the distinct social and cultural identity and linguistic diversity of Kirat Rai. It is a non-profit, non-political, non-governmental organization with branches across Nepal and internationally. The current President is Mr. Jiwan Hatacho Rai and General Secretary is Mr. Bhimraj Rai.
Website →Kathmandu, Nepal
An organization dedicated to empowering Rai women. It focuses on education, economic empowerment, health, and cultural preservation through women-led initiatives.
Kathmandu, Nepal
An organization focused on the upliftment of the Rai community in Nepal. It works on education, healthcare, and economic development initiatives for Rai people across the country.
Singapore
An organization serving the Rai community in Singapore. It organizes cultural events, maintains connections with the homeland, and supports Rai community members in Singapore.
Founded: 2020
Kathmandu, Nepal
A media organization producing content in Rai languages including podcasts, YouTube channels, and digital newsletters. It serves as the primary media voice for the Rai community online.
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
An organization serving the Rai community in Malaysia, where many Rai people work and live. It maintains cultural connections, organizes community gatherings, and preserves Rai traditions in the Malaysian diaspora.
Founded: 2019
Kathmandu, Nepal
A network of Rai academics and researchers worldwide collaborating on Kirat Rai studies, indigenous knowledge, and cultural preservation research. The network publishes the annual Journal of Kirat Studies.
London, UK
A global network connecting Rai people worldwide. It facilitates cultural exchange, business connections, and mutual support among the global Rai diaspora.
Founded: 2014
USA
An organization formed in 2014 to serve Kirat Rai people of Bhutanese origin living in the United States. It focuses on cultural preservation, community support, and connecting the Bhutanese Kirat diaspora.
Sikkim, India
A prominent organization representing the Kirat Rai community in Sikkim, India. It works for the cultural, political, and social welfare of the Rai people in Sikkim, where they constitute the largest ethnic community.