131. Sareena Subba

Abstract 131. Sareena Subba

An Introduction to Oral Epic of the Limbus

Limbu is one of the indigenous inhabitants of Sikkim. The Limbu community in Sikkim has a strong oral tradition, with most of the Limbu epics and scriptures being transmitted orally from generation to generation. For instance, ‘Mundhum’ is the oral epic of Limbu people which is vital to every Limbu from a layman to Phedangmas (priests). The epic is recited during the performance of rites and rituals. The epic contains cosmology, mythology,legends, stories, oracles, and history of Limbu people. Mundhum is the source of inspiration, information, and enlightenment and way of life , customs, and rites-de- passage are guided by it. They also provide the insight into the inner complexity of Limbus.

 This paper provides a glimpse of Limbu language spoken in Sikkim as well as attempts to discuss the various aspects of the epic.