Mythologies of the Lhomi (Shingsaba) Tribe

Lhomi (Shingsaba) is one of the 59 indigenous community in Nepal, officially recognized Nepal government under the National Foundation for Development of Indigenous Nationalities Act, 2058 (2002) Clause (a) of Section 2. Lhomi is one of the highly marginalized indigenous communities also known as Karbhote and Shingsaba, living on the steep terraces on the both sides of the deep gorge, in north eastern Nepal alongside the Upper Arun valley and Barun valley, the area is famously known as Bhotkhola. They call themselves Singhsapa or Lhomi. The people living alongside of Singhsa, or Singhsawa of Sankhuwasabha are famously known as Singsaba or Lhomi. The ancestral territory of them is north eastern part of Nepal residing alongside the Upper Arun valley and Barun valley and locally known as Bhotkhola. The lifestyles, culture and customs of Lhomis are akin to Tibetan, the neighbors in the north. They adhere to Bon and Buddhism. Lhomi (Shingsaba) have many subgroups made up of various family groups like the Thieppa, Nuppa, Khumbuwa, Pongsuwa, Bhoecha, Nava and Chyaba and so on. They have their own customary practices and customary institution, the head of customary institution is called ‘Goba’ and ‘Gembu’. They undertake various functions of the village such as administration, protections and administration of justice, collecting of taxes and so on. They have deep faith in shamans and believe in ghosts and spirits. The marriage, death and birth as well as majority of festivals and festivity rituals are performed by shamans. According to the latest National Census 2011, their population is 15,000. Of the total population, as many as 1,614 Lhomi speak their mother-tongue ‘Lhoket-Lhomi’. The mother tongue spoken by Lhomi (Shingsaba) community is called Lhoket-Lhomi language, comes from Tibeto-Burman language family. Nepal Lhomi Society (NELHOS) has been developing non-formal education courses and carrying out bilingual literacy programme in villages where Lhomi communities are residing since 2010, so as has published Lhomi-Nepali-English dictionary. There are almost one dozens of books both--fiction and non-fiction-- literary books, story book, children story, collection of poem, proverb & Idiom, traditional song book, health book, DVD literacy, including various pamphlets, brochures, pocketbooks which have been published and widely distributed on Lhoket-Lhomi language. Similarly, a monthly magazine entitled, ‘Thorangkachyen’ also has also been regularly being published on Lhoket-Lhomi language, the government run national daily ‘Gorkhapatra’ also has allocated at least a page on Lhomi language published once in 15 days, under its multi language department. According to the latest national Census 2011, of their total population of 15,000, only about 1,614 Lhomi speak their mother-tongue -Lhoket-Lhomi. Besides Nepal, Lhoket-Lhomi language is also spoken in India and China.

There are also about 1,000 speakers of Lhomi in Tibet Automomous Region of China, and about 1,320 in Darjeeling in West Bengal in the northeast of India. Lhomi is also known as Lhoket, Lhomi dzyükki keccyok or Lhomiki keccyok. The name Lhomi means "southern language". Lhomi speakers are also known as Shingsaba. Lhomi is used in literature and newspapers in Nepal, and is written with the Devanagari alphabet. Most Lhomi speakers also speak Nepali, and speakers of Eastern Tamang, Gurung, Khaling, Naaba and Thudam use Lhomi as a second language. Although they are considered part of the Tibetan nationality, the Lhomi possess their own distinct language and culture. Lhomi means "southern people." The Lhomi are a Tibetan people who have been influenced by non-Tibetans over the course of many centuries. This has led to the mixture of cultural, linguistic and religious traits that today identify them as a distinct people group. They live in India, China and Nepal. Over the past 20 years, some Lhomi in Nepal have moved and settled down in the nation's capital, Katmandu, where they work as laborers and builders. Most of the Lhomi men who work in Katmandu send money back to their families. They are only able to travel back to their home villages oLhomi is a member of the Central Bodish branch of the Tibeto-Burman language family. It is spoken mainly in the Kosi Zone of eastern Nepal, particularly in the Arun valley in northern Sankhuwasabha district. In 2014 there were about 7,000 speakers of Lhomi in Nepal. Sacrifice is abhorrent to orthodox Buddhists, the Lhomis make several ritual animal sacrifices during the year." Before millet is planted in September, the Lhomi kill three sheep to placate the patron deity of their village.

