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Sunuwar Poeple

The origin of the Sunwar people is unknown, but it is probable that they came from the east because they look very similar to the Chinese peoples. They are rather short with a fair complexion and slanted eyes.

Agriculture is the main occupation of the Sunwars. They grow rice, wheat, and barley in the river valleys, and maize and millet on the hill slopes. They live in one-story houses built of stone and mud. The walls are white washed and the windows painted black.

They worship their ancestors, perform animal sacrifices, and call evil spirits at their festivals. Every village has two priests that are called upon to perform these and many other rituals for the people.

The Sunwar are the inhabitants of Likhukhola of Okhaldhunga district. Traditionally, they were the hunter-gatherers. They have their own dialect from Tibeto-Burman family. Chandi Purnima, Marga Shukla Purnima (the full moon day sometime in November) is their main festival. Agriculture is the main occupation of the community. The Sunwar youths join the Gurkha regiments of the British and Indian armies. A typical Sunwar carries a Khukuri in his waistband. They believe on Kiranti religion. Dhol, Jyamta, and Murchunga are the musical instruments.

Sunuwars live in the land between the Likhu and Khimti rivers and in the districts of Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap and Dolkha. They have their own unique language and culture. They had their kipat rights on their ancestral lands. Because of their adherence to the Kirant religion, they are considered closer to the Rais. However, sociologists opine that they are more akin to the language and culture of the Magars with whom they also share similar physical resemblance. Sunuwars, Surels and Jirels are socially close-knit communities. Sunwars are mostly engaged in farming.