Sunuwar people


The Sunuwar are an indigenous tribe originating in Nepal. They speak the Sunuwar language. According to the 2001 census of Nepal, 17% of the tribe follow the Kirant religion and adopt the Mundhum culture.
The Kiranti-Kõinchs number 55,752. The term ‘Kõinchs’ is also the name of the mother tongue. Other terms like Mukhiya or Mukhia are exonyms of the tribe. Sunuwar have their distinct language, religion, culture and social customs.

They inhabit the eastern hills of Nepal and Himalayan. They are concentrated along the Molung Khola, Likhu Khola and Khimti Khola regions. By administrative division, they dwell in Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Dolakha districts of Nepal, politically known as Wallo, Kirant after the fall of the Kirant dynasty at the ancient Nepal valley. Wallo Kirant in the past was their Kipat or communal land.

Lifestyle

Most Sunuwar practice agriculture. They do so throughout the eastern hills of present-day Nepal and India. Crop cultivation and cattle farming are the main agricultural works. Sunuwar people also took part in the Second World War and were known as Gorkhali fighters, as well as honest. Some Sunuwar still join the Nepal Army, Indian Army, Singapore Police Force and British Army.

Traditional cultures

Sunuwar are very rich in culture and traditions. They have hundreds of traditional feasts and festivals with complex rituals and rules. Every traditional feast or festival has its own objectives, characteristics, and system of celebration. Some festivals, such as Chandi Dance in Baisakh Purnima, Sakela, Gil puja, and Meserani puja, are considered more important than others. They celebrate the Shyadar-pidar festival on the Day of Buddha Purnima, or after 5 days of Buddha Purnima according to the Nepali calendar. Sunuwar New year is celebrated on the day of Basanta Panchami. As a community, they celebrate Meserani Pidar twice a year, based on the Lunar Calendar.

Sunuwar Song (Koich Kumsho)

Sunuwari Song:
Reuhita Ragimshumshaa

Kirant Kings

The 29 Kirat kings were as follows:
  1. Yalamber
  2. Pavi
  3. Skandhar
  4. Balamba
  5. Hriti
  6. Humati
  7. Jitedasti
  8. Galinja
  9. Pushka
  10. Suyarma
  11. Papa
  12. Bunka
  13. Swananda
  14. Sthunko
  15. Jinghri
  16. Nane
  17. Luka
  18. Thor
  19. Thoko
  20. Verma
  21. Guja
  22. Pushkar
  23. Keshu
  24. Suja
  25. Sansa
  26. Gunam
  27. Khimbu
  28. Patuka
  29. Gasti

    Gallery