The Sunuwar People: A Distinct Indigenous Identity

Welcome to Our Sunuwar Cultural Heritage Page

The Sunuwar are one of Nepal’s indigenous ethnic groups, belonging to the larger Kirat community. Known also by the name Koits, the Sunuwar possess their own distinct language, culture, and traditions that reflect a deeply rooted connection with nature, spirituality, and ancestral heritage. Their social structure, customary practices, and worldview set them apart as a unique community within Nepal’s diverse cultural landscape.

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Ethnic Identity

Sunuwar are a part of the Kirati lineage and are traditionally nature-worshippers and ancestor-worshippers. They follow the Mugdum system, which governs cultural and religious practices within the community. Their traditional rituals from birth to death are conducted by spiritual leaders called Nhaso and Ponib.

These rituals are not only religious but also serve as a means of preserving the Sunuwar way of life, handed down through generations.

Language and Linguistic Family

The Sunuwar people speak their native language Sunuwari, also known as Koich Lo. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family and is rich in oral tradition, used in storytelling, folk songs, and cultural ceremonies.

Closely related ethnic groups such as the Hayu, Surel, Jirel, Jero, and Wahing also share linguistic similarities, forming a broader Koich-speaking cultural network.

Geographic Distribution

Sunuwar communities primarily reside in central and eastern Nepal, particularly in districts like Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Khotang, Bhojpur, and Sindhuli. These areas  rich in rivers, forests, and hills are considered sacred in Sunuwar culture.

In recent times, many Sunuwar individuals have migrated abroad, and they are now found in India, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond, contributing to a growing global Sunuwar diaspora.

Historical Background

Historically, the Sunuwar people have been referred to as the inhabitants along the Sun Koshi River, especially during the unification of Nepal under King Prithvi Narayan Shah. Their role in various historical events affirms their longstanding presence and contribution to Nepal’s socio-cultural fabric.

Social Structure and Clans

The Sunuwar community is composed of many clans and lineages, which serve as key identifiers of heritage and family history. These clans often derive from geographic locations, traditional occupations, or ancestral names.

Some notable Sunuwar clans include:

No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan	No.	Clan
1	Kyuitich	2	Karsing	3	Kyab	4	Kalang	5	Kamlich	6	Kormoch	7	Khyompatich	8	Gongroch	9	Gauroch	10	Ngawach	11	Jancha	12	Jehtich	13	Jespuch	14	Jimlung	15	Jipu
16	Jijich	17	Thangrach	18	Tursuch	19	Tunich	20	Dasuch	21	Debbach	22	Digarch	23	Durbich	24	Namlich	25	Parghach	26	Blamlich	27	Wangnami	28	Bomnach	29	Bigynach	30	Balaach
31	Mulich	32	Yaata	33	Yelung	34	Rujich	35	Rudich	36	Rupach	37	Rawach	38	Linuch	39	Laspach	40	Lonkuch	41	Lunkhich	42	Lorung	43	Lopa	44	Laram	45	Wangde
46	Songana	47	Sujich	48	Sonkuch	49	Sochul	50	Phatich	51	Shushuch	52	Ongra	53	Hetam	54	Dalamukhi	55	Bunganami	56	Lamaje	57	Ghurmich	58	Tamach	59	Huknich	60	Pamich

Several of these have sub-clans such as:

• Kyaba: Bagale Kyab, Rarali Kyab, Tumli Kyab
• Kalang: Kauni Fuche, Kharangpanchho
• Jentich: Saduwa Jeti, Waracha Jeti
• Yata: Garshi Yata, Bamna Yata, Okhar Yata, Glamsi Yata, Suri Yata

These clans and sub-clans provide insight into the community's ancestral migration and settlement history.

Traditions and Beliefs

Sunuwar religious practices are led by Nhaso (ritual leaders) and Ponib (Poynibo/Poynib) (priests). All life-cycle events such as naming ceremonies, weddings, and funerals are conducted according to the Mugdum code of Kirat  tradition.

Sunuwars are deeply spiritual people who worship natural elements forests, rivers, the sun, moon, and sacred landforms. Their ancestor worship is a central part of their cultural identity, performed with reverence and traditional rituals.

The 29 Kirati Kings

As part of the Kirat lineage, the Sunuwar community recognizes the ancient 29 Kirati Kings who ruled (5000 years ago) in early history. These monarchs are celebrated figures in Kirat tradition, remembered for their leadership, justice, and protection of cultural values.

Some of these rulers include:

1. Yalambar
2. Pari
3. Skandha,
4. Balamba
5. Hriti
6. Humati
7. Jitedasti
8. Galinja
9. Oyashja
10. Suyarma
11. Pappa
12. Bunka
13. Swananda
14. Sthunko
15. Jingghri
16. Nane
17. Luka
18. Thor
19. Thoko
20. Verma
21. Gunja
22. Puska
23. Kesu
24. Suja
25. Sans
26. Gunam
27. Khimbu
28. Paruka
29. Gasti.

Their contributions are vital in understanding the ancient socio-political structure of the Kirat people.

Modern-Day Identity

In the modern era, the Sunuwar community is increasingly asserting its ethnic and cultural identity. With ongoing efforts in language preservation, cultural revival, education, and social development, the Sunuwar people are shaping a stronger and more visible presence in Nepali society and abroad.

Organizations and initiatives dedicated to preserving Sunuwar heritage are playing an important role in connecting generations and fostering pride in cultural roots.

The Sunuwar people are an indigenous community of Nepal with a vibrant and unique identity rooted in nature worship, language, tradition, and kinship. As one of the Koits /Kirat groups, their legacy is not only a part of history but a living cultural treasure for future generations.

Honoring and preserving the language, rituals, and knowledge systems of the Sunuwar is not just important for the community itself, but for the cultural richness of Nepal as a whole.