Day 16 - The Thulung Nationality 

Primarily located in the Solukhumbu, Okholdhunga, Khotang, Bhojpur, and Sankhuwasawa districts of Nepal 

IThe Thulungs are the second largest sub-group of the Rai nationality. It is believed that they came from Mongolia many centuries ago to settle in eastern Nepal. They speak their own language known as Thulung, but many can speak and read Nepali as well. 

They are mostly farmers, growing corn, rice, and millet. They eat most meats, but do not eat beef or mutton because they believe to do so will anger the gods and cause sickness or death. Most Thulung men wear a daura-sarwal, which is a long wrap around top with a vest and tight fitting pants underneath. The women wear a guniu, which is a lungi (wrap around skirt) made from cotton with a cholo (blouse). As in most Rai groups, the women wrap a long piece of cloth around their hair as a head covering. 

The Thulungs seldom intermarry with other groups. Marriages are usually arranged by the parents, but kidnapping brides is also a common practice. This is when a boy will have a friend kidnap the girl of his choice and the girl is kept under house arrest until she agrees to be his wife. 

The Thulungs are Animists, but also celebrate the main Hindu festivals such as Tihar and Dasain. They worship many gods and a variety of other things from dead ancestors to black stones. They also believe in a powerful creator god, whom they call Mamchyuni, who is their protector and provider. However, they see him as being very impersonal, and not loving, compassionate, or forgiving. Most Thulungs have heard the name of Jesus and many have even visited a church. However, most of them still do not understand what sin is and few could tell you what Jesus did when he came to earth. 

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