Kaski District ( Nepali : कास्की जिल्ला , [kaski] ), a part of Gandaki Province , is one of the seventy-seven districts of Nepal . The name is disambiguated from Kaskikot , the ancient Kaski Kingdom.
108-518: The district, with Pokhara as its district headquarter, covers an area of 2,017 square km and had a total population of 492,098 according to 2011 Census. This district lies at the centroid point of the country. The altitude of Kaski district ranges from 450 meters the lowest land to 8091 meters the highest point in the Himalaya range. Kaski District politically has One Metropolitan City, 4 Gaupalika and 3 electoral sectors. The district covers parts of
216-508: A gompa (Buddhist monastery), chorten and its particular architecture, and Tibetans have become a visible minority in the city. Until the end of the 1960s, the town was only accessible by foot and it was considered even more a mystical place than Kathmandu. The first road was completed in 1968 ( Siddhartha Highway ) after which tourism set in and the city grew rapidly. The area along the Phewa lake, called Lakeside , has developed into one of
324-415: A humid subtropical climate ; however, the elevation keeps temperatures moderate. Temperatures in summer average between 25 and 35 °C; in winter around −2 to 15 °C. Pokhara and nearby areas receive a high amount of precipitation. Lumle , 40 kilometres (25 miles) from Pokhara city center, receives the highest amount of rainfall (> 5600 mm/year or 222 inches/year) in the country. Snowfall
432-416: A bamboo knife and the child is removed from her body. The mother and the child are buried at different burial sites according to the ritual of unnatural death. The pollution and purification ritual is completed on the same day. In the case of natural death, complete funeral rite is observed; and pollution and purification rituals are strictly followed. among Rai community a salt eating and oil drinking ceremony
540-408: A compulsion. In this marriage, a certain penalty is paid to the widow's father-in-law or the senior family member, as a compensation for losing a member of the family. d) Magi Biha (arranged marriage): Arranged marriage is performed with the mutual understanding and arrangements of both the families – the boy's side and the girl's side. It is called Magi Biha. In this marriage, the consent of the girl,
648-777: A few cases are exceptions; e.g. cooking meals, which is mostly considered the responsibility of women. But when women are very busy, men take the responsibility of cooking as well. Similarly, though ploughing the field is generally considered the work of men, unmarried girls are also found involved in it to support men in their work. Rai women used to weave homespun cloth from the khadi , cotton , wool and allo nettle plant . Rai men wear Wachinari Mala ( Dzi bead ), Potlung (Puwalo Mala) garland, and animal tooth necklaces. Male dress comprises headgear (feta; pagari; sayabung); Betebung shirt (dawm; lockchham); pant (suruwal; langsup); sleeveless coat made of stinging nettle plant fiber (chhakchha; fenga); waistband (narimokty); (patuki, chakchhinma),
756-444: A few international airlines. A new Pokhara International Airport is also present in the southeast of the city which has begun facilitating intercity and international travels. The Pokhara Regional International Airport (PRIA) opened January 1, 2023. Domestic airlines operate there. However, as of late October 2024, no international airlines serve the airport, despite incentives to do so. Flight duration from Kathmandu to Pokhara
864-540: A fighting tribe of Nepal. They are popularly believed to have offered a stiff resistance to the invasion of the Gorkhas. Kiranti Rai are hill tribes who once possessed considerable power and territory but were reduced to submission by Prithvi Narayan Shah after his conquest of Nepal. Kirati rule in the eastern hills of Nepal ended after the conquest of the Gorkha Kingdom in 1772–1773. Numbering about 750,000,
972-700: A fort in Kiratichap and started to rule again still many evidences of Kiratis ancient ruins graveyard can be found in Dolakha, Sindupalchok region like "Kirat Thursa" in Jiri "Kiratichap" in Dolakha . according to various folklore and oral history Lichhavi attacked again Kiratis in Dolakha and chased away. In Pursuit of the fertile land some kiratis followed Sunkoshi river they become Sunuwar. others who followed
1080-593: A joint family has three or more generations living together by sharing the same house and kitchen. Normally the son does not get separated immediately after his marriage. But after the marriage of his younger brother, he may wish to live separately. At the time of separation, the parental property is divided equally between the parents and sons. Mainly three forms of kinship are found among Rai: i) kinship by blood; e.g. brother and sister, ii) kinship by marriage; e.g. father-in-law, sister-in-law, etc., iii) kinship by social relation; e.g. Miteri (friendship bond established after
1188-476: A large knife ( khukuri , dabhay). Rai have been following Kirat religion since the ancient times. Kirat religion is based on animistic nature and ancestor worship. Rai do not believe in heaven or hell. There is no religious hierarchy. Kirati Rai engages Nakchong, Mangpa, Bijuwa, Nakso their tribal shamans in their religious rites. During the course of their recent history the Rai has increasingly borrowed elements from
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#17327724607481296-525: A plurality of shamanic traditions, varied but closely related, like the Rai groups themselves. The Rai in East Nepal consist of numerous subtribes, and even though they speak different languages and have their own distinct traditions, they all share a common linguistic and cultural heritage. Together with Limbu (the language of a related group residing farther to the east, also in Sikkim and Darjeeling ),
1404-549: A set of groups, are one of the oldest tribes of Nepal. They inhabited the area between the Dudh Koshi and Tamur River in Nepal. They claim that their country called Kiratdesh in modern times, has spread over Nepal , Sikkim and West Bengal . Rai are also known as "Khambu" and in some places, they are known as "Jimee" or "Jimdar". "Jim" means "land", which meant they owned the lands and other tribes had to pay their taxes to
1512-445: A special ritual) relation. Kinship behaviour varies according to the status of the kin. Some relatives are more respectable than others, while some are in 'joking relation'. For instance, father, mother, uncle and aunt are respectable, but solti-soltinee, sali-bhena, are all in joking relation. In Rai community, son-in-law and daughter-in-law are treated equally as the son or daughter of the family. Men and women having equal status in
