United Kirat Rai Organization of America (UKROA)

Felicitation program to honor Nokchhos and Kirati elders in Mapya Dudhkosi Municipality

UKROA — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 13:07:16 +0000

Nachhung/Nokchho, also known as Nachnungma/Nokchhoma, is an important figure in Kirat Rai culture. The Nachhung is a priest, shaman, and healer in the Rai society. They play a crucial role in rituals, ceremonies, and community events

Nakchhung is a revered shaman and cultural hero of the Rai community, serving as a custodian of the sacred Mundum knowledge. He/She plays a crucial role in ritual socialization, reinforcing shared values and strengthening belief systems. Additionally, Nakchhung aids in healing illnesses and ailments. Their primary responsibility is to pass down Mundum wisdom across generations. Possessing deep knowledge of the universe, nature, and deities, Nakchhung acts as a mediator between the sacred and the earthly realms. They embody multiple roles, including herbalist, priest, ritual expert, spiritual guide, and nature healer.

Unfortunately, Nachhungs/Nokchhos are now on the brink of disappearing. The few remaining Nachhungs are already over 40 or 50 years old, and the influence of modernity has halted the emergence of new ones. If this trend persists, Nachhungs may vanish entirely within the next two decades, causing us to lose the vast worldly knowledge they hold. Therefore, preserving Nachhungs is of utmost importance.

On February 14th, the UKROA NY chapter organized a felicitation program to honor Nokchhos and Kirati elders. A total of 15 Nokchhos and 12 Purkhas (elders) were recognized with clothings, food, and a letter of appreciation. The event was presided over by Mamata Rai, the president of the UKROA NY chapter, with Sajjan Rai, chairman of Mapya Dudhkosi Municipality, as the chief guest. Several social workers, cultural activists, and educators delivered speeches highlighting the significance of Nokchhos and Purkhas.

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Grand Welcome and Honor to Former Chief Minister Dr. Pawan Chamling in America

UKROA — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 12:46:43 +0000

The United Kirat Rai Organization of America hosted an interactive program in New York featuring Mr. Pawan Chamling, the former Chief Minister of Sikkim. A distinguished politician and writer, Mr. Chamling holds the record as the longest-serving Chief Minister of both Sikkim and India. The program was held on August ,2022.

Due to COVID-19 health protocols preventing physical presence, Dr. Pawan Chamling, former Chief Minister of India’s Sikkim state and a senior Nepali litterateur, was invited as chief guest to a virtual greeting exchange program organized by the United Kirat Rai Organization of America (UKROA) in June 2021 during the auspicious Ubhauli Sakela occasion, uniting Kirat Rai cultural organizations worldwide.

Exactly one year later, on August 20, 2022 (Saturday), UKROA hosted a special event in New York City to grandly honor him in person.

Dr. Chamling, who served 25 years as Sikkim’s Chief Minister and brought transformative changes to people’s lives, addressed the gathering emphasizing Nepali unity, mutual cooperation, and harmony for progress and dignified living. He recalled building schools for various languages, religious sites including monasteries, gompas, and churches, and constructing the first collective Mangkhim for Kiratis in Sikkim. Sharing experiences of challenges in making Sikkim an organic state, he advised Nepalis in America to leverage affordable land for agriculture, stating that self-producing and selling is better than just buying or consuming. He also urged focus on children’s education for mainstream integration.

UKROA advisor and former president Bishnu Rai highlighted the need for a global Kirat Rai organization to preserve language, traditions, culture, and history.

Representatives from various New York-based organizations praised Dr. Chamling’s tenure, including FIPNA president Raj Kumar Bist, NEJA acting president Machhe Gurung, and Navaraj K.C. from Mayor Eric Adams’ Asian Affairs Council.

Founder president Shiv Kumar Rai presented a plaque, recounting UKROA’s 2007 establishment to support community needs, preserve culture, and pass it to future generations. The organization now has 5 chapters, nearly 700 members including 65 lifetime ones across US states.

Presiding president Jay Rai lauded Dr. Chamling as an exemplary leader, litterateur, and true follower of Mundhum ideals, presenting a letter of honor on behalf of UKROA.

The program concluded with a second session featuring champagne toast and special dinner with Dr. Chamling’s family, including wife Tika Maya Rai and daughter-son-in-law Komal and Anil Rai. Coordinated by vice president Keshab Ram Rai with security arrangements, the event was conducted by legal advisor Suresh Chamling.

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