CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN

COMMUNITIES

A report submitted to the Department of English Education

In partial fulfillment for the degree of Bachelor of Education in Research
Methodology in English, (Eng. Ed. 445)

Submitted to
Tribhuwan University
Faculty of Education
Dharan City College
Dharan 12, Chataraline

Submitted by
Subhanu Pokharel
Level: B.Ed. fourth year
Academic Year: 2081
Exam Roll No: 908370019
TU Reg. No:7-2-0007-0232-2017

2081

ii
 DECLARATION

I hereby declare that to the best of my knowledge this report is original; no part of it
was earlier submitted for the candidate of the research degree to any university. All the
sources of information had been specially acknowledging by reference to the authors
or institutions.

Date: 2082 / 02 / 15

ii
 RECOMMENDATION FOR EVALUATION

The project work report entitled “Cultural Differences Between Rai and Brahmin
Communities” submitted by Subhanu Pokharel of City College, Dharan, is prepared
under my supervision as per the procedure and format requirements laid by the Faculty
of Education, Tribhuwan University, as partial fulfillment of the requirements for the
award of the degree of Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.). I therefore, recommend the
project work report for evaluation.

Assistant Lecturer
Faculty of education
Dharan City College
Date:2082-02-15

iii
 EVALUATION AND APPROVAL

This research entitled “Cultural Differences Between Rai and Brahmin Communities “by
Subhanu Pokharel submitted to the Faculty of Education, Dharan City College, Tribhuwan
University has been approved by the undersigned members of research committee.

Internal Examiner External Examiner

iv
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

First of all, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to my advisor Mr. Arjun
Adhikari for his continuous guidance encouragement and support during the
preparation of this research. His patience and motivation played a vital role in
completing this study.

I am also thankful to the lecturers and department of Dharan City College especially
Mr. Bal Bahadur Basnet for his inspiring suggestion. I would like to acknowledge the
entire faculty for their support throughout the research journey. My special thanks go
to the people from the Rai and Brahmin communities who shared their cultural
experience with me. Their cooperation during interviews and surveys helped me gather
valuable data.

-Subhanu Pokharel

v
 ABSTRACT

This research entitled,” Cultural Differences between Rai and Brahmin

Communities” aims to explore the traditional, linguistic, ritual and social lifestyle
variations between two major indigenous ethnic groups of eastern Nepal. The research
focus on how cultural practice differ in terms of marriage, festival, clothing, food habits,
language use, belief systems and religious ceremonies. Data were collected using
questionnaires in selected areas of Dharan, Sunsari.

vi
 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Cover page i

Declaration ii
Recommendation for Evaluation iii
Evaluation and Approval iv
Acknowledgement v
Abstract vi
Table of contents vii-viii
List of Table ix
List of Abbreviation/ Acronyms x

CHAPTER-1: INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of the Study 1
1.2 Statement of the Problem 1
1.3 Objectives of the Study 2
1.4 Research Question 2
1.5 Significance of the Study 2
1.6 Delimitation of the Study 2

CHAPTER-TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Review of Related Literature 3

CHAPTER THREE-METHODOLOGY
3.1 Design of the Study 4
3.2 Sources of the Study 4
3.2.1 Primary Sources of Data 4
3.2.2 Secondary Sources of Data 4
3.3 Population Sampling and Sampling Procedures 4
3.4 Study Field Area 5
3.5 Tools of Data Collection 5
3.6 Process of Data Collection 5

vii
CHAPTER-FOUR: DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION
4.1 Presentation of Data 6-7
4.2 Analysis and Interpretation of Data 7
4.2.1 Demographic Information of Respondents 7
4.2.2 Language and Communication Style 8
4.2.3 Inter caste Marriage System 8
4.2.4 Food Consumption 9
4.2.5 Comparison Table of Birth Ritual 9-10
4.2.6 Comparison Table of Festivals and Traditional Food 10-11
4.2.7 Comparison Table of Music 11
4.2.8 Comparison Table of Death Ritual 11- 12
4.3 Findings 12

