Day 25 - The Kulung Nationality 

Located in eastern Nepal in the districts of Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasawa, Khotang, Bhojpur, and Sunsari

The Kulungs are one of the many sub-groups of the Rai nationality. They are mostly farmers, growing rice and maize and raising animals such as goats, pigs, and chickens. They speak their own language, known as Kulung, but many can speak basic Nepali as well. The literacy rate for this group is very low, as there is no written form for the Kulung language and less than 5% can read or write Nepali. 

The women are very talented in making clothing and are well-known for their ability to make vest coats made from nettle plants which the Kulung men wear. As in most Rai groups, the women wear a large piece of cloth wrapped around their head called a cheknum. It is common for Kulungs to intermarry with other Nepali groups, but they are not allowed to marry a Brahman or Chetri. 

The Kulungs are Animists and worship their ancestors. They do, however, celebrate some of the Hindu festivals and worship some of the Hindu gods, such as Shiva. The majority of Kulungs have heard about Jesus. Many of them understand what sin is and have even heard the gospel message in person. However, they often persecute those who try to share the gospel with them and can be quite verbally abusive to new believers within their group. There is a strong movement amongst the Kulungs to revive and preserve their culture, traditions, and religion.

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