Wambule Rai celebrate Dhwangkumpurne 2064

By Ganesh Rai
Kathmandu, 29 August 2007

We, the Wambule Rai celebrated the Dhwangkumpurne festival on Tuesday VS 2064 Bhadau 11 (August 28, 2007) at Imadol-7, Lalitpur, Nepal. The program was organized by Wambule Rai Society, Nepal (WAMRAS). It was the 7th annual Dhwangkum which we celebrated in the Kathmandu Valley.

Dhwangkum is part of the traditional culture of the Wambule Rai (Kiranti) of eastern part of Nepal, which is also known by its historical name ‘Wallo Kirat’. In the past, before the unification of Nepal, the Kiranti worshipped nature and ancestors. They sacrificed an ox for Libju Upo (Libju Devata ‘God’) and they shared the meat among the people to eat. The Wambule Rai gathered at Dhwangkumtar in Umbu, Okhaldungga. This tradition is still being continued, but after the unification of Nepal, the government banned to sacrifice oxen. So the Wambule Rai started to sacrifice buffaloes.

All of the Wambule people collect maize, rice, ricebeer and wine at Dhwangkumtar, and they call their priests (of which there are four types, viz. ‘dhwankurumo nakso’, ‘sisi nakso’, ‘khaumo nakso’ and ‘bulu nakso’) to preside over the Dhwangkum puja (worshipping). All the villagers get together and celebrate the traditional culture.

After the nakso have finished worshipping nature and ancestors and praised the Mundhum (religious holy mantra like the Hindu Veda or Christian Bible), all the participants take ricebeer, wine and prasad (something that is first offered to a deity and then consumed). Then they start to sing the songs called ‘Sangina chamdo’. Especially women, girls and others start singing the lyrics ‘Koshi ko kinar ma kya phulai phulyo makamali phulai phulyo dajai saharai ramailo’ (Nepali). They clap their hands step by step. It is dependend upon the lyrics and foot steps. The song is started by a woman leader. The tradition is still alive among the Kirat Wambule Rai living in the Kathmandu valley, who remember their village and tradition.

So, we got together in the valley yearly in Dhwangkumpurne (or ‘Janai Purnima’ as the Hindus call it). This year, we honoured Mr. Pradip Kumar Rai (Byakul Maila), writer of the the new national anthem of Nepal (‘Sayaun Thunga Phoolka Hami Eutai Mala Nepali...’ ). And, we gave appreciation certificates to Wambule Rai students who had passed te SLC (School Living Certificate) examination VS 2064.

The program was attended by 175 members (according to the attendance register). Our chief guest was Mr. Kul Bahadur Rai (69), senior member of the gathering program. Chair person was Mrs. Mahendra Sari Rai, who is an active member of WAMRAS. Mr. Abinath Rai, Wambule Rai Dictionary maker, journalists Mr. Gajur Dhan Rai and Mr. Ganesh Rai, Program co-ordinator Mr. Jiwan Rai, lifemember Mr. Jaduman Rai, Mr. Rudra Bahadur Rai, members Mr. Tikha Bir Rai, Mr. Jeshan Rai, Mrs. Chandra Kala Rai, a student leader and others.

The Wambule youngsters enjoyed singing and dancing during the night at Dhwangkumpurne, in Imadol, Lalitpur.