CHAPTER-FIVE: CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

5.1 Conclusion 13
5.2 Implications 13

REFERENCES 14
APPENDIX 15

viii
 LIST OF TABLES
Page. No.
4.2.1 Demographic Information of Respondents 7
4.2.2 Language and Communication Style 8
4.2.3 Inter caste Marriage System 8
4.2.4 Food Consumption 9
4.2.5 Comparison Table of Birth Ritual 9
4.2.6 Comparison Table of Festivals and Traditional Food 10
4.2.7 Comparison Table of Music 11
4.2.8 Comparison Table of Death Ritual 11-12

ix
 ABBREVIATIONS

5th: Fifth
7th: Seventh

11th: Eleventh

B.Ed.: Bachelor of Education

No.: Number

S.N.: Serial Number

%: Percentage

Mr.: Mister

x
 CHAPTER- ONE

INTRODUCTION

This introduction part of the study entitled “Cultural Difference between Rai and Brahmin
communities” includes background of the study, statement of the problem, objective of the
study, research questions significance of the study and delimitation of the study.

1.1 Background of the Study

Nepal is a beautiful country known for its rich cultural and ethnic diversity. Nepal is often
described as a garden of multiple flowers. The Rai and Brahmin communities are two different
and important groups each with their own cultural identity, beliefs, language, customs and way
of life. The Rai are indigenous people mostly live in eastern Nepal. They follow the kirat
religion, speak their own languages like Bantawa and Chamling and celebrate festivals like
Sakela, Udhauli and Ubhauli their culture is nature based with unique tradition in marriage,
food, dress and death rituals. On the other hand, the Brahmin community belongs to the Hindu
caste system and follows Hinduism. They celebrate Dashain, Tihar and Teej and follow Vedic
rituals in daily life. Brahmin mainly speak Nepali; practice arrange marriage and observe
detailed relive religious customs.

Although both groups live in the same country their lifestyles and traditional differs greatly.
Understanding these differences is important to promote cultural harmony and respect. Very
few studies directly compare Rai and Brahmin cultures. This study fills that gap by exploring
their differences in key cultural aspects such as language, festivals, religion, food and social
rituals. It helps to highlight Nepal’s cultural richness and supports social unity in diversity.

1.2 Statement of the problem

Despite this rich diversity, there is often a lack of awareness and understanding about the
cultural practice of different groups. The Rai and Brahmin communities represent two distinct
social and cultural systems but these differences are often overlooked, misunderstood or
generalized in daily life and academic discussion. Lack of comparative studies creates a gap in
our understanding of how these communities truly differ and coexist with in the same nation.

1
1.3 Objectives of the study

a. To compare their festivals, rituals, clothing, food habits and beliefs.

b. To identify the cultural practices of the Rai and Brahmin communities.

c. To compare their daily lifestyle.

1.4 Research Questions

This study had some research questions which are listed below.

a. What are the major festivals of your community? What traditional food items are important
in your festival?
b. How does social rituals take place in your community?

c. What kind of music and dance is common in your culture?

1.5 Significance of the study

This study helps us to understand the cultural difference between Rai and Brahmin
communities. It shows how they speak, dress, celebrate festivals and follow traditions. The
research is useful for students, teachers and anyone who wants to learn about Nepal’s ethnic
diversity. This resource tries to find out the main cultural difference between Rai and Brahmin
communities, Such as language, festivals, dress and traditions.

1.6 Delimitation of the study

The research study has the following delimitation:

a. The study is limited to Rai and Brahmin communities in Dharan.

b. It focuses only on cultural aspects like language, dress, festival, rituals and marriage
costumes.
c. The data collection and analysis were done within a limited time frame.

2
 CHAPTER-TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Review of Related Literature

The study of previous research workbook with the purpose of knowing the research issue in
detail and finding out appropriate methodology is known as literature review. Various book
article research report is available in demanded in library. Literature review can be either a part
of larger report of research of a thesis. We used to do literature review to understand our
research problem to know the methodology that can be used in the research. This section helps
to understand what other researchers have already found and how this study adds new
knowledge

Bista, D.B. (1996). His most well-known work, People of Nepal, provides a rich and detailed
description of Nepal’s various ethnic and caste groups including the Rai and Brahmin. He
describes the Rai people as indigenous Kirati group of Eastern Nepal. Bista presents Brahmin
as upper caste Hindus who migrated from India century ago. He explains about the culture,
festivals and lifestyle etc. about Rai and Brahmin communities. It gives historical and cultural
background for both communities.

