Yakkha

The Yakkha, also spelled Yakha, are an indigenous ethnic group of Nepal belonging to the Kiranti linguistic and cultural family. They are mainly concentrated in eastern Nepal, particularly in Bhojpur and nearby districts, with smaller communities in the eastern Terai and urban centers. They are recognized as one of Nepal’s Indigenous Nationalities.

The Yakkha language is part of the Kiranti branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Many Yakkha people are bilingual in Nepali, and literacy in Yakkha varies. In writing, Devanagari is commonly used, though the language has its own traditional oral literature and folklore.

Culturally, the Yakkha have roots in Kirati religious traditions, traditionally centered on Mundhum, a set of myths and rituals venerating nature spirits and ancestors. In practice, many Yakkha today combine Mundhum with Hindu and Buddhist practices, reflecting syncretism common among Nepal’s hill communities. They observe life-cycle rites, seasonal harvest ceremonies, and local festivals that feature music, dance, and storytelling, preserving distinctive folk songs and dances.

Socially, the Yakkha have a clan- or lineage-based structure, with exogamous marriage norms and a strong emphasis on family and community ties. Historically, they have been agrarian, cultivating crops such as rice, maize, and millet, while also relying on forest resources and small-scale crafts. In modern times, education, urban migration, and political representation have influenced settlement patterns and cultural preservation efforts.

Today, the Yakkha are part of Nepal’s diverse tapestry of indigenous peoples, striving to sustain language, customs, and identity while engaging with broader national development and cultural exchange.