Published 19 December 2024
Kirat Rai - The Khambus 'Part One'
Introduction
Rai also known as The Khambu, one of the most oldest and dominant tribal groups among Kirat’s. And it is widely believed that they held off the Gorkha invasion too. Traditionally, they farmed animals and grew crops. It is believed that they worship nature as well as ancestral spirits. The Rai people are differentiated by linguistic groups like Bantawa, Chamling, Sampang, Dumi, Kulung, Thulung, Khaling, Puma, Koyu, Nachhiring, Tilung, Yamphu, Mewahang, Lohorung, Bahing, Athpare, Belhare, Chiling, Mugali, Phangduwali, Jerung, Wambule and Dewas, etc.
Origin and Practices:
1. Inhabiting Globally
Rai people were mainly inhabited in Nepalese areas like Ilam, Panchthar, Terhatum, Taplejung and many more districts – Jhapa, Morang, Sunsari and Kathmandu Valley. Later, Rai community dominated in different countries like in Indian areas – Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Mirik and Dooars of West Bengal. A large number of Rai people can also be found in Assam (an Indian state). In the Kingdom of Bhutan and some also settled in countries like the United Kingdom, Hong Kong and the United States.
2. The Holy Deity – Sumnima and Paruhang
As mentioned in our previous blog. Let’s enlighten more about “The Supreme Diety“. The Kirat Rai worship Sumnima and Paruhang. Sumnima also known as ‘Hengkhamma‘ the Mother of Earth and Paruhang known as ‘Ninamma‘ the Father or Sky god. Sumnima, being the wife of Paruhang represents Earth and ancestral mother. They are the creators, preservers and sustainers according to The Rai People.
More interestingly. Sunima and Paruhang are also depicted as Shiva and Parvati in the Hinduism. Although they are distinct in origin.
More interestingly. Sunima and Paruhang are also depicted as Shiva and Parvati in the Hinduism. Although they are distinct in origin.
3. Shaminism – The practice
According to Mundum, Mubumi (cuckoo bird) was first shaman and Kubumi (Kuthurke bird) was first assistance of shaman. Also Laladum and Dolemku (The female forest spirits) make shamans in Kulung Rai community.
In Rai Shamanism, a practitioner or tribal priest also known as Nachhung, Mangpa, Bijuwa interacts with the spirit world by entering altered states of consciousness. Most often, they worship natural things and ancestors. Among the Rai people, it is believed that the soul is immortal. Therefore, Rai people used Nachhung for resting the souls of their ancestors in ‘Chula Dhunga’ as their household deity. On the occasion of Udhauli (downward) and Ubhauli (upward), Nachhung worships ancestor souls.
3. Shaminism – The Practice
3. Shaminism – The Practice
According to Mundum, Mubumi (cuckoo bird) was first shaman and Kubumi (Kuthurke bird) was first assistance of shaman. Also Laladum and Dolemku (The female forest spirits) make shamans in Kulung Rai community.
In Rai Shamanism, a practitioner or tribal priest also known as Nachhung, Mangpa, Bijuwa interacts with the spirit world by entering altered states of consciousness. Most often, they worship natural things and ancestors. Among the Rai people, it is believed that the soul is immortal. Therefore, Rai people used Nachhung for resting the souls of their ancestors in ‘Chula Dhunga’ as their household deity. On the occasion of Udhauli (downward) and Ubhauli (upward), Nachhung worships ancestor souls.
According to Mundum, Mubumi (cuckoo bird) was first shaman and Kubumi (Kuthurke bird) was first assistance of shaman. Also Laladum and Dolemku (The female forest spirits) make shamans in Kulung Rai community.
In Rai Shamanism, a practitioner or tribal priest also known as Nachhung, Mangpa, Bijuwa interacts with the spirit world by entering altered states of consciousness. Most often, they worship natural things and ancestors. Among the Rai people, it is believed that the soul is immortal. Therefore, Rai people used Nachhung for resting the souls of their ancestors in ‘Chula Dhunga’ as their household deity. On the occasion of Udhauli (downward) and Ubhauli (upward), Nachhung worships ancestor souls.
