Mundum lore of Salpa-Silichung scripted

Godavari (Lalitpur), April 27: Mundum, the lore, is internalized by the Kirat community as the philosophy of life. The myths concerning the Salpa Silichung related to the culture and civilization of the Kirat Rai people have been scripted and published in the form of a book.

The ‘Salpa Silichung-Silichho’ a book about the Mundum’s myths and lore was released amidst a programme here Friday. It is published by the International Committee of Salpa Silichung Concerned Conservation and Promotion Center.

Prof Dr Tanka Neupane, Pro Dr Somnath Khatiwada, Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, Naradmani Hartamchhali; associate professor Dr Janak Rai, Kirat Rai Yayokha Chair Jeevan Hatacho Rai and Rastriya Samachar Samiti (RSS) General Manager Siddharaj Rai jointly launched the book.
Nepal Academy Chancellor Bhupal Rai attended the programme as the Chief Guest.

Bhupal Rai, Chief Guest of the event, lauded that the book containing myths of the Kirati community is a ”scholarly outrage”. He argued that only myths would remain in the communities that are cornered by the State over various periods.
Rajen Rai, Salpa Silichung Concern, Conservation and Promotion Centre’s International Committee’s Chairperson shared that they also installed the statute of Sumnima Paruhang as well as Nachung/Naakso (Dhami) at Salpasilichho rural municipality besides collecting lore and publishing the book.
He pledged to deliver more on the conservation of Kirati’s history and the collection and publication of more Kirati myths.

The 227-page book has two parts-myths and analysis. There are altogether 21 myths in the book edited by Bhogiraj Chamling, Dr Taramani Rai, Chandra Kumar Hatuwali and Shalikram Rai.
The book launch was followed by a musical programme based on Kirati music.

Salpa Pokhari is situated at 3,750 meters above sea level while Silichung at 4,155 meters at Salpasilichung rural municipality of Bhojpur district. The rural municipality borders Sankhuwasabha, Solukhumbu, and Khotang districts.