1620-489: A town with a fort. All the governance and development of Kaski District are handled mainly by District Development Committee Kaski (DDC-Kaski). The district is full of people with multi-language, multi-religion and multiple cultures. Different people have different foods, dresses and norms based on their caste and religion. Many places offer Home Stay for internal as well as international tourists along with performance of local dance according to caste and cultures. According to
1728-516: A very strong military tradition with a significant number of its men being employed by the Nepali army. The Western Division HQ of the Nepalese Army is stationed at Bijayapur, Pokhara and its Area of Responsibility (AOR) consists of the entire Western Development Region of Nepal. The AOR of this division is 29,398 km and a total of 16 districts are under the division. The population of
1836-449: A year of the death of her husband, a widow can wear her casual dresses. There is no restriction for the widow or widower regarding their clothing. They also have the freedom for remarriage; but whether to marry or not depends entirely on the widow's or widower's wish. An unmarried adult woman possesses very strong role in the family. She is heard by all. Male and female members of family share their labour in all sorts of activities. However,
1944-430: Is a metropolitan city located in central Nepal , which serves as the capital of Gandaki Province and is declared as the tourism capital of Nepal . It is the second most populous city of the nation after Kathmandu , with 599,504 inhabitants living in 120,594 households as of 2021 . It is the country's largest metropolitan city in terms of area. The city also serves as the headquarters of Kaski District . Pokhara
2052-443: Is also addressed as "Ridum" "Muddum" or "Pelam". Iiterally, "Muna" means "Man" and "dum" means talk" which can be said speaking of man or oral talking as a hole the mundum is an oral tradition. so, it may differ in place to place. The term mundum is generally pronounced as mundhum by Nepali speakers. Many researchers have documented the term mundhum in their research. The /dh/ sound in mundum is not found in many Kirati languages. If it
2160-480: Is approximately 30 minutes. Pokhara valley is rich in water sources. The major bodies of water in and around Pokhara are: The sporting activities are mainly centered in the multipurpose stadium Pokhara Rangasala (or Annapurna Stadium) in Rambazar . The popular sports are football, cricket , volleyball, basketball, martial arts, etc. The Sahara Club is one of the most active organizations promoting football in
2268-508: Is believed that in the beginning there is only Ten 'Thars' of Rai but later Rai are divide into many 'thars' sub-group Teen Chula (Suptulung) is the Tribal identity of Rai and its a symbol of unity of different diviersified Kirati Rai in one ethnic family. Teen Chula(Suptulung)also known as Samkhalung in bantawa Rai dialect The word "Samkha" means ancestors and "Lung" means stones. Samkhalung the three main stones, The Teen Chula are considered by
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#17327724607482376-910: Is compulsory needed in every ritual performance. The Rai languages are members of the Sino-Tibetan language family. They belong to the Kiranti group of the Tibeto-Burman languages branch of the Sino-Tibetan family. In the Nepal National Census of 2011, roughly 800,000 respondents declared a Kiranti languages as their "mother tongue". The number of speakers is probably less than this. The Census of India (2001) reported 50,000 speakers of Limbu and Rai in India (most in Sikkim ) Linguistic Survey of India n.d.). Sakela
2484-403: Is considered to be the beginner of the agricultural era in the cultural history of Kirati- Rai People. Salpa Pokhari is believed to be the origin of Kirati-Rai. Salpa Pokhori is the centre of cultural belief for Kirati Rai and is related to the myth of "Salpa" and "Ribrima"(Salpa King and Queen). so Kirati Rai believed to have been born from these ancestors, Salpa and Ribrima. Salpa Pokhori
2592-439: Is currently being encroached upon by invasive water hyacinth (जलकुम्भी झार). In 2017, Pokhara Lekhnath Metropolitan City became Nepal's largest metropolitan city by area, occupying 464.24 km (179.24 sq mi)—which means the city is nine times larger than Kathmandu, 18 times larger than Lalitpur and 2.5 times larger than Bharatpur . Pokhara is known to be a popular tourist destination for visitors from all over
2700-399: Is found in other Kirati languages, it often is a loan sound. The term mundhum thus might be of Nepali influence. So, the native term is "mundhum”. In this case, the term mundum changes into the mundhum because the alveolar is changed into the dental aspirated /dh/ because it might be the influence of the Nepali language. Although, the concept
2808-605: Is in the northwestern corner of the Pokhara Valley , which is a widening of the Seti Gandaki valley that lies in the region ( Pahad ) of the Himalayas . In this region, the mountains rise very quickly, and within 30 kilometres (19 miles), the elevation rises from 1,000 to 7,500 metres (3,300 to 24,600 feet). As a result of this sharp rise in altitude the area of Pokhara has one of the highest precipitation rates in
2916-399: Is located 200 kilometres (120 miles) west of the capital, Kathmandu . The city is on the shore of Phewa Lake , and sits at an average elevation of approximately 822 m above sea level. The Annapurna Range, with three out of the ten highest peaks in the world— Dhaulagiri , Annapurna I and Manaslu —is within 15–35 mi (24–56 km) aerial range from the valley. In 2024, Pokhara
3024-418: Is made by the tourism and hospitalities industry. Tourism is the primary source of income for local people and the city. There are two 5-star hotels and approximately 305 other hotels that includes one 4-star, five 3-star, fifteen 2-star and non-star hotels in the city. The city promotes two major hilltops as viewpoints to see the city and surrounding panorama: World Peace Pagoda , built-in 1996 A.D. across
3132-583: Is mentioned in the book "Mechi to Mahakali" Part-1 eight thums forts of (Wallo Kirat) Okhaldhunga , namely Bungnam, Taluwa , Chyanam , Solu , Tilpung , Chisankhu , Chuplu and Chauras. other forts in Majh Kirat are Hatuwa , Chawdandi , Mukali , Halesi , Khotehang , Kulum, Majhuwa , Khamtel, Pamakham, Rawa and Kepilas one by one, the Gorkhalis conquered all these forts in Wallo and Majh Kirat. At