Sharma, D. (2019) explores how misunderstanding cultural difference can create social tension,
while fostering mutual respect encourages social harmony in multiethnic communities. His
finding supports the need for comparative cultural studies, like this one on Rai and Brahmin
communities, to faster mutual respect and harmony in Nepal’s plural society.

3
 CHAPTER-THREE
METHODOLOGY

This chapter details the research methodology employed to investigate the cultural difference
between Rai and Brahmin communities in Nepal. It outlines the research design, sources of
data, population and sampling procedures, tool for data collection, and methods for data
analysis and interpretation.

3.1 Design of the study

This study will adopt an ethnographic research design to gain an in-depth understanding of
the, beliefs and values within the Rai and Brahmin communities.

3.2 Sources of Data

In order to carry out this research, the researcher used primary and secondary sources of data.

3.2.1 Primary Sources of Data

When data collected by the researcher by going to the field or by asking necessary questions
to the respondent, then search data were known as primary data. These data are originally
collected by the researcher. Primary data are collected by using questionnaire and observation
method. The researcher used questionary for the research report.

3.2.2 Secondary Sources of Data

Data which are originally collected from published or unpublished sources are called secondary
sources of data. Such data which are already gathered by other researcher. The researchers used
on secondary source of data such as related books and Internet.

3.3 Population Sampling and Sampling Procedures

The population of this study includes member of the Rai and Brahmin communities living in
Dharan. The Sample was selected using purposive sampling as the researcher focused on
individual’s knowledge about their community’s cultural traditions. The total respondents were
20 in number. There were 10 Rai respondents and 10 Brahmin respondents. The respondents
were a mix of elders, teachers and youths.

4
3.4 Study Field Area

There are 20 words in Dharan city. Among them I have selected Dharan 15 as my study field
area. It is situated in Sunsari district.

3.5 Tools of Data Collection

Tools plays a vital role for data collection. So, I have prepared questionnaire for conducting
my research report. The questionnaire includes 3 open ended and 7 close ended question.

3.6 Process of Data Collection

The following procedures were used to collect the data from the primary and secondary
sources.

a. First of all, the researcher selected Dharan 15 as the study area.

b. After that she prepared a set of open and closed ended question.
c. She found people who know well about their culture and ask them to take part.
d. After that, she explains them about the purpose of her study.
e. She takes interview using her question.
f. Finally, she reviewed and organized the collected data for analysis and comparison.

5
 CHAPTER-4
DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATIONS

The researchers have analyzed and interpreted the data collected from primary sources. The
data was collected with the help of open ended and closed indeed question. The data collected
from Dharan-15elders, teachers and youths. The researcher arranged 10 questions to meet the
objectives of the study.

4.1 Presentation of data

S.N. Questions No. of respondents

1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?
2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali 17
b. Rai language 3
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism 10
b. Kirat 10
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional 16
b. Modern 4
7 What type of meat do you eat?
a. Pork 2
b. Mutton 5

6
 c. Chicken and Pork 8
a. Chicken and Mutton 4
d. None 1

8 How does you community perform death rituals?

a. Burial 10
b. Cremation 10
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes 9
b. No 11
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes 10
b. No 10

4.2 Analysis and Interpretation of Data

The researchers have analyzed and interpreted the data collection from primary sources. The
data was collected with the help of open ended and close ended questionnaire. The data was
collected from Dharan. The researcher arrested 10 questions to meet the objectives of the study.
The data are presented below.

4.2.1 Demographic Information of Respondents

Table no.1

S.N. Community No. of Respondents Percentage of Respondents

1. Rai 10 50%
2. Brahmin 10 50%
Total 20 100%

This table shows that the data were collected among 20 people, where 10 people are from
Rai community and other 10 people are from Brahmin community. This means the research
has done with 50% from Brahmin community and 50% from Rai community.

7
 4.2.2 Language and Communication Style

Table no.2

Language No. of Rai Percentage No. of Percentage

S.N. of Rai Brahmin of Brahmin
1. Nepali 7 70% 10 100%
2. Rai 3 30% 0 0
Total 10 100% 10 100%

The above table shows that among 10 people from Rai community ,7people (70%) use Nepali
language and 3people (30%) use Rai language to speak in their daily life. In comparison, it
represents that among 10 people from Brahmin community, all 10 (100%) of them use Nepali
language to speak in their daily life.

4.2.3 Inter caste Marriage System

Table no. 3

S.N. Practice No. of Rai Percentage No. of Percentage

of Rai Brahmin of Brahmin
1. Yes 7 70% 2 20%
2. No 3 30% 8 80%
Total 10 100% 10 100%

The above table shows that Rai people accept more inter caste marriage than Brahmin. Here,
we can see that among 10 people from Rai community, 7people (70%) says yes to inter caste
marriage and 3people (30%) says no to inter caste marriage. In comparison, as the data shows
among 10 people from Brahmin community, 2people (20%) says yes and 8 people (80%) say
no to inter caste marriage.

8
 4.2.4 Food Consumption
Table no.4
S.N. Food No. of Rai Percentage No. of Percentage
of Rai Brahmin of Brahmin
1. Pork 2 20% 0 0
2. Mutton 0 0 5 50%
3. Pork and Chicken 8 80% 0 0
4. Mutton and 0 0 4 40%
Chicken
5. None 0 0 1 10%

Total 10 100% 10 100%

Above table shows that, among 10 rai people, 2 people (20%) eat Pork, 8 people (80%) eat
Pork and Chicken and none of them eats Mutton at their home. In comparison, among 10
Brahmin people, 5 people (50%) eat Mutton, 4 people (40%) eat Mutton and Chicken, 1 person
(10%) does not eat any kind of meat and none of them eats Pork at their home.

4.2.5 Comparison Table of Birth Ritual

Table no. 5
S.N. Ritual aspect Rai Community Brahmin Community
1. Isolation period 5 to 7 days 11 days
2. Naming ceremony 5th or 7th day 11th day
3. Priest involved Mostly performed by Yes, Brahmin priest
Mundum priest
(Nakchhong) or elders
4. Purification Ritual bath and animal Holy water and Mantras
offering
5. Naming based on Ancestral name or Horoscope (Janma
events nakshatra)

9
Above table shows that, in Rai community birth rituals involves a short isolation period for
five to seven days during which the mother and baby are considered impure. The naming
ceremony also held between five to seven days. A naming ceremony is held without astrological
rules, and rituals are performed by elders or a local priest, Nakchhong, sometimes including
animal sacrifice. Naming ceremony is based on Ancestral’s name or events.

In comparison, in Brahmin community, birth is followed by a longer impurity period that is for
11 days and on the 11th day naming ceremony (Nwaran) is held based on the baby’s horoscope
conducted by a Brahmin priest. The house is purified with holy water and Vedic rituals.

4.2.6 Comparison Table of Festivals and Traditional Food

Table no. 6
S.N. Category Rai Community Brahmin Community

1. Religion Kirat Hindu

2. Main Festivals Udhauli and Ubhauli Dashain, Tihar, Teej and

Janai Purnima
3. Festival nature Based on nature Based on Hindu Veda
worship, harvest and
ancestors
4. Main and Special Wachipa, Kinema, Selroti, Kheer, Puri,
dishes Millet bread, Tama and Fulaura, Mutton curry
Pork curry and Anarsha
5. Food Restriction Generally, no; meat and Avoid beef, pork and
local alcohol are alcohol
common

Above table shows that Rai people follow Kirat religion. Their major festivals are Udhauli and
Ubhauli. They worship nature. Their main and special dishes are Wachipa, Kinema, Millet
bread, Tama and Pork curry. In their community, they generally don’t have any restriction on
food, and local alcohol is commonly preferred.

10
In comparison, according to this table, Brahmin people follow Hindu religion. Their major
festivals are Dashain, Tihar, Teej and, Janai Purnima. They worship God according to their
Veda. Their main and special dishes are Selroti, Kheer, Puri, Fulaura, Mutton curry and
Anarsha. Beef, Pork and Alcohol are strictly restricted in their community.

4.2.7 Comparison Table of Music

Table no. 7
S.N. Category Rai Community Brahmin Community
1. Types of Songs Sakela, Palam and Sangini, Deusi-Bhailo,
Mundhum chants Bhajan
2. Purpose celebration, ritual, Festival celebration,
storytelling, and harvest devotion and story telling
song
3. Instruments Dhol, Jhyamta, Madal, Harmonium,
Murchunga, Tungna etc. Tabla, Jhyali etc.

Above table shows that, in Rai community, songs like Sakela, Palam, and Mundhum are
chanted for the purpose of celebrating festivals and performing rituals. These songs are
basically storytelling and represent harvesting of Rai people. Their major musical instruments
are Dhol, Jhyamta, Murchunga and Tungna, which they use during their festival occasion while
performing dance and singing.

In comparison, the Brahmin community’s songs comprise Sangini, Deusi-Bhailo, and Bhajan
primarily focused on festival celebration, devotion and storytelling. The instruments associated
with the Brahmin community are Madal, harmonium, table and Jayali.

4.2.8 Comparison Table of Death Ritual

Table no.8

S.N. Rituals Rai Community Brahmin Community

1. Method of Body Mostly burial Always cremation
Disposal
2. Religious Leader Nakchhong or local Brahmin priest
ritual expert

11
 3. Funeral Duration Usually, 3-4 days Typically, 13 days
4. Ritual Practices Mundhum recitation, Shraddha by offering rice
offering to ancestors, ball (Pinda), Tarpan, Kriya
and spirit sending rituals karma and reciting holy
mantras

The above table represents that, in Rai community, the dead are usually buried and rituals are
led by a local priest Nakchhong, the funeral usually takes for three to four days.

In comparison, the table shows that in Brahmin communities dead are always cremated, and
death rituals last up to 13 days, led by a Brahmin priest. Rituals include shraddha, Tarpan and
Kriya karma.

4.3 Findings

With the help of collected data and after analysis and interpretation them this research finds the
following major findings:

a. The research found no similarities between the Rai and Brahmin communities
b. Rai communities use Mundum priest or elders for naming ceremonies while Brahmin
communities require a Brahmin priest.
c. Rai communities typically bury the deceased, whereas Brahmin communities always
practice cremation.
d. Love marriages are common in the Rai community while Arrange marriages are more
practice in the Brahmin community.
e. Rai communities’ main dishes include Wachipa, Millet bread and pork Curry while
Brahmin community’s main dishes are Selroti, Kheer and Puri.
f. Rai communities songs include Sakela, Palam and Mundhum chants while Brahmin
community’s songs are Sangini, Deusi-Bhailo and Bhajan.
g. The religious leader of the Rai community is called Nakchhong whereas Brahmin
priests are the religious leaders for Brahmins.
h. Naming ceremonies in the Rai community occur on the 5th or 7th day while in the
Brahmin community, they happen on the 11th day of birth.

12
 CHAPTER-5
CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATION

5.1 Conclusion

The Rai and Brahmin communities of Nepal have their own distinct cultural traditions, values,
and ways of life. The Rai community follows indigenous Kirati customs, nature worship, and
celebrates festivals like Sakela with dance, music, and strong community involvement. Their
rituals are performed by local shamans (Dhami/Jhankri), and their language and dress reflect
their ethnic identity.

On the other hand, the Brahmin community follows Hindu traditions based on religious
scriptures. Their major festivals include Dashain and Tihar, which are celebrated with rituals,
prayers, and the guidance of Hindu priests (Pandits). They emphasize purity, astrology, and
social hierarchy in their culture.

Despite these differences, both communities contribute to the rich cultural diversity of Nepal.
Respecting and understanding these differences is important for maintaining peace, social
harmony, and national unity. This study highlights the need to preserve each group's cultural
identity while promoting mutual respect in a multicultural society.

5.2 Implications

a. We can learn about the culture of Rai and Brahmin people.

b. It helps to protect their old traditions and customs.

c. Teachers and students can use it to study culture.

d. It helps in planning good programs for all groups.

e. It teaches us to respect each other's culture.

f. It can help others to do similar research in the future.

13
 References

Bista, D.B. (1996). People of Nepal (6th ed.). Kathmandu: Ratna Pustak Bhandar

Sharma, D. (2019). Ethnic Diversity and Social Harmony in Nepal. Pokhara: Social Studies
Research Foundation

14
 Appendix

1. Sample of Questionnaires
2. Respondent Individuals

15
 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN COMMUNITIES

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONDENTS OF RAI AND

BRAHMIN COMMUNITY

Name: Dharan:

S.N. Questions No. of

respondents
1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?

2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali
b. Rai language
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism
b. Kirat
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional
b. Modern
7 What type of meat do you eat?
b. Pork
c. Mutton
d. Chicken and Pork
e. Chicken and Mutton
f. None

8 How does you community perform death rituals?

a. Burial
b. Cremation
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes
b. No
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes
b. No
 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN COMMUNITIES

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONDENTS OF RAI AND

BRAHMIN COMMUNITY

Name: Dharan:

S.N. Questions No. of

respondents
1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?

2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali
b. Rai language
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism
b. Kirat
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional
b. Modern
7 What type of meat do you eat?
a. Pork
b. Mutton
c. Chicken and Pork
d. Chicken and Mutton
e. None

8 How does you community perform death rituals?

a. Burial
b. Cremation
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes
b. No
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes
b. No
 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN COMMUNITIES

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONDENTS OF RAI AND

BRAHMIN COMMUNITY

Name: Dharan:

S.N. Questions No. of

respondents
1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?

2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali
b. Rai language
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism
b. Kirat
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional
b. Modern
7 What type of meat do you eat?
a. Pork
b. Mutton
c. Chicken and Pork
d. Chicken and Mutton
e. None

8 How does you community perform death rituals?

a. Burial
b. Cremation
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes
b. No
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes
b. No
 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN COMMUNITIES

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONDENTS OF RAI AND

BRAHMIN COMMUNITY

Name: Dharan:

S.N. Questions No. of

respondents
1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?

2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali
b. Rai language
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism
b. Kirat
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional
b. Modern
7 What type of meat do you eat?
a. Pork
b. Mutton
c. Chicken and Pork
d. Chicken and Mutton
e. None

8 How does you community perform death ritualsa.

a. Burial
b. Cremation
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes
b. No
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes
b. No
 CULTURAL DIFFERENCES BETWEEN RAI AND BRAHMIN COMMUNITIES

QUESTIONNAIRE FOR THE INDIVIDUAL RESPONDENTS OF RAI AND

BRAHMIN COMMUNITY

Name: Dharan:

S.N. Questions No. of

respondents
1 What are the major festivals of your community?
What traditional food items are important in your
festival?

2 How does birth rituals take place in your community?

3 What kind of music or dance is common in your culture?

4 What language do you mostly speak at your home?

a. Nepali
b. Rai language
5 What religion do you follow?
a. Hinduism
b. Kirat
6 What type of dress do you wear during cultural events?
a. Traditional
b. Modern
7 What type of meat do you eat?
a. Pork
b. Mutton
c. Chicken and Pork
d. Chicken and Mutton
e. None

8 How does you community perform death rituals?

a. Burial
b. Cremation
9 Would you accept inter caste marriage?
a. Yes
b. No
10 Do you call priest for birth rituals?
a. Yes
b. No
NAME OF RESPONDENTS

S.N. Name of Respondents from Name of Respondents from

Rai community Brahmin Community

1. Nandu Yakkha Durga Prasad Dahal

2. Sabitri Rai Toya Nath Regmi

3. Anil Rai Sushila Chapagain

4. Saru Rai Nawaraj Subedhi

5. Bikash Kulung Kamala Upadhyaya

6. Yuhang Rai Harisila Gautam

7. Pratima Rai Uttam Bhattarai

8. Rijan Chamling Rai Suman Poudel