Jirel language

Jirel is a Southern Tibetic language of Nepal. It is spoken in Jiri, in Tshetrapa village, Jungu village, and Cheppu village of Dolakha District and Sindhupalchok and different parts of Nepal.

It has long been in discussion that the Jirels are the bonpos as other tribes from Tibetan origin people. But after several observations Jirels are seen close to Tibetic Bodish origin rather than Himalayish of Tibeto Burman branch. Very weak literature without evidence is presented by some authors until now claiming that they are the Kirats. They have claimed that they are animists practicing worship of nature, ancestral Spirits and deities close to ancient bonpoism. They have adopted minor cultural and religious practice from Sunuwars and Sherpas when they began to live and share with them. The language they use is the most powerful evidence that they come from a Tibetan ethnic tribe. Their physical appearance, height, make and family name are also supporting evidence for Tibetan origin.

Previously they were animists and until now they practice animism in different ritual performances.They mainly practice Buddhism. Lamas are their priests. They also have Shamans who are called Phonbo, which is derived from the word, Bon, the Tibetan Tantric philosophy.