Introduction To Panchthar Nepal

Panchthar is one of the districts located in Province No. 1 of eastern Nepal. It is situated in the hilly and mountainous region of the country. The district shares borders with the following districts:

– To the east: Taplejung District 

– To the west: Ilam District

– To the north: Sikkim, India

– To the south: Terhathum and Dhankuta Districts

There are many small and big pieces of stuff to share, But ill start with the eye-pleasing view of naked mountains, which you can find in front of your eyes from the window of a bus/taxi. The beautiful peaks of small bamboo and breathtaking altitude with a heart-freezing cold wind. Panchthar, Nepal is the eastern part of Nepal, Any non-residential person has to land in Kathmandu and have to travel for at least one day to reach there. People are heartful, polite, and Respecting. With that beautiful tone of namaste, they take the heart of visitors for sure. That’s why Panchthar Nepal is known as the Heart Of Tourism.

People and their cast in panchthar

As we can see through different online portals as a local, Nepal is a diverse, multi-lingual, multi-cultural, and multi-religious country. People live harmoniously and peacefully:

According to Wikipedia, This is the ratio of different castes of the Panchthar district nepal:

42.1% were Limbu,
13.8% Rai,
10.8% Hill Brahmin,
9.7% Chhetri,
7.1% Tamang,
3.4% Kami,
3.3% Magar,
2.2% Damai/Dholi,
1.9% Gurung,
1.4% Newar,
1.0% Sunuwar,
0.5% Sanyasi/Dasnami,
0.5% Sarki,
0.4% Sherpa,
0.3% Majhi,
0.3% Yakkha,
0.2% Gharti/Bhujel,
0.1% other Dalit,
0.1% Samgpang,
0.1% Teli and
0.4% others

Rai and Limbu and other Mongolian People: In panchthar Nepal the Rai and Limbu are two distinct ethnic groups indigenous to the eastern regions of Nepal, as well as parts of India and Bhutan. Both groups have their own unique languages, cultures, and traditions.

• Rai: The Rai people are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nepal’s eastern hills. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, which includes various traditional dances, songs, and rituals. The Rai language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Agriculture is an essential aspect of their livelihood, and they primarily cultivate rice, maize, millet, and other crops.
• Limbu: The Limbu people are another significant ethnic group in the eastern Himalayas, including parts of Nepal, India (Darjeeling and Sikkim), and Bhutan. The Limbu language is classified as a member of the Kiranti language family. Similar to the Rai people, the Limbu also have distinct cultural practices, including traditional dances, music, and religious ceremonies. Agriculture and animal husbandry are important economic activities for the Limbu people.
• Others: Many other casts like Gurung, Newar, Magar, sherpa, and Sunuwar come under the Mongolian category, which we commonly find in countries like Korea, Japan, China, Vietnam, Bhutan, and Thailand. I guess it would not be wrong if i say in a context-long history, that the ancestors of Mongolians from all over the world and Nepal might be the same.

Chhetri and Bahun and other Aryan People: In Panchthar Nepal Chhetri and Bahun are two of the major Hindu caste groups in Nepal, traditionally associated with higher social status and privilege. They are part of the broader Varnashram social hierarchy in Hinduism, with Chhetris often considered as warriors and rulers, while Bahuns have been associated with the role of priests and scholars.

• Chhetri: The Chhetri community historically held positions of power and authority in Nepal. They were traditionally involved in military and administrative roles. Chhetris have been known for their bravery and leadership qualities. Over time, their roles have diversified, and Chhetris can be found in various professions.
• Bahun: The Bahun community has traditionally been associated with religious and educational roles. Many Bahuns historically served as Hindu priests and scholars. They played a significant role in preserving and transmitting religious and cultural knowledge to the new generations. Like Chhetris, Bahuns have also ventured into various professions beyond their traditional roles, Many Bahun have been occupationally involved in farming. Worshiping Cows in special events and using cow’s urine as a spell in, Pujas and yagya’s is a regular schedule for common bahun people.
• Others: As previously Mongolians had some other cast people, similarly Aryans also have some other casts like kami, sharki, maajhi, etc.

It’s important to note that Nepal is a diverse country with many ethnic groups and cultures. These descriptions provide only a basic overview of the Rai, Limbu, Chhetri, Bahun, and other cast communities. for more detailed information you can follow this Wikipedia link to know more about caste diversification in Nepal.

