Day 23 - The Khaling Nationality 

Located in eastern Nepal, primarily in the Solukhumbu district

The Khaling are one of the many sub-groups of the Rai nationality. They speak their own language, know as Khaling, but most can also speak very basic Nepali as well. Their primary occupation is agriculture and they grow millet, rice and corn. 

Their physical features include that of a broad face, thin lips, brown eyes, black hair, and a medium build. The men wear long shirts with pants underneath and a long cloth wrapped around their waists. The women wear skirts and cholos (blouses). They also like to wear big earrings and nose rings both on the side and in the middle of their nose. Both men and women wear a bangara (outer vest), while the women wear a tangkhonbi (scarf-like cloth piece on their heads) and the men are usually seen wearing hats. 

The religion of the Khalings is an interesting mixture of Animism, Shamanism and Hinduism. Although they have adapted many Hindu customs and celebrate Hindu festivals, they certainly cannot be classified as Hindus. Mysticism is a prominent force in their beliefs and traditions. For example, when a person dies, they believe that his spirit becomes dangerous and must be sent away from their village. 

More than half of the Khalings have heard the name of Jesus and there are Christians living in most Khaling villages, so they have ready access to the gospel should they seek it. However, very few really understand who Jesus is or what He did here on earth. The Khaling society often verbally abuses or threatens Christians. However, their culture is more open to change than the traditional Hindu societies.

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