Day 17 - The Thakali Nationality 

Primarily located in the southern part of the Mustang District 

IThe Thakali people are primarily located on the western side of the Kali Gandhaki Gorge of the Kali river. There are many myths about their possible origin. Most of them trace the Thakali people to the Thakulis of Jumla area though if this is true, there was a good deal of assimilation with the local people and an adoption of the local language. 

The Thakali were originally animists, who were then influenced by Bon, Buddhism and finally they have also taken on characteristics of Hinduism. Thus, their religious beliefs and worship practices are influenced by all of these. They worship the Hindu goddess Mahalaxmi, and celebrate the Hindu festivals of Dasai and Tihar, but also have special worship ceremonies for their ancestors, for the snake god, and they observe Tibetan festivals as well. 

Thakali men usually obtain their brides by abducting a girl whom they like while she is gathering wood in the forest or getting water from the stream. She is then taken to the boy's home and kept for several days. After that, word is sent to her parents who usually agree to the marriage and then begin discussion about the wedding. 

Economically, the Thakali have profited from the tourist trade, and one of their main occupations, other than farming, is the housing of trekkers coming through their area. They are also able to gain an income through food stalls and restaurants, both on the trekking routes and in transit cities. The Thakalis have also made a profit by trading of goods from Tibet into Nepal. 

This group is still almost completely unreached with the gospel. A few have heard of and even accepted Christ, but there is still no Thakali speaking church and no Bible in their language. 

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