3240-460: Is not merely a biological and psychological relation between the couple, but essentially considered a social phenomenon that must be approved by the society. Unless the society gives recognition to the couples, they find their marital relation insecure. After the marriage, the woman's clan is not changed, though she stays with her husband; but her children follow the clan of her husband. Both the practices of monogamy and polygamy are found among Rai; but
3348-506: Is not observed in the valley, but surrounding hills experience occasional snowfall in the winter. Summers are humid and mild; most precipitation occurs during the monsoon season (June–September). Winter and spring skies are generally clear and sunny. The highest temperature ever recorded in Pokhara was 38.5 °C (101.3 °F) on 4 May 2013, while the lowest temperature ever recorded was 0.5 °C (32.9 °F) on 13 January 2012. At
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3456-602: Is performed for 15–15 days in a year as ubhauli (Dhirinam) in full moon day of the Baisakh and udhauli (Chhirinam), in full moon day of Mangsir in Kirati Rai villages. The major philosophy of Sakela is nature worship; importance is placed on paying tribute to ancestors to whom current generations owe their existence. Since Kirati people consider themselves the followers of the nature, they celebrate Udhauli and Ubhauli with sakela to worship sky, earth, rivers, and forest on
3564-428: Is performed three days after the death. On the ninth and tenth days, a Mangpa(Shaman) performs a merit making ceremony for the deceased. This ritual is done to put the deceased soul to a rest; otherwise, it is believed that the deceased person's spirit will bring harm to the family. Rai have the practice of living in both the nuclear and joint families. In the nuclear family, there are two generations of people, whereas
3672-487: Is the Panché Baaja (पञ्चे बाजा), a traditional musical band performed generally during marriage ceremonies by the damaai musicians. The musical culture in Pokhara is quite dynamic and in recent years, Western rock and roll, pop, rap and hip-hop are becoming increasingly popular with frequently held musical concerts; however, the traditional lok and modern (semi-classical) Nepali music are predominantly favored by
3780-427: Is the central part all the rituals or rites of Rai practised from birth to death are done in this Teen Chula 'Suptulung' The major deity of all Rai is 'Teen chula' (Suptulung) The three hearthmade stoned oven' of the house. "The Term Lu or Lung refers to the stone and thus the suffix like lu or lung is found in most of the names of the oven in house eg; Taplelung, Suptulung, Mayalung, Ghewalung etc. Almost every thing from
3888-599: Is the gathering of Rai people for the celebration of Udhauli and Ubhauli. Sakela is actually affiliated with Chamling people of Kirati Rai community. Since the identity of different groups of Rai are at depleting, many Rai are taking Sakela as the main festival of Rai. However, truth remains that Sakela is a dance performed during Udhauli and Ubhauli while Rai people gather together. The Rai people (Chamling group) call it by different names like Sakenwa, Sakela, Tosh or Toshi, Bhume, Sakel, Wass, Segro, Sakewa, Dhuulu, Phagulak, Gelang, Gayapuja among different linguistic groups. This event
3996-465: Is the same, the term mundum has different variants among different subgroups of Rai. Gaenszle (2002: 40–42), who has done pioneering work in the field of Kirati ritual, has extensively studied about it and collected different terms, which are as follows: Rai have distinct cultural tradition. The community is divided into different subtribes called "Thar" all have their own distinctive language or dialect this division of Rai into various subtribes allows for
4104-671: Is the single largest ethnic community in Sikkim . Rai population is mostly found in the south, west and east of Sikkim. with a large number of Rai also living in Assam and other northeastern states , the Kingdom of Bhutan and some have recently migrated to the United Kingdom, Hong Kong , the United States and other countries. Rai tradition relates that the first of the ancestral Kirati entered Nepal's eastern hills through
4212-477: Is very significant and popular among Kirati Rai from cultural and religious views according to the Kirati Rai's myth, this place is the origin of the Kirati Rai people. The Sillichung Mountain known as the prime tribute is supposed to be the origin of "Mundum" according to the Kirati myth. Nepal enters into real historical era with the conquest of Kathmandu Valley by the Kiratis. The Kiratis are said to have been
4320-707: The Annapurna mountain range, and the picturesque scene of the mountains can be observed from most parts of the district. It is one of the best tourist destinations of Nepal . The district is full of rivers such as Seti Gandaki, Modi and Madi along with other rivulets. The district headquarters Pokhara lies about 750 m above the sea level. The district is known for the Himalayan range with about 11 Himalayas with height greater than 7000 m. The nearby peaks include Machhapuchhre (Virgin Peak - 6993m). The Annapurna Range in
4428-767: The Barahachhetra gorge of the Kosi Valley the natural gateway into the region through the Mahabharat Range , which separates the hilly hinterland from the plains. According to the Mundum, in oral history, Kirati ancestors came out of the " Khuwalung " and then followed the small river of the Saptakoshi. They journeyed through the Arun , Dudh Koshi , Sun Koshi and Tama Koshi and finally settled down in
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4536-467: The Bhote Koshi valley. According to the myths of the Kirati Rai people "Tayama" (elder sister), "Khiyama" (younger sister) and "Raichhakule" ( Tayama and Khimaya's younger brother) are supposed to be the primaeval ancestors of the Kirati Rai's Civilization. The sisters are believed to have lived in " Tuwachung " whereas the brother in the cave of Halesi . Tayama and Khiyama were skilful in weaving
4644-628: The Dhulikhel border area of (Wallo Kirat) in 1768 AD, that time the Kirat King of Dhulikhel Chaukhat Mahindra Sing Rai and his brother Namsing Rai strongly resisted and fought valiantly with Prithivinarayan shah's huge army for a very long time. King Prithvi Narayan Shah had deployed Sardar Ram Krishna Kunwar to the invasion of Kirant regional areas comprising; Pallo Kirant, Wallo Kirant and Majh Kirant. There are many kings and chiftens and forts under Wallo Kirat and Majh Kirat area. It
