The Raute people, Nepal’s last nomadic hunter-gatherers, live a life that flows with the rhythm of the forest. For them, the jungle is not just a place to survive, but a companion, a guardian, and a spiritual homeland. Among their many traditions, nothing captures their identity more deeply than the “Raitihari Feast,” a sacred and communal ceremony performed whenever they migrate to a new forest. The Raute do not settle permanently. They move gracefully from one forest to another, following cycles of seasons, food availability, and spiritual intuition. Every time they enter a new forest, they begin their stay with the Raitihari Feast, a ritual that honors the spirits of the land and asks for protection, good health, abundant resources, and unity within the group. This feast is more than a celebration; it is a renewal of their ancient covenant with nature.
Understanding the importance of the Raitihari Feast requires understanding the relationship the Raute have with the forest. They call themselves “Ban Manche,” the people of the jungle, and view the forest as a living being. Trees, rivers, rocks, and animals are all believed to possess spirits that watch over the land. When the Raute arrive in a new place, they observe silence for some time, allowing themselves to feel the presence of the forest. It is said that the forest too must “get used” to the arrival of the Raute. Only after this quiet acceptance do preparations for the Raitihari Feast begin. This moment symbolizes mutual respect — the Raute accepting the forest as their temporary home, and the forest accepting them as its temporary children…
