Kirat

Kirat

Rai is one of the communities of Kirant dynasty who have been living in Nepal

from ancient times. Eastern hilly regions are the main settlement of these

people. Rai have their main settlement in Likhu to the coast of Arun river and

Majh Kirant in the west. Majh Kirant mainly includes Okhaldhunga,

Solukhumbu, Bhojpur, Khotang, Dhankuta, Sankhuwasava, Terathum and

Udaypur district. They also live in Saptari, Jhapa, Morang of Terai region.

Nowadays, their settlement are scattered over different place of Nepal. Rai

people have round face, tight body, mongolian facial structure, low and

medium sized build, smiling face who are very simple, honest and hard

working. They have their own identity.

There are also sub-categorie of Rai. Some of them are Athapre, Ochonghang,

Salten, Ombole, Kulung, Ketra, Kayun, Khamala, Khaling, Khukakhang,

Gainchandg, Ghume, Chamling, Chaurase, Chingtang, Tamchan, Tuwihang,

Thulung, Dalahang, Daringa, Naika, Nakchong, Nachhering, Namlung,

Nechali, Newahang, Pelmung, Faling, Wagale, Bangdel, Batu, Bantawa,

Walali, Walung, Wahing, Bolana, Bhola, Mnarthnu, Yamf, Runghang,

Yangtonggapa, Youngdrang, Rodng, Rumdali, Rupawang, Lengmark,

Loharung, Sabhar, Saam, Sangpang, Salkap, Suewarja, Sadengal, Sitang, etc.

Naming ceremony is held on the fourth day for a male child and on the third

day for a female child. The mother becomes clean or pure from the same day.

Food is fed on the fifth and the sixth month to the daughter and the son

respectively.