4752-456: The Gorkha Kingdom and first monarch of the Kingdom of Nepal , added Pokhara to his kingdom. It had by then become an important trading place on the routes from Kathmandu to Jumla and from India to Tibet. The first settlement of the valley is theorized to have taken place when the first King of Kaski , Kulamandan Shah Khad (also called Bichitra Khan and Jagati Khan), made Batulechaur in
4860-524: The Indo-China war in 1962, the old trading route to India from Tibet through Pokhara became defunct. Today only a few caravans from Mustang arrive in Bagar. In recent decades, Pokhara has become a major tourist destination: it is considered the tourism capital of Nepal, mainly for adventure tourism and the base for the famous Annapurna Circuit trek. Thus, a major contribution to the local economy
4968-673: The Khas community. Magar communities are also present mostly in the southern outlying hills. A Newar community is almost non-existent in the villages of outlying hills outside the Pokhara city limits. From 1959 to 1962, approximately 300,000 exiles entered Nepal from neighboring Tibet following its annexation by China. Most of the Tibetan exiles then sought asylum in Dharamshala and other Tibetan exile communities in India. According to UNHCR , since 1989, approximately 2500 Tibetans cross
5076-682: The Tamakoshi , Dudhkoshi , Arun and Tamur rivers they become today's Rai, Yakkha, Sunuwar and Limbu . After settling down in different areas Kiratis made their appropriate 'Kipat,' 'the area,' and again in the mountain region eastern hills Kiratis ruled over for centuries. in course of time due to the geo-political division three Kirati states were created as Wallo Kirat(Near Kirat), Majh Kirat (Middle Kirat) and Pallo Kirat or (Far east Kirat). Around 1743 AD King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha started to Unification of Nepal campaign, conquering many small states Gorkhalis also started to attacked in
5184-548: The 1950s and artists such as Jhalakman Gandharva, Dharma Raj Thapa are considered pioneers in bringing the lok git into mass media. During early and late 1990s, bands from Pokhara like Nepathya started their very successful fusion of western rock and pop with traditional folk music. Since then several other musical groups in Nepal have adopted the lok -pop/rock style producing dozens of albums every year. Another important part of cultural music of western Nepal, and hence Pokhara,
5292-404: The 1990s, Pokhara has experienced rapid urbanization. As a result, service-sector industries have increasingly contributed to the local economy overtaking the traditional agriculture. An effect of urbanization is seen in high real estate prices, among the highest in the country. The major contributors to the economy of Pokhara are manufacturing and service sector including tourism; agriculture and
5400-820: The AOR of Western Division is 4,571,013. Both the British Army and the Indian Army have regional recruitment and pensioners facilitation camps in Pokhara. The British Gurkha Camp is located at Deep Heights in the northeast of the Pokhara city and the Indian Gorkha Pension Camp is on the south-western side of the city, Rambazar. Electricity in Pokhara is regulated and distributed by the NEA Nepal Electricity Authority . Water supply and sanitation facilities are provided by
5508-1842: The District Sport Committee, Kaski District have one stadium, named Pokhara Rangashala , of about 417 Ropani of area and capacity of 21,000 spectators. Kaski has its reputation in generating sportsmen in the country. At the time of the 2011 Nepal census , Kaski District had a population of 492,098. As their first language, 78.5% spoke Nepali , 12.0% Gurung , 2.2% Magar , 2.2% Newari , 1.5% Tamang , 0.7% Bhojpuri , 0.5% Hindi , 0.5% Maithili , 0.4% Urdu , 0.2% Kham , 0.2% Rai , 0.2% Thakali , 0.2% Tharu , 0.1% Bengali , 0.1% Bhujel , 0.1% Chantyal and 0.1% other languages. Ethnicity/caste: 27.9% were Hill Brahmin , 16.7% Gurung , 14.4% Chhetri , 8.6% Magar , 8.0% Kami , 4.9% Newar , 3.7% Damai /Dholi, 2.7% Tamang , 2.5% Sarki , 1.4% Gharti/ Bhujel , 1.4% Thakuri , 0.9% Musalman , 0.8% Badi , 0.8% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.7% Rai , 0.5% Kumal , 0.5% Thakali , 0.5% Tharu , 0.3% other Dalit , 0.2% Chhantyal , 0.2% Kalwar , 0.2% Sonar , 0.1% Bengali , 0.1% Dura, 0.1% Gaine , 0.1% Hajam /Thakur, 0.1% Halwai , 0.1% Kathabaniyan, 0.1% Koiri / Kushwaha , 0.1% Limbu , 0.1% Majhi, 0.1% Sherpa , 0.1% Teli , 0.1% other Terai, 0.1% Yadav , 0.1% foreigners and 0.1% others. Religion: 82.3% were Hindu , 13.5% Buddhist , 2.1% Christian , 0.9% Muslim , 0.6% Bon , 0.1% Kirati , 0.1% Prakriti and 0.3% others. Literacy: 82.0% could both read and write, 1.6% could read but not write and 16.4% could neither read nor write. The district consists of one metropolitan city and four rural municipalities . These are as follows: 28°20′N 84°00′E / 28.333°N 84.000°E / 28.333; 84.000 Pokhara Pokhara ( Nepali : पोखरा [ˈpokʰʌɾa] )
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#17327724607485616-665: The Gorkhalis, so that Prithivinarayan Shah had to send reinforcement sounder the commend of Subedar Shiva Narayan Khatri. Chatim Rai of Rawa Khola and Atal Rai of Pamakham were two principal Khambus Kirati ultimately proved ineffective before, the bows and arrows of the Gorkhalis. within a period of 5 months the Gorkhalis occupied Rawa, Halesi , Majuwa , Kulum and Dingla thus conquering the hole of Majh Kirat. Rai Community has its own traditional culture and rituals. all Rai people practice same rituals of life from birth to death. but there are some variation in rites and rituals in Rai communities living in different places. Marriage in Rai group
5724-838: The Kirat Region. according to historians, before the unification of Nepal by Prithvivinaryan Shah from Banepa to Trishuli River and around Teesta River known as Kiratdesh the territory of Kiratis. Looking at the evidence of the time when Prithvinarayan Shah expanded the Gorkha kingdom, Dolakha , Ramechhap and Sindhuli fall in Wallo Kirat and the part from Sunkoshi to upper Arun river falls in Manjh Kirat . The area from Upper Arun Arun river to East Teesta River falls within Pallo Kirat . when Prithvi Narayan Shah invaded
5832-505: The Kirati Rai languages belong to the Kiranti family, which is a subgroup of Tibeto-Burman . Culturally the Rai have been influenced by both Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, but these influences have only marginally affected their ancestral traditions, in which shamanic features still figure prominently. The "mundum" is the oral tradition among the Rai and it is also a long-standing, and ancient, though not unchanging, ritual practice. Mundum