About places and locations

The district’s administrative center is at Phidim, which serves as the headquarters of Panchthar Nepal. Panchthar is known for its natural beauty, scenic landscapes, and diverse ethnic communities. The region offers various trekking opportunities, including the famous trek to Pathibhara Devi Temple, a significant religious site for both Hindu and Buddhist pilgrims.

• Phidim: In Panchthar District, Phidim, is a charming town that holds local and international visitors with its serene ambiance and local culture. Surrounded by the Himalayan Peaks, Phidim offers a glimpse into the unique lifestyle of the region’s diverse communities. Explore its Flatten town over a big Mountain, absorb yourself in local traditions, and experience the warm hospitality that defines Phidim’s appeal. 
• Pauwa Bhanjyang: It is a place located at 2498 meters from sea level. As you can see it’s high, and might also Guess that it is a cold place. In winter 🥶 it’s common for here to fall snow. If you want to get peace from summer, This place might be a heavenly option due to its cold environment. 
• Ranitar: It is a very near place from Pauwa Bhanjyang. It may take Approximately 20 minutes to reach from Pauwa Bhangyang. Ranitar is a beautiful tourist attraction and every year thousands of visitors check in here for a memorable vacation trip.
• Others: There are many other tourist attractions in the Panchthar district i.e. Sadhutar, Kuibhir, Jor-pokhari, Miklajung, Etc. But including all places might make this blog post lengthy and boring, If you’re interested in knowing more about those places you can follow the link.

Language and vice versa

In Panchthar and the surrounding region, several languages are spoken due to the diverse ethnic groups residing in the area. Some of the languages spoken in Panchthar include:

Nepali: This is the official language of Nepal and is widely spoken and understood throughout the country, including Panchthar.

Limbu: The Limbu people are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal, and they primarily speak the Limbu language. It’s part of the Tibeto-Burman language family.

Rai: The Rai community is another significant ethnic group in the area, and they speak various languages from the Rai linguistic group, such as Khambu (Khaling), Bantawa, and others.

Nepali Bhasa (Newari): While Newari is primarily associated with the Kathmandu Valley, there might be some Newari speakers in Panchthar as well, especially due to migration and cultural interactions.

Other Languages: Additionally, smaller communities and ethnic groups may have their languages or dialects spoken within their communities.

It’s important to note that Nepal is incredibly diverse in terms of languages due to its many ethnic groups, and these languages often reflect the cultural and social diversity of the country.

Festivals And Celebrations

Certainly! Panchthar District, like the rest of Nepal, is rich in cultural diversity, and various festivals and celebrations are observed throughout the year. Here are some of the prominent festivals and celebrations celebrated in Panchthar District:

Tihar (Deepawali): This is a widely celebrated festival of lights in Nepal. It usually falls in October or November. During Tihar, people worship different animals like crows, dogs, and cows, and celebrate the bond between humans and animals.

Dashain: Dashain is one of the biggest and most important Hindu festivals in Nepal. It typically takes place in September or October. It is a time of family reunions, feasting, and receiving blessings from elders.

Maghe Sankranti: Celebrated in January, this festival marks the end of the winter solstice and the beginning of longer daylight hours. People take ritual baths in rivers and consume traditional foods like sesame seeds and molasses.

Sakela: Sakela is a traditional festival celebrated by the Rai community. It involves singing, dancing, and various cultural performances. It is usually observed during the month of Baisakh (April-May).

Ubhauli and Udhauli: These are two important Kirat Rai festivals. Ubhauli, celebrated in the spring, marks the beginning of the agricultural season, while Udhauli, celebrated in the fall, is a festival of thanksgiving for the harvest.

Fagu Purnima (Holi): Like in other parts of Nepal, Holi is celebrated with enthusiasm in Panchthar. It usually falls in March and involves the playful throwing of colored powders and water.

Chaite Dashain: This is a smaller version of the main Dashain festival and is celebrated in March or April.

Indra Jatra: This is a Newar festival that marks the end of the monsoon season and the beginning of autumn. It involves various cultural displays, including the Kumari Jatra, where the living goddess Kumari is paraded.

Makar Sankranti: Celebrated in January, this festival marks the transition of the sun into the zodiac sign of Capricorn. People fly kites and enjoy traditional foods during this time.

These are just a few examples of the festivals and celebrations that take place in Panchthar District. The exact dates of these festivals might vary from year to year based on the lunar calendar.