Yehlmo in Nepal

The Yehlmo have only been reported in Nepal
Population
Main Language
Largest Religion
Christian
Evangelical
Progress
Progress Gauge
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.

Introduction / History

The small Yehlmo (or Kagate) tribe is in Nepal. In 1974, the linguists Monika Hoehlig and Maria Hari visited the Yehlmo and estimated their population at about one thousand. They reportedly live 'in the mountains between the Likhu and Khimti rivers in the northeastern part of Ramechap district, wedged in between Solokumbu and Dolakha districts '. Another source says that the Nepal Yehlmo inhabit 'Janakpur Zone, Ramechhap District, on one of the ridges of Likhu Khola '. The Yehlmo in Nepal live at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters (9,840 ft.) above sea level.
Their language, Hyolmo, is part of the Tibeto-Burman family. It is closely related to Helambu Sherpa, although it differs by using less the honorific system in verbs. People can talk about most common topics in Nepali.


What Are Their Lives Like?

Women are hard workers and have a prominent role in Yehlmo society. They are 'required to collect fuel and fodder, when necessary, and render physical labor in the agricultural process, but are not engaged in plowing or cutting big trees, etc. Women also have a role in animal husbandry and bring potable water from the spring. Women also have roles in ritual and religious spheres. Some of them take active part in politics too. With a major role in family management, they control the family expenditure.


What Are Their Beliefs?

Almost all Yehlmo people are followers of Tibetan Buddhism. Until recently, each family was required to send at least one son to the Buddhist monastery to be trained as a monk. Although this is no longer a binding law, most families continue the practice as they believe it brings honor and good fortune to the family. After a person dies, lamas come to perform complicated cleansing rituals for 49 days. 'They burn 108 chimis (lamps) at a time, every day, during this period ... the lama reads out their religious scriptures. They prepare the cho (different fruits offered to the Buddha) and the torma (a preparation made of rice, wheat and fruits) for votive offering; and after the rituals distribute these among all the relatives, neighbors and friends. The lama gets some money and a khada (scarf) and some food. Generally, a group of six to eight lamas perform all these rituals. '
Most Yehlmo people have never heard the gospel, although a very small Christian community is believed to exist among them in Nepal. Portions of the Bible were translated into their lHyolmo language in 1977.


What Are Their Needs?

The Yehlmo people need to experience and embrace the glory of the Lord. They need to know Christ is far above all others.


Prayer Points

Pray for the glory and the holiness of the Lord to come to every Yehlmo village and family.
Pray for loving ambassadors of Christ to take the gospel to them.
Pray that soon there will be Yehlmo disciples who will make more disciples.


Scripture Prayers for the Yehlmo in Nepal.


Profile Source:   Joshua Project  

People Name General Yehlmo
People Name in Country Yehlmo
Alternate Names Bhotia; Kagate Bhote; Kagate Bhotia; Kagatey; Kagati; Shuba; Syuba; Syuuba; Syuwa; Yolmo; भोटिया, कागते, एहलमो
Population this Country 12,000
Population all Countries 12,000
Total Countries 1
Indigenous Yes
Progress Scale 1
Unreached Yes
Frontier People Group No
GSEC 1  (per PeopleGroups.org)
Pioneer Workers Needed 1
People ID 12410
ROP3 Code 115808
ROP25 Code 308987
ROP25 Name Yehlmo
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country They reportedly live in the mountains between the Likhu and Khimti rivers in the northeastern part of Ramechap district. A similar number of Kagate live in India, having migrated there from Nepal. They are found in the North and East districts of Sikkim.   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Total States on file 10
Largest States
Bagmati
8,200
Mechi
1,600
Janakpur
1,500
Gandaki
500
Narayani
300
Lumbini
90
Sagarmatha
80
Kosi
60
Seti
50
Rapti
20
Country Nepal
Region Asia, South
Continent Asia
10/40 Window Yes
National Bible Society Website
Persecution Rank Not ranked
Location in Country They reportedly live in the mountains between the Likhu and Khimti rivers in the northeastern part of Ramechap district. A similar number of Kagate live in India, having migrated there from Nepal. They are found in the North and East districts of Sikkim..   Source:  Peoples of the Buddhist World, 2004
Total States 10
  Bagmati 8,200
  Mechi 1,600
  Janakpur 1,500
  Gandaki 500
  Narayani 300
  Lumbini 90
  Sagarmatha 80
  Kosi 60
  Seti 50
  Rapti 20
Website South Asia Peoples
Primary Religion: Buddhism
Major Religion Percent *
Buddhism
78.35 %
Christianity  (Evangelical Unknown)
0.99 %
Ethnic Religions
0.00 %
Hinduism
20.18 %
Islam
0.00 %
Non-Religious
0.00 %
Other / Small
0.20 %
Unknown
0.28 %
* From latest Nepal census data.
Current Christian values may substantially differ.
Primary Language Hyolmo (9,700 speakers)
Language Code scp   Ethnologue Listing
Language Written Yes   ScriptSource Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
Nepali
900
Primary Language Hyolmo (9,700 speakers)
Language Code scp   Ethnologue Listing
Total Languages 2
Secondary Languages
  Nepali 900
People Groups Speaking Hyolmo

Primary Language:  Hyolmo

Bible Translation Status  (Years)
Bible-Portions Yes  (2002)
Bible-New Testament Yes  (2000-2022)
Bible-Complete No
YouVersion NT (www.bible.com) Online
Possible Print Bibles
Amazon
World Bibles
Forum Bible Agencies
National Bible Societies
World Bible Finder
Virtual Storehouse
Resource Type Resource Name Source
Audio Recordings Audio Bible teaching Global Recordings Network
General YouVersion Bible versions in text and/or audio YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App Android Bible app: Hyolmo YouVersion Bibles
Mobile App iOS Bible app: Hyolmo YouVersion Bibles
Photo Source Copyrighted © 2024  Peoples of the Buddhist World, Asia Harvest  All rights reserved.  Used with permission
Map Source People Group data: Omid. Map geography: UNESCO / GMI. Map Design: Joshua Project  
Profile Source Joshua Project 
Data Sources Data is compiled from various sources. Learn more.



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