The Chidimars of Mithila

The Chidimar community lives in the Mithila, the Souther belt of Nepal.

As the name suggests, (Chidi: bird and Mar: kill) they kill birds and eat them. Traditionally, they make their living by catching/selling wild birds and also by making music and singing in various cultural occasions in Mithila.

Mithila is the cradle of an ancient civilization. Also believed to be the birthplace of Sita, wife of Lord Rama and a central character in the Hindu epic Ramayan that is why Mithila is a holy pilgrimage site for all the Hindus in the world.

Although the Chidimar population is concentrated in the Mithila region (Pradesh No. 2), a small number of Chidimars also live in Nepalgunj, Southern Nepal. Interestingly, these Chidimars of Nepalgunj are Hindus whereas the Chidimars of Mithila are Muslims. Despite being Muslims, the Mailthili Chidimars sing and perform the glory of Hindu gods & goddesses.

Usually, in the households of the upper castes like Rajputs and Brahmins of the Mithila region, any religious ceremonies are deemed to be incomplete without the recital of Vedic Mangalaacharan (religious verses) by the Muslim Chidimars. It is a shining example of the religious tolerance, integration and cultural harmony of Mithila culture.