Nakchhong

Nakchhong, the kirat priest.

Nakchhong (नाक्छोङ) are priests of the Kirati people, an ethnic group that is predominantly located in the Himalayas.

Nakchhong maintain a vegetarian diet as part of their spiritual regime. The Kirati believe that Nakchhong are chosen bodies of good spirits. One of the foremost Kirat, Mundhum, has taught that there are two types of spirits. Rumahang, the divine spirit, is a supreme spirit who created the universe and living beings on this earth. Rumahang represents truth, happiness, compassion and love. Conversely, the devil spirit represents destruction, jealousy and hatred. Thus, Nakchhong act under Rumahang against the devil spirits.

Those who possess a magical weapon (any kind of BAN to harm or kill another) are regarded as chosen bodies of the devil spirit. On the other hand, Nakchhong do not have any magical weapons to harm or kill other living beings.

Nakchhong frequently work with the following materials:

• अदुवा (Kirat culture)ginger
• Pokhemma
• Tupla (cut pieces of the front part of a banana leaf)
• Chindo: Gourd filled with Jand (millet beer)