Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. Several ethnic groups are residing in this place for a long time. They are mainly responsible for the cultural diversity of the city. Some of the Kathmandu Ethnic Groups include, Newars, Tamangs and Kirati.
Kirati People
Among them Limbu and Rai belong to the cultural group of kirati. Kiratis are considered to be the ancestors of Limbu and Rai people. During the 7th century BC, these people established their kingdom in the valley of Kathmandu, and later they moved to the eastern part of Nepal. Many of the Kiratis are seen to be joining in armies. They are very brave and courageous. Mundhum is the religious text of the people of Limbu. They are the followers of Hinduism. Tibeto-Burman people are believed to be their ancestors.
Newars in Kathmandu
Beside Kiratis, there are also a number of Newars in Kathmandu. Though most of these people stay in Kathmandu valley, few others are also seen in the major business centers of Nepal. They usually speak in their mother tongue. They look very similar to the Mogolian people and are believed to be the descendants of the Tibeto-Burmans. These people mainly follow the religion of Buddhism and Hinduism. They comprise several castes and earn their livelihood through farming and trading goods.
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Tamangs
Apart from them, Tamangs are there in Kathmandu. Most of these people stay in the surrounding area of Kathmandu valley. A long time back, Tamangs came from the Asian country of Tibet. Buddhism is their main religion and Tamang is their mother tongue. For earning money they take the occupations of labors, farmers and porters.
It is believed that the varied topographical feature of the country has shaped ethnic people's culture and belief. Some other Kathmandu Ethnic Groups include, Gurung, Jirels, Magar, siar and larke people, olangchung people, lo pas of mustang, chhetris and brahmins, Kusundas, thakalis, Sunwars and many others.
Often ethnic groups are also separated on the basis of their occupation. Some of these divisions are:
- Dhibis - washer man
- Sarkis cobblers
- Khumbharas - porters
- Damais tailors
- Gaines- professional singers
Most of the people of those groups are the believers of Hinduism and speak in Nepali language. Each of them has their own practices and festivals.
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