Thulung in Nepal

Introduction / History

The Thulung people speak Thulung or Thulunge Rai, which is part of the Kiranti language group. They live in eastern Nepal, specifically in the Sankhuwasabha, Bhojpur, Dhankuta and Khotang districts.

What Are Their Lives Like?

They are subsistence farmers who grow rice, millet, maize and root vegetables. They also raise livestock for meat. Sometimes they hunt and gather edible items from the nearby forests.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Thulung people practice Hinduism, the ancient religion of India. Hinduism is a catch-all phrase for the local religions of South Asia, so it is very diverse. At the popular level, Hindus worship and serve the gods of the Hindu pantheon. They visit Hindu temples and offer prayers, food, flowers, and incense to their gods in hopes of gaining protection and benefits. They do not have a personal or familial relationship with their gods like Christians or Jews. There are other Hindus who are much more philosophical, especially among the Brahmins.

Almost all Hindus participate in yearly celebrations like Holi, the festival of colors and the start of spring / Diwali, the festival of lights / Navratri, the celebration of autumn / and Rama Navami, Rama’s birthday.

What Are Their Needs?

The Thulung tribe has been marginalized and discriminated against. To fight against this, they are trying to promote their language and culture, especially their traditional knowledge.

Prayer Points

Pray for loving workers to go to the Thulung people until there are disciples who make more disciples.

Pray the Lord will prepare the hearts of the Thulung to understand and to believe the gospel.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Thulung people with adequate education and medical facilities.

Pray for the Lord to bless the Thulung people so abundantly that they will see he is the only one worthy of praise and worship.

Text Source:   Joshua Project