Lhomi alphabet and pronunciation

The Lhomi (Shingsa) region is where the Arun River enters Nepal from Tibet, and is situated to the north of the district of Sankhuwasava. The inhabitants of Shingsa are called Shingsapas or Shingsa. They enjoy cultural and social affinity and geographical proximity with the Sherpas and other northerners. They adhere to Bon and Buddhism. The village headman is called Goba and Gempoo. They migrate to the lower hills during winter. Most are engaged in farming and some are in trade. The Shingsa society had already been formed in Darjeeling in India as far back as circa 1914. The Bhutia/Bhote, who live on the steep terraces on both sides of the deep canyon made by the Arun River as it enters Nepal from Tibet, call themselves Shingsa. As the place is also known as Singhsa, the people living in that place, the Shingsa or Karbhotes, are also known as Singhsapa of Sankhuwasabha. Among the various indigenous peoples living in the northern part of country, the area inhabited by is considered the most difficult. Although the lifestyle of the Shingsapas is similar to the Tibetans to the north, they also display some of their own specialties.The Lhomi(Shingsapas) live in the half a dozen villages of Chepuwa, Hatiya, Hunggung, Gomba, Rukama, Chyamtang, Namche, Seksum, Shembung etc in the northern part of Sankhuwasava on the two sides of the Arun River and Barun River. They are a small minority group living in a remote area. Their population is estimated about 10000. The Lhomi(Shingsapas) have own separate language called Lhoket(lhm) Shingsapaki-keyk, similar with Tibetan or Sherpa language with some local dialectal variations. The Shingsapas do have special ceremonies prior to marriage, and the formal ceremony related to marriage. The wife's family and relatives offer gifts. If a husband takes another wife, he has to leave the household. The head of the village, Goba, also receives marriage tax. After death and during cremation the Lama and Loben have a considerable role to play. The houses of Lhomi(Shingsapas) are made of stone, wood and bamboo. The Lhomi(Shingsapas) go down to the plains to trade during winter but do not have much trade contacts with the north. The Lhomi(Shingsapas) have many subgroups made up of various family groups like the Thikeppa, Nuppa, Khumbuwa, Pongsuwa, Bhoecha, and Pongsuwa. The head of social organizations is the Goba and Gembu. They undertake various functions of the village like administration, protection, collecting of taxes, punishment, etc. Although the Shingsapas are Buddhists, they believe in ghosts and spirits and have deep faith in shamans. They practice animal sacrifice in all ritual. When people and cattle die, they call upon shamans believing that the deaths occurred because the ghost became angry or the dead became inflicted with ghosts and spirits. There are monasteries in every village, and the Shingsapas had received the government's seal to collect tax in the village. They collect taxes from bridges, land and honey hunter. The Shingsapas cut goat in the months of Jeth and Bhadou and celebrate. The occupation of Shingsapa is farming and raising livestock, which includes the raising of sheep. They are not till now involved like the Sherpas and others in the tourism profession, wherever some of them have been able to become porters, guides to tourists and everest summiter. The Shingsapas go to the southern districts like Sunsari, Saptari and Sarlhahi during the winter months to engage in trade.

Nestled amidst the breathtaking peaks of the Himalayas, Nepal is a mosaic of diverse cultures and ethnicities. Among these, the Lhomi tribe shine as guardians of ancient traditions, linguistic richness, and spiritual wisdom. In this exploration of the Lhomi ethnicity, we embark on a journey through their vibrant culture, unique language, and profound spiritual practices, unraveling the rich tapestry of their heritage. Drawing from reliable sources including academic publications, cultural studies, and reputable news sources up to September 2021, we delve into the captivating world of the Lhomi community.

Historical Roots and Cultural Heritage

The Lhomi people, rooted in the eastern regions of Nepal, boast a cultural heritage adorned with colorful festivals and exquisite handicrafts. Their customs, deeply intertwined with the surrounding Himalayan landscape, reflect a harmonious relationship with nature and their ancestors. Through centuries, the Lhomi community has safeguarded their traditions, creating a cultural legacy that adds depth to Nepal's diverse heritage.

Unique Language and Linguistic Richness

A defining feature of Lhomi culture is their unique language, a linguistic gem that showcases their distinct identity. Their language not only binds the community together but also serves as a testament to their cultural heritage. Efforts to preserve and document this linguistic richness are essential in ensuring the continuity of their unique heritage.

Spirituality and Sacred Rituals

Lhomi spirituality is deeply rooted in animism and Buddhism, giving rise to elaborate ceremonies and rituals that celebrate their connection with the natural world. These practices are not just religious observances but also expressions of their reverence for the Himalayas and the divine forces they believe inhabit the mountains.

Cultural Practices and Artistic Expressions

Lhomi festivals are vibrant spectacles, filled with traditional dances, melodious music, and intricate artistic expressions. Their handwoven textiles and other crafts are exquisite manifestations of their creativity and cultural heritage. Preserving these artistic traditions is vital for passing down their skills and maintaining the cultural richness of the community.

The Lhomi people live high in the eastern part of Nepal. The name itself describes the people and their history. “Lho” means “southern” and “-mi” means “people.” The Lhomi, ancestrally, are Tibetan people that migrated south to this region and now live in isolated villages that cling to the steep mountainsides surrounding the Arun Valley. There are 18 villages which are separated by dramatic terrain. Each village has slightly different traditions and understandings of their traditional festivals. When SIL LEAD consultant, Agatha van Ginkel, recently visited the Lhomi to conduct an evaluation of their adult literacy program, she began by flying from Kathmandu to the furthest village, Chepuwa, in a helicopter and then trekking to the other villages. According to the Ethnologue, the Lhomi population in Nepal, Tibet, and India is around 15,000. They are recognized by the Nepali government as an indigenous nationality but the education offered in local government schools has been only in Nepali, the national language of Nepal. Lhomi students experience high dropout rates and low attendance because of this language barrier. However, there are members of the Lhomi community who have started the Nepal Lhomi Society (NELHOS) to promote health education, adult literacy and development, libraries, and mother-tongue based multilingual education preschool programs. Village Youth Associations, mothers’ groups, and village committees, have been instrumental in programs like this that have helped to improve education and literacy among the Lhomi people and will continue to do so in the coming years. Just as they work hard to be self-sustaining, the Lhomi people are working hard to help preserve their language.