5940-519: The Lichhavis got victory only over Kathmandu. in other parts of the eastern country Kirati rule is still maintained. After the defeated Kiratis by Lichhavis in Kathmandu valley the Kiratis moved gradually east wards ruling in the small territories. In the process of expansion Kiratis extended from Banepa , Dulikhel , Sindupalchok , Darawardanda, Dolakha , Charikot to Kiratichap. Kiratis built
6048-823: The Mother Earth and Paruhang also known as 'Ninamma' Father the Sky god. The Sumnima is the supreme female God, wife of the Paruhang She represents the earth and ancestral mother. Paruhang is the supreme male God, husband of the Sumnima, lords of flowers. Sumnima-Paruhang are the deities of creator, preserver and sustainer god and goddess of the Rai. These deities are sometimes conflated with the Shaivist dieties of Nepalese Hinduism, primarily Shiva and Parvati , although they are distinct in origin. Rai shamanism comprises
6156-729: The Nepal Water Supply Corporation (NWSC). Pokhara has more than eight hundred private and public high educational institutions. There are several institutions of higher learning up to the doctorate level in social sciences, business, and science and technology. Pokhara has extensive privately operated public transportation system running throughout the city, adjoining townships and nearby villages. Pokhara Mahanagar Bus Bebasaya Samiti (green, brown and blue buses), Mama Bhanja Transport (blue buses), Bindabashini Samiti(blue buses), Phewa Bus Bebasaya Samiti(mini micros) and Lekhnath Bus Bebasaya Samiti (green and white buses) are
6264-583: The Pokhara valley favors the formation of caves and several caves can be found within city limits and neighboring cities as well. In the south of the city, a tributary of the Seti Gandaki River flowing out of the Phewa Lake disappears at Patale Chhango (पाताले छाँगो, Nepali for Hell's Falls, also called Davis Falls, after someone who supposedly fell in) into an underground gorge, to reappear 500 metres (1,600 feet) further south. The city has
6372-626: The Rai people mainly inhabit the eastern part of Nepal. Linguists have identified up to 28 different Rai languages , most of them mutually unintelligible. Rai traditionally Inhabited districts of Eastern Nepal by linguistic groups are : large number Rai population migrated to Limbu Homeland areas Ilam , Panchthar , Terhatum , Taplejung and tarai districts Jhapa , Morang , Sunsari also in Kathmandu Valley . 2011 Nepal census classifies
6480-517: The Rai people within the broader social group of Mountain/Hill Janajati. At the time of the Nepal census of 2011, 620,004 people (2.3% of the population of Nepal) were Rai. The frequency of Rai people by province was as follows: The frequency of Rai people was higher than national average (2.3%) in the following districts: Rai predominate in the Indian states of Sikkim , Darjeeling , Kalimpong , Kurseong , Mirik and Dooars of West Bengal . Rai
6588-452: The Rai to be their most important shrines Teen Chula is sacred place after death where the departed souls ancestors of the Rai live in this place. Teen Chula philosophy (three knowledge perspectives) as the distinctive original identity of Rai. Kirati Rai are basically animist they worship various Household deity and Nature deities . Kirati Rai worship as ancestral god and goddess to Sumnima and Paruhang. Sumnima also known as 'Hengkhamma'
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#17327724607486696-636: The Sabche Cirque in the Annapurna range. Pokhara lies on an important old trading route between China and India . In the 17th century, it was part of the Kingdom of Kaski which was one of the Chaubisi rajya (24 Kingdoms of Nepal, चौबिसे राज्य) ruled by a branch of the Shah dynasty . Many of the hills around Pokhara have medieval ruins from that time. In 1786, Prithvi Narayan Shah , the last ruler of
6804-657: The aborigines inhabiting Eastern Nepal and having their own administrative set-up. Under the able leadership of their chieftain "Yalung" or Yalambar the Kiratis defeated Bhuwan Singh; the last king in the Ahir Dynasty and brought the Kathmandu valley under their sway. From various sources mentioning Long period altogether 29 to 32 Kirati kings who had ruled over Nepal 1225 years from 800 BCE to 300 AD. Gopal genealogy mentions 32 Kirati Kings to have ruled over Nepal different genealogies have found to be stating different names of last Kirati King. The Lichhavi monarchical dynasty
6912-481: The border into Nepal each year, many of whom arrive in Pokhara typically as a transit to Tibetan exile communities in India. About 50,000–60,000 Tibetan exiles reside in Nepal, and approximately 20,000 of the exiled Tibetans live in one of the 12 consolidated camps, eight in Kathmandu and four in and around Pokhara. The four Tibetan settlements in Pokhara are Jampaling, Paljorling, Tashi Ling, and Tashi Palkhel. These camps have evolved into well-built settlements, each with
7020-527: The butterflies, found in the Western and Annapurna Conservation Area region of Nepal; and Gurkha Museum featuring the history of the Gurkha soldiers. There are around 375 tourist standard hotels, and many more are in the pipeline. Annapurna Cable Car takes tourists from Lakeside to Sarangkot and back. Another one being built will connect Phewa Lake with World Peace Stupa. The Pokhara region has
7128-413: The case of unnatural death, since it is believed that such a death turns the person into evil. If a baby dies before the growth of his/her tooth, the funeral rite observed is very simply. Such a death is considered a bad omen and categorized under unnatural death. The pollution and purification rituals are completed on the same day in such cases If a pregnant woman dies, her lower abdomen is bisected with
7236-432: The census of 2068 Kaski district has people of about 84 castes, 44 languages and 11 religions. The dressing style of people here matches with national dress. The main foods of people here are Dal-Bhat Tarkari , Roti , and Dhindo (These are typical Nepalese foods). The district is the common place of different castes such as Magars , Gurung , Brahmin , Chhetri , Newar , Thakali , kumal and many more. According to
7344-686: The city and organizes a South Asian club-level annual tournament: the Aaha Gold Cup . Additionally, the Kaski District Football Association (KDFA) organizes Safal Pokhara Gold Cup , which is also a South Asian club-level tournament and ANFA organizes local Kaski district club-level Balram KC memorial football tournament. B-13, Sangam & LG are the powerhouse Football club in Pokhara. There are several tennis courts. Himalayan Golf Course has attracted international press for its unique design. At 1100 meters, on
