Thami Culture

The Thami of Thangmi are an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the hilly regions of eastern Nepal, particularly in Ramechhap, Dolakha, and Sindhupalchok districts. A sizeable population of the Thami people can also be found in Sikkim, Darjeeling, and Assam in India. Traditionally, they have lived in small, close-knit communities where agriculture and livestock rearing form the backbone of daily life. The Thami maintain a rich cultural heritage, expressed through their distinctive language, rituals, and festivals. Their spiritual worldview blends animistic beliefs with influences from Hinduism and Tibetan Buddhism, centering on respect for nature, ancestral spirits, and local deities. Music, dance, and oral storytelling play vital roles in Thami culture, especially during harvest festivals, weddings, and funerary rites.