KHOTANG: The language conference of Chamling Rai is being conducted at Solma of Majhuwagadhi Municipality-2 in Khotang district.

The three-day event that started on Sunday is aimed at developing, preserving and promoting languages, art and cultures of Chamling Rai.

Dr Taramani Rai, scholar Jay Kumar Rai, Mundhum scholar Bhogiraj Chamling and Kirat Rai Khambatim’s Chairperson Yuwaraj Rai presented working papers on Chamling Rai language.

The conference also seeks to forge a common concept on the languages used by the Chamling Rai.

A souvenir published by Kirat Rai Chamling Khambatim Central Working Committee has also been launched.

The souvenir illustrates aspects of Chamling Rai, cultures, teaching in Chamling language, convenient use of Chamling language in communication, lineage system of Rai known as Samai/Same and Pacha, unique traditions of Rai, birth, marriage and death rituals in Chamling Rai and promoting the language among others.

Chamling Rai, one among nearly three dozens of caste of Rai ethnicity, is believed to have originated in Tuwachung-Jayajum in Halesi Tuwachung Municipality of Khotang district.

Many schools in the district have been running Chamling Rai language classes.

The conference has agenda to coordinate with various people’s representatives to implement curriculum prepared in Chamling Rai language/dialect in the schools having dominance of Chamling Rai students.

The participants of the conference will visit various historical Kirat places in the district as well as Sakela, a place for Chamling Rai to perform dance in feasts and festivals, at Nerpa of Majhuwagadi Municipality.