Nepal’s 3,578 Lepchas listed as endangered Indigenous nationality face challenge of preserving identity
Summary
Nepal’s Lepcha community, numbering 3,578 according to the 2021 census, is working to preserve its language, rituals, and identity amid migration and a declining use of the mother tongue. The article highlights efforts in Ilam and Koshi Province to sustain Lepcha cultural continuity through education, community practices, and heritage preservation.
Key Points
- Nepal’s Lepcha population stands at 3,578, with most residing in Ilam District of Koshi Province.
- Community leaders and researchers warn that population growth has not prevented erosion of the Lepcha language and cultural practices.
- Rong Rural Municipality has begun efforts to prepare Lepcha-language textbooks for schools, but teacher training and family support remain essential.
- Traditional rituals, including Kanchenjunga Worship and Nwagi Worship, remain central to preserving Lepcha identity and oral history.