Nachhung is selected by Paruhang and Sumnima to care for all creatures on earth. Nachhung plays a role as a mediator between gods and creatures. An individual selected as Nachhung has different signs, engages in different activities, and has different dreams about gods and goddesses. Listening to drums, cymbals, and brass plates is a common practice. The type of Nachhung is based on its origination and functions. Generally, both male and female can be originated as Nachhung, but can also be seen like ‘Nachhung‘is a male shaman and ‘Nachhungma‘ is a female shaman.
Moreover, Nachhung plays a vital role in ritual socialization, which reinforces the common values in the Rai community. They give strength to belief systems and take care of diseases and illnesses. They also act as an important part of childbirth, marriage and death rituals. The Nachhung or Shaman is recognized by the community as having responsibility for the cultural and spiritual knowledge of traditions, teachings, and practices. Their main perspective is to pass on the knowledge of Mundum from one generation to another.
4. Death rites and ritual
In accordance with the Rai Community, death is considered natural and unnatural. There are many activities during a death ritual. All of these activities are performed by Nachhung or the Bijuwa, as mentioned above. It is also believed that in the case of unnatural death, the soul is turned into an evil spirit. So, a nacchung helps the soul to attain peace.
In the case of natural death, all funeral rites and rituals are followed precisely. Right after the body of the deceased is buried. All members of the family are prohibited from eating oil and salt. After three days of the deceased. An oil and salt ceremony is performed and followed by the thirteenth day. A Nachhung (shaman) performs ceremonies for the deceased. In order to rest the soul in peace. After that, the deceased is buried at the burial site. A grave tombstone (चिहान अथवा कपुर) making process is started and has to be finished within forty-fifth day.
Later on the forty-fifth day, a grave tombstone purification process is performed. Also inviting people to the ceremony known as ‘Paitalis‘ which means ‘forty-fifth‘. Involving making all the favourite food items which were loved by the deceased.
Moreover, if a baby dies before their teeth fully develop. The funeral is performed in a simple way. But, such a death is considered misfortune and classified as an unnatural death. As part of the ritual, the purification is performed on the same day.
Also, if a pregnant woman dies, her lower abdomen is bisected with a bamboo knife and the child is separated. The mother and the child are buried at different burial sites according to rituals of unnatural death. The ritual purifications are completed on the same day.
In the case of natural death, all funeral rites and rituals are followed precisely. Right after the body of the deceased is buried. All members of the family are prohibited from eating oil and salt. After three days of the deceased. An oil and salt ceremony is performed and followed by the thirteenth day. A Nachhung (shaman) performs ceremonies for the deceased. In order to rest the soul in peace. After that, the deceased is buried at the burial site. A grave tombstone (चिहान अथवा कपुर) making process is started and has to be finished within forty-fifth day.
Later on the forty-fifth day, a grave tombstone purification process is performed. Also inviting people to the ceremony known as ‘Paitalis‘ which means ‘forty-fifth‘. Involving making all the favourite food items which were loved by the deceased.
Moreover, if a baby dies before their teeth fully develop. The funeral is performed in a simple way. But, such a death is considered misfortune and classified as an unnatural death. As part of the ritual, the purification is performed on the same day.
Also, if a pregnant woman dies, her lower abdomen is bisected with a bamboo knife and the child is separated. The mother and the child are buried at different burial sites according to rituals of unnatural death. The ritual purifications are completed on the same day.
"हरेक सार्थक उपलब्धि, चाहे ठुलो होस् वा सानो, त्यसको परिश्रमका चरणहरू हुन्छन् - एक सुरुवात, संघर्ष र विजय।"
Conclusion:
Although Kirat Rai have some differences among the Kirat community. Starting from inhabiting origin to worshipping their holy deities like Sumnima and Paruhang, as the creators. To be the messenger between the creature and the creator known as Nachhung, Mangpa and Bijuwa. Where Nachhung acts an important role in all the activities performed. From birth to death rituals and marriages. Moreover, Nachhung helps a deceased person’s soul to find their way to peace or settle themselves as an ancestral spirit in ‘Chula Dhunga‘. In addition Nachhung also helps bring good fortune to the family before making a house. Furthermore, we will elaborate more on this topic in the next blog.