7452-471: The city and surrounding areas. These long sections of terraces are interrupted by gorges that are hundreds of metres deep. The Seti gorge runs through Pokhara from north to south and then west to east; at places, these gorges are only a few metres wide. In the north and south, the canyons are wider. In the south, the city borders Phewa Tal (or Phewa Lake) (4.4 km ) at an elevation of about 800 metres (2,600 feet) above sea level , while north of Pokhara,
7560-731: The city in Everest Premier League . The universal instruments used in Nepalese music include the madal (small leather drum), bansuri (bamboo flute), and saarangi . These instruments are prominent features of the traditional folk music ( lok gít or lok geet) in Pokhara, which is actually the western (Gandaki, Dhaulagiri and Lumbini) branch of Nepali lok geet . Some examples of music of this region are Resham Firiri (रेशम फिरिरी) and Khyalee Tune (ख्याली धुन). The lok geet started airing in Radio Nepal during
7668-500: The city where there are more open lands and unhindered view of the surrounding mountains. Most of the tourists visiting Pokhara trek to the Annapurna Base Camp and Mustang . To the east of the Pokhara valley, there are seven smaller lakes such as Begnas Lake , Rupa Lake, Khaste lake, Maidi lake, Neureni lake, Dipang lake. Begnas Lake is known for its fishery projects. After the occupation of Tibet by China in 1950 and
7776-516: The city. The floor of the valley is plain, resembles Terai due to its gravel-like surface, and has slanted orientation from northwest to southeast. The city is surrounded by the hills overlooking the entire valley. Phewa Lake was slightly enlarged by damming which poses a risk of silting up due to the inflow during the monsoon . The outflowing water is partially used for hydropower generation at Fewa Hydropower Station . The dam collapsed in 1974 which resulted in draining of its water and exposing
7884-629: The country (3,350 mm/year or 131 inches/year in the valley to 5600 mm/year or 222 inches/year in Lumle ). Even within the city, there is a noticeable difference in rainfall between the south and the north: The northern part at the foothills of the mountains experiences a proportionally higher amount of precipitation. The Seti Gandaki is the main river flowing through the city. The Seti Gandaki (White Gandaki) and its tributaries have created several gorges and canyons in and around Pokhara that give intriguingly long sections of terrace features to
7992-478: The existence even today. Nwagi is celebrated before eating the harvested food crops. Kirati Rai cleans the ancestral room (Suptulung), and various new crops are offered to the ancestors during Nwagi puja. Nwagi puja also known as (Pirtri puja) ancestor worship, it is believed that new food crops will not be eaten until the Nwagi puja or without being offered to the ancestors. Nwagi puja is all about offering new food of
8100-409: The family and community, there is almost no gender discrimination in Rai society. Although man is usually the head of the family, woman's role is equally important in planning and decision making on domestic matters. The husband decides almost nothing in absence of his wife. They generally discuss to plan the daily activities collectively in the family after dinner; and decision is made thereupon. After
8208-422: The foreign and domestic remittances. Tourism, service sector and manufacturing contributes approximately 58% to the economy, remittances about 20% and agriculture nearly 16%. Pokhara has a number of hydroelectric power plants. There are numerous temples, gumbas (Buddhist monasteries) and churches in and around Pokhara valley. Many temples serve as combined places of worship for Hindus and Buddhists. Some of
8316-433: The forthcoming bride, is a must. In Rai community death is distinguished between the natural death and unnatural death in their rites of the passage as well. In the case of natural death, the body is either buried or cremated, upon the wish of the dead person. But the body must be buried in the case of unnatural death. There are many formalities in the death ritual if it is the natural death; but such formalities are less in
8424-630: The general population. More musical concerts are held in Pokhara than in any other city in the country. Rai people The Rai ( Rai : ᤖᤠᤀᤡ, Rāi ; Devanagari : राई) also known as Khambu and Jimee are ethnolinguistic group belonging to the Kirat family and primarily Tibeto-Burman linguistic ethnicity. They mainly reside in the eastern parts of Nepal , the Indian states of Sikkim , West Bengal (predominantly Darjeeling and Kalimpong Hills) and in southwestern Bhutan . The Rai, as
8532-422: The imitation of the birds and animals is also performed in lively silli . Other activities like worshiping the tap and sun are depicted in the sillis and in the spiritual sillis , the ancestors, like "Tayama-Khiyama", hunter, Chasum, Narawa, "Paruhang-Nayuma" are shown in dance. The Kirati ancestor "Hetchhakuppa" is considered to be the first performer of silli . Around 45 silli are claimed to be in
8640-519: The jimdar, they started animal farming and agricultural vegetation as their traditional occupation. They are known for worshipping nature and ancestral spirits. H.H. Risley treats the Rai and Jimdar as synonymous with the Khambus, but most of the Rai nowadays do admit Khambu and Jimdar to be synonymous terms connoting the same ethnic group. Rai are one of the dominant tribes of the Kirati group; they are
8748-573: The land leading to illegal land encroachment; since then the dam has been rebuilt. The power plant is about 100 metres (330 feet) below at the bottom of the Phusre Khola gorge. Water from Phewa is diverted for irrigation into the southern Pokhara valley. The eastern Pokhara Valley receives irrigation water through a canal running from a reservoir by the Seti in the north of the city. Some parts of Phewa lake are used as commercial cage fisheries. The lake
8856-413: The looms. They are regarded as the pioneers of textiles. Tayama is recognized by names like: Khew, Toyama, Toma, Tayama, Tangwama, Jauma, Jaumo, Dawa and Kakcha, and accordingly, Khiyama is also called Khema, Khiwama, Khliuma, Khlemo, Khewa, Khauma and Los in distinct Kiranti languages . Raichhakule (younger brother of Tayama and Khimaya) also known as Hetchhakuppa, Hetchhakuwa, Khokchilipa, Khakchhilip etc.
8964-412: The major religions they have had contact with from Lamaist Buddhism or Nepalese Hinduism without however renouncing their own tribal traditions. As per Nepali Census of 2011 AD, roughly one third of Rai people follow Hinduism (30 %), two third follow Kirat Mundhum Dharma (65 %), while 5% are Christians . Teen Chula or Chula Dhunga "The three hearth made stones" called Dayahulung or Suptulung
9072-418: The major tourism hubs of Nepal. Due to the high population density and the frequency of natural disasters, western Nepal is considered one of the most disaster-prone regions in the world. Pokhara is considered particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and floods because the Seti Gandaki River flows through the city. For example, the strongest earthquakes in the region include those of 2015 in Nepal . Pokhara
9180-421: The man and woman may not have developed personal relationship for a long time, which is found in love marriage. The man may like the woman all of a sudden, which the woman may not be noticing. All of a sudden, the man expresses his wish to marry her when he meets her on some occasion or gathering – like in the fairs and marketplace. In such a case, if some of her relatives or close friends encourage her to elope with
9288-463: The man, she may be convinced and becomes ready to go with him. Nowadays theft marriage is gradually being replaced by 'love marriage', in which the concerned boy and girl spend some time to know each other without the influence or intervention of anybody; then they can either decide to marry, just maintain their friendship or discontinue it, depending on how far the two parties like or dislike each other. b) Zari Biha (marriage by paying penalty): Taking
9396-463: The minor alterations in the ritualistic practices while the essence of the traditions remains homogeneous largely. within the "Thar" there are clan division called "Pacha"(pa=papa/father and cha=children). clans are exogamous. There is further classification within the Pacha known as "Samet". Samet traces the relationship of a person to his/her ancestor. Pacha and Samet is main ritual identity of Rai, which
9504-401: The northern side is always full of snow. The scenery of northern mountains, gorge of Seti River , Davis Falls , natural caves, Fewa Lake , Begnas Lake and Rupa Lake are both natural resources and tourist attractions. Regarding Booring the origin of the name Kaski , there are many hypotheses; among them: In the early 1800s, the capital of Kaski was Batulechaur and that Sarangkot was
9612-480: The northern side of the valley his winter capital during the mid 14th century. The people settled here included Parajuli Brahmins, who were asked to look after the Bindhyabasini temple and were given some land in that locality as Birta. Dhobi Gauda was the first market center developed in Pokhara valley before the last King of Kaski brought sixteen families of Newars from Kathmandu (Bhaktapur) to develop
9720-446: The one hand; they pay tribute towards the deceased members of their family on the other hand. During sakela , the dance known as silli is performed. Silli varies from village to village in the beating of jhyamta cymbals and dhol . The choreography of silli depicts important daily activities, and explains the traditional origins of agricultural practices such as digging, tilling, weeding and farming cotton. Likewise,
9828-424: The popular temples, gumbas and churches are: The municipality of Pokhara spans 12 kilometres (7.5 miles) from north to south and 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from east to west but, unlike the capital Kathmandu, it is quite loosely built up and still has much green space. Nepal The gorge through which the river flows is crossed at five places: K.I. Singh Pool, Mahendrapul and Prithvi Highway Pool from north to south of
9936-471: The present-day market (i.e., old market) in the 1770s. Prior to that people were settled in the peripheral hills. Pokhara was envisioned as a commercial center by the King of Kaski in the mid 18th century A.D. when Newars of Bhaktapur migrated to Pokhara, upon being invited by the king, and settled near main business locations such as Bindhyabasini temple , Nalakomukh and Bhairab Tole . Most of Pokhara, at
10044-625: The private companies that provide public bus transportation facility in and around Pokhara Valley . The public transport mainly consists of local and city buses, micros, micro-buses and metered-taxis. Pokhara is well connected to the rest of the country through permanent road and air links. The main mode of transportation are Cars, Motorbikes, Public Buses, Taxis and the Purano Bus Park is the main hub for buses plying countrywide. The all-season Pokhara Airport with regular flights to Kathmandu and Mustang are operated by various domestic and
10152-444: The right beginning of birth 'cradle to the tomb' is performed on the sacred teen chula without Teen Chula no rituals can be done. In Rai culture, Teen Chula is the gate-way to enter in the real and practical day to day life. There is (Suptulung) 'Teen Chula' in every house of Rai. It is buried on one side of the inner corner of the house. It said that "Dash Rai Dash Bhasa Ek Chula" "There is Same Teen Chula of all ten diversified Rai" it
10260-521: The southern shore of Phewa Lake and Sarangkot , which is northwest of the city. In February 2004, International Mountain Museum (IMM) was opened for public in Ratopahiro to boost the city's tourism. Other museums are Pokhara Regional Museum; an ethnographic museum; Annapurna Natural History Museum which houses preserved specimens of flora and fauna, and contains a particularly extensive collection of
10368-409: The system of polygamy has declined greatly for legal reason and due to change of attitude. Some traditional important types of marriage found among Rai are: a) Chori Biha (theft marriage): It is called Chori Biha by Rai. If a man takes a woman away from her home secretly without informing her parents, it is called 'theft marriage'. This sort of marriage is a bit different from 'love marriage', in that
10476-1477: The time of the 2021 Nepal census , Pokhara Metropolitan City had a population of 599,504. Of these, 78.8% spoke Nepali , 11% Gurung , 2.4% Magar , 2.4% Newar , 1.4% Tamang , 0.8% Bhojpuri , 0.6% Hindi , 0.6% Maithili , 0.3% Tharu , 0.3% Urdu , 0.2% Magar Kham , 0.2% Rai , 0.2% Thakali , 0.1% Bengali , 0.1% Bhujel , 0.1% Chantyal , 0.1% Limbu and 0.1% other languages as their first language. In terms of ethnicity/caste, 28.0% were Hill Brahmin , 16.1% Gurung , 15.4% Chhetri , 9.1% Magar , 6.8% Kami , 5.4% Newar , 3.3% Damai /Dholi, 2.8% Tamang , 2.0% Sarki , 1.4% Gharti/ Bhujel , 1.4% Thakuri , 0.9% Badi , 0.9% Musalman , 0.9% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.8% Rai , 0.6% Tharu , 0.5% Kumal , 0.5% Thakali , 0.2% Chhantyal , 0.2% other Dalit , 0.2% Kalwar , 0.2% Kathabaniyan, 0.2% Sonar , 0.2% Teli , 0.1% Bengali , 0.1% Dura, 0.1% foreigners, 0.1% Gaine , 0.1% Ghale , 0.1% Hajjam /Thakur, 0.1% Halwai , 0.1% Koiri / Kushwaha , 0.1% Limbu , 0.1% Majhi, 0.1% Sherpa , 0.1% Sunuwar , 0.1% other Terai and 0.1% Yadav . In terms of religion, 82.4% were Hindu , 13.2% Buddhist , 2.4% Christian , 0.9% Muslim , 0.6% Bon , 0.2% Prakriti , 0.1% Kirati and 0.2% others. In terms of literacy, 84.3% could read and write, 1.4% could only read and 14.3% could neither read nor write. Caste and Ethnic groups in Pokhara language in Pokhara Since
10584-582: The time when Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Kirat region. In this historical period, Waling Hang was the king in Hatuwā Gaḍhi (Majh Kirat) in across the Arun River . The kings of Hatuwa extended their rule over part of Khalsa . The Khalsa territory present day Ankhisalla , Dhankuta District ruled by King Budhahang . Budhahang disappeared when Prithivi Narayan Shah attacked him. It is said that during
10692-540: The time, was largely inhabited by Khas ( Brahmin , Chhetri and Dalits ), Gurungs , Magars and Thakuri . At present, the Khas , Gurung (Tamu) and Magar form the dominant community of Pokhara. There is also a sizeable Newari population in the city. Batulechaur in the far north of Pokhara is home to the Gandharvas or Gaaineys (the tribe of the musicians). The nearby hills around Pokhara are covered by Gurung villages with few places belonging to
10800-433: The village of Lumle at 1,740 metres (5,710 feet) touches the base of the Annapurna mountain range . Pokhara, the city of lakes, is the second-largest city of Nepal after Kathmandu . Three 8,000-metre (26,000-foot) peaks ( Dhaulagiri , Annapurna , Manaslu ) can be seen from the city. The Machhapuchchhre ( Fishtail ) with an elevation of 6,993 metres (22,943 feet) is the closest to the city. The porous underground of
10908-513: The war with the Shah king, he could revive dead Kirati warriors who were killed. On 29 August 1772, Ram Krishna Kanwar crossed Dudhkoshi river enter Chaudandi to invade of Kirant and Saptari region with fellow commander Abhiman Singh Basnyat . Khambu Kirati Youths who were skilled archers, stemmed the advance of the Gorkhali troops at every step with their arrows. they inflicted heavy losses on
11016-550: The way, near Sarangkot hill, high mountain sports activity, paragliding is a good attraction for tourists as well as domestic tourists for adventure activities Nearby Sarangkot hill has developed as a good attraction for adventure activities such as paragliding and skydiving . The Pokhara city marathon, high altitude marathon are some activities attracting mass participation. Adventure sports such as base jumping, paragliding, canyoning, rock climbing, bungee jumping, etc. are targeted towards tourists. Pokhara Rhinos represents
11124-399: The wife of another man away in her consent for the purpose of marriage is called Zari Biha in Rai community. In such a case, a certain amount of cash is paid as a penalty by the woman's new husband to the earlier one. c) Senzi Zari Biha (widow marriage): In Rai community, there is not any social prohibition for the widows to marry. A widow or widower is allowed to get married, though it is not
11232-510: The world. The Nepali word " Pokhari " ( Nepali : पोखरी , pronounced [ˈpokʰʌɾi] ) means "pond". pokhara is a variant of Pokhari as the city has numerous ponds. By radiocarbon dating and investigating the alluvial deposits of Pokhara Valley, researchers have found that there were at least three large medieval earthquakes in 1000, 1255, and 1344 AD . Up to 9 cubic kilometres of conglomerates, massive mud and silt show indications of one or several megafloods that emanated from
11340-484: The world. Every year, many people visit the location in order to travel to the Annapurna range and famous religious place muktinath. The tourist district is along the north shore of the Phewa lake ( Baidam , Lakeside, and Damside). It is mainly made up of small shops, non-star tourist hotels, restaurants, and bars . Most upscale and starred hotels are on the southern shore of the Phewa Lake and southeastern fringes of
11448-400: The year to the ancestors' cooking a lot of varieties of food (including alcohol) to offer to the ancestors. this puja is performed by a priest or elder people (male) of the house performing all the rituals. During the Nwagi celebration, family relatives are also invited to the house, different kinds of food and alcohol are served to the guests, relatives chat with each other and the day ends with
11556-707: Was declared as the tourism capital of Nepal, being a base for trekkers undertaking the Annapurna Circuit through the Annapurna Conservation Area region of the Annapurna ranges in the Himalayas . The city is also home to many of the elite Gurkha soldiers, soldiers native to South Asia of Nepalese nationality recruited for the British Army , Nepalese Army , Indian Army , Gurkha Contingent Singapore , Gurkha Reserve Unit Brunei , UN peacekeeping forces and in war zones around
11664-662: Was established in Nepal by defeating last Kirati King 'Khigu', according to Gopal genealogy, 'Galiz' according to language-genealogy and 'Gasti', according to Wright genealogy. Chyasal is the place of final battlefield for Kiratis and Lichhavis . About 250 A.D. Kirati rule end in Kathmandu Valley and Kiratis moved towards east. Various ancient historical, archeological sites related to history of Kiratis and Kirati period in Kathmandu Valley like Chyasal , Patan Durbar , Patuk Don , Gokarna , Thankot , Birupakshya , Lalitpur , Akash Bhairav etc. According to historians
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