Who is Majhi?
Majhi is one of the 59 indigenous peoples in Nepal. They have been residing alongside of the banks of the river and streams, make living fishing and ferrying people across Rivers. They have their own distinct language, religion, culture, rituals, custom and lifestyles. Majhis are primarily living alongside of banks of Rivers such as Saptakoshi, Gandaki and their subsidiary rivers and streams. Majhi indigenous are one of the indigenous communities categorized under the highly marginalized category in Nepal. They are skilled in swimming, fishing, and weaving fishing net. They have their own deity and offer sacrifice (Panchabali) to gods and celebrate Barden and Bhumi Puja (land-worship), Jhakani Puja to name a few. They worship their ancestors singing songs in their mother tongue invoking their ancestors and dance. According to the latest national census 2011, the population of Majhi is 83,227.
Language:
Majhis have their own mother tongue, which is known as Majhi Bhasa, but Majhi themselves call their language Majhi Kuro, which belongs to Indo-Aryan language family. According to the latest national census 2011, of their total 83,227, only 21,841 Majhis speak their mother tongue.
Countries speaking Majhi Kuro:
Besides Nepal, Majhi Kuro is spoken in Bhutan and in some parts of India.