Sherpa Helambu in Nepal

Introduction / History

The name Sherpa means "people from the East." Sherpas received this name from landlords whom they served. Although they practice Buddhism, Sherpas live in the only official Hindu state in the world: Nepal. Hindus and Buddhists generally have a good relationship in Nepal.

The Helambu Sherpa migrated from Tibet to Nepal in the 15th century in order to flee religious persecution. At that time, a Mongol King attempted to force them to convert to his sect of Buddhism. The people fled to the Khumbu region, and later moved further into the Helambu region, about 50 miles from Kathmandu.

The Helambu speak a different language than the larger Sherpa community. Their language is very similar to Tibetan, and they can still communicate in a simple form of Tibetan. They are distinguishable from Tibetans in part because they wear a colorful apron on their backside rather than the front.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Tourism has grown in importance in Nepal since the 1960s. Kathmandu, the capital city, attracts visitors because of its many picturesque temples. Such temples are characteristic of Buddhist art and architecture. A growing number of hikers and mountain climbers are using Kathmandu as a major base for expeditions to Mount Everest, and for hiking tours in the Himalayas. Since they live near this city, the tourist industry has provided the Helambu Sherpa with their main source of income. Every house along the trail has become a lodge crowded with weary trekkers each day as evening approaches. The women serve as shopkeepers, cooks and hostesses. The men also cook, clean and keep the visitors happy. Some of the men are guides who lead treks into the high mountains.

Apart from serving the tourists, the Helambu Sherpa are farmers. They grow primarily potatoes and corn and buy their rice from the valley areas. Their staple food consists of jhamba (porridge). Their main drink, raksi, is a local brandy made from wheat.

Most Helambu Sherpa live in two-story homes built with stones, concrete blocks and wood. Their villages are on the lush foothills of the Himalayan mountains. Because of the tourism industry, Western culture has influenced many of the Helambu Sherpa villages.

Along with the colorful aprons, the women wear wrapped dresses called bhokkus, which are ankle-length. The men wear bhokkus that come only to their knees with suruwals (tight-fitting, warm trousers) underneath. The men also like to wear thick sheep-skin jackets.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Most of the Helambu Sherpa are Buddhists. Every home has a decorated corner set aside for their gods. High places are often areas of worship. There, flags with prayers written on them are hung in hopes that some god may hear their pleas. The mild face of the Buddha occupies every Helambu Sherpa altar.

Colorful festivals are abundant, each one devoted to obtaining favor with a different god. One festival, Gyawa, takes place 49 days after the death of a loved-one. The people gather to eat as much as possible during the festival, believing the food will go toward nourishing the loved one who has died.

What Are Their Needs?

The Helambu Sherpa are easy going and relaxed. Most eat well and usually have reasonably clean water from the mountains. Despite the outward peace, however, there are signs that their culture is unraveling. Alcohol and greed seem to permeate the social fabric.

A large number of Helambu Sherpa live in Kathmandu for part of the year, which makes them available to hear the gospel. However, though many have an awareness of Christianity, there is only a small number of known believers among them.

Prayer Points

Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to share Christ with the Helambu Sherpa.
Ask God to strengthen, encourage and protect the few Helambu Sherpa Christians, making them disciples who make more disciples.
Ask the Lord to draw them to himself with loving-kindness.
Ask the Holy Spirit to prepare the hearts of the Helambu Sherpa to receive the gