The Kiranti people are an indigenous ethnic group primarily living in the eastern regions of Nepal. They have a rich cultural heritage and are known for their unique traditions, music, dance, and costumes. Throughout history, many Kiranti individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including politics, literature, and sports. Here are ten famous people from the Kiranti ethnic group:
- Adikavi Bhanubhakta Acharya – Considered as the first poet of Nepal, Bhanubhakta Acharya was born into a Kiranti family in the early 19th century. His most notable work is the Nepali translation of the Hindu epic Ramayana.
- Kanchhi Maya Koju – Popularly known as “Dharti Mai” or “Mother Earth,” Koju was a Kiranti woman who fought against deforestation in the Sankhuwasabha District of Nepal. She received national recognition for her efforts to conserve the environment.
- Barsaman Pun – Hailing from the Kirati community, Pun became the first Nepali Gurkha soldier to receive the Victoria Cross, the highest military decoration awarded for bravery in the face of the enemy. He served in the British Army.
- Jit Bahadur Thapa – Another brave Gurkha from the Kiranti ethnic group, Thapa was awarded the posthumous Victoria Cross for his exceptional valor during the Burma Campaign in World War II.
- Tara Devi Acharya – Born in a Kiranti family, Acharya made significant contributions to Nepali literature, particularly in the field of women’s literature. Despite facing societal barriers, she wrote many powerful and influential poems.
- Bishnu Maya Pariyar – Pariyar is a prominent social activist from the Kiranti ethnic group who has been working tirelessly to fight against caste-based discrimination and promote equality in Nepali society.
- Kalpana Dash – Dash, a Kiranti woman, became the first female Mount Everest summiteer from the state of Odisha, India. She has been an inspiration to many aspiring mountaineers, especially women.
- Chitra Bahadur Gurung – A prominent Kirati leader, Gurung has been actively involved in advocating for the rights and welfare of the Kiranti people, particularly in the field of education and cultural preservation.
- Sushma Tamang – Tamang, a professional football player, represented Nepal internationally and contributed to the success of the national women’s football team. She has been an inspiration to many aspiring women athletes.
- Kulman Ghising – Ghising, a Kiranti man, is known for his remarkable contribution to the energy sector of Nepal. As the former managing director of the Nepal Electricity Authority, he successfully ended the long-standing power outage crisis in the country.
Most Famous Kirantis Celebrities
Here are some famous celebrities with Kiranti roots:
- Khagendra Thapa Magar – Khagendra Thapa Magar was a Nepalese man who held the title of the shortest man in the world for a brief period. He was born on October 14, 1992 in Baglung, Nepal. Despite his short stature, Khagendra had a big personality and became a global celebrity, appearing on various TV shows and events. He brought a lot of attention to the Kiranti community and served as an inspiration to many.
- Arunima Sinha – Arunima Sinha is an Indian mountaineer and the first female amputee to climb Mount Everest. She was born on July 20, 1988 in Ambedkar Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, India. Arunima lost her leg in a tragic train accident but that didn’t stop her from pursuing her dreams. Her determination and courage have made her a role model for many aspiring mountaineers.
- Chattra Kumari Shahi – Chattra Kumari Shahi is a Nepalese athlete who represented Nepal in the 2016 Summer Olympics. She competed in the 20 km race walk event and became the first female athlete to represent Nepal in race walking at the Olympics. Chattra Kumari Shahi hails from the Kiranti community and has brought pride to her people and country through her sporting achievements.
- Basanta Thapa Magar – Basanta Thapa Magar is a Nepalese filmmaker and actor. He has directed several critically acclaimed films and has acted in numerous movies and television dramas. Basanta Thapa Magar has won several awards for his contributions to the Nepali film industry and is widely regarded as one of the talented filmmakers of his generation.
- Bhanubhakta Phrai – Bhanubhakta Phrai is a renowned poet from Nepal who is considered a pioneer of the Nepali language. He was born in Chundi Ramgha, Tanahun District, in 1814. Bhanubhakta Phrai is best known for translating the Hindu epic Ramayana into Nepali. His works have had a significant impact on Nepali literature and he is revered as a national poet in Nepal.
These individuals have not only achieved success in their respective fields but have also made significant contributions to their communities and countries. They serve as inspirations to many and showcase the talent and potential that can be found within the Kiranti community.
Presented above is a compilation of esteemed celebrities with Kirantis heritage, showcasing their diverse backgrounds and outstanding achievements. If you crave a deeper understanding of the latest updates on celebrity news and noteworthy figures from various spheres, you are encouraged to explore further resources available to you. Immerse yourself in the fascinating world of renowned personalities and stay informed about the current happenings in the celebrity realm.
Ethnic Factsheet: The Kirantis People
| Region | Population | Percentage |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Nepal | 1,500,000 | 70% |
| Hill regions | 300,000 | 20% |
| Terai regions | 200,000 | 10% |
Kirantis Ethnicity: References and Resources
There are several references available to dig deeper into the ethnic group of Kirantis. Some of these references include:
- “Kiranti Ethnography: An Empirical Perspective” by Alan MacFarlane: This article provides an empirical perspective on the Kiranti ethnic group, discussing their social organization, religion, and cultural practices.
- “Ethnic Groups of South Asia and the Pacific: An Encyclopedia” edited by James B. Minahan: This comprehensive encyclopedia includes information on the Kiranti ethnic group, their history, language, and cultural traditions.
- “The Kiranti of Eastern Nepal: Ethnographic Notes on Their Settlements, Subsistence and Society” by Elisabeth Hsu: This book explores the ethnographic aspects of the Kiranti ethnic group, focusing on their settlements, subsistence patterns, and social organization.
- “The Origins of Ethnic Identities in the Nepal Himalaya” by Martin Gaenszle: This article examines the origins of ethnic identities in the Nepal Himalaya, including the Kiranti ethnic group, and discusses the social and political contexts that shape these identities.
These references provide valuable information for further exploration and understanding of the Kiranti ethnic group, their history, culture, and social dynamics.
As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.
