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The Limbu
Limbu is a branch of the Kirati tribe. They have a
tradition of inter marriage with other tribes particularly with the
Lepchas and in certain respects their habits are similar to those of the Lepchas. They have also matrimonial relation with the Rai or
Khambas. The Limbus
call themselves Yakthamba. One of the branches came via Lhasa and is called the
Lhasa gotra, while the other branch which came from Benaras is called the
Kashi gotra. The Limbu have their own priests, they are known as 'Phedangba'.
They conduct the religious ceremonies, and also deals in omen and forecasts. They have their own language,
called the Limbu Kura. Limbu marriage is often
conducted without the consent of the parents.
The Rai
The
Rai or Khambas much in common with the Limbus. By religion
they are Hindu. Men of their own, tribe called the 'home' serve as their priest.
But now-a-days, Brahmins are engaged to conduct rituals. They also engage
Bijuwas or occasionally a Phedangba or a Jhankri too ward off evil spirits.
Their marriage customs do not differ much from those of other Kirati tribes. The Rai people have a dialect of their own.
They have artistic talents. They are mainly agriculturists.
The
Magar
The Magars are another important tribe whose customs and
religious ceremonies closely conform to those of the Hindus. They have a
language of their own, known as Magar Kura which is of Tibeto-Burmese group.
There are
seven classes of Magar who are all socially equal. They are Ale, Burathoki,
Gharti, Pun, Rana, Roka and Thapa. Thapa is the largest class of the Magar.
Inter marriage is permissible among the classes.
The Gurang
The Gurang are basically agriculturists.
They are of Mongolian
origin and they profess Hinduism. But in the early period they were, in fact, fond
of using the services of the Lama instead of Brahmins for all priestly
function. Now-a-days, they have a different tendency and engage Brahmins
also. This tribe is divided into two branches, the Char Jat and Sora
Jat. But the distinction is now disappearing. Marriage between the two
branches is now common. The Gurungs have their own languages which is called the
Gurung Kura. The Gurungs in the urban areas now generally follow Hindu rituals.
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