Kirat-or Kirati- means people with lion nature. It is derived from two words Kira-Lion and Ti- people. It refers to the Kirati group or a
Kirata confederation that includes the
Limbu,
Rai,
Yakkha and Sunuwar ethnic groups of
Nepal. They were the earliest inhabitants of Nepal.
Dhimal,
Hayu,
Koch,
Thami,
Tharu,
Chepang, and
Surel ethnic groups also consider themselves to be of Kirati descent.
[1]The word Kirant or Kiranti's source is much disputed. Example of one such school of thought say that it is from the Sanskrit word Kirata found in the Yajur Veda describing the "handsome" mountain people and hunters in the forests.[2] It is also described as Chinese in the Mahabharata, Kirtarjuniya.[3]
Kirat Languages fall under two category. 1. Under Bhot-Burmeli Tibeto-Burman category which include Kagate, Kusunda, Kham, Chepang, Chhantyal, Jirel, Tamu (Gurung), Tamang, Thakali, Thami, Dura, Dhimal, Newar, Pahari, Magar, Meche, Yakkha, Rai, Rang, Raji, Limbu, Lepcha, Loba, Sunuwar, Surel, Sherpa, Hayu, Hyolmo, Hyambu Shyarba 2. Under Bharopeli Indo-European category which include Kumhale, Koche, Tharu, Danuwar, Darai, Bote and Majhi. [4][5]
The Kirant follow Kirant Mundhum. Their holy book is the Mundhum also known as the Kirant Veda.[6] Kirant Rai people worship Nature and ancestors, Animism and Shamanism, believing in a their primeval ancestors, SumnimaParuhang. Some names for festivals they celebrate include Sakela, Sakle, Toshi, Sakewa, Saleladi Bhunmidev, Chyabrung, Yokwa and Folsyandar. They have two main festivals Sakela/Sakewa Uvauli, during plantation season; and Sakela/Sakewa Udhauli, in the time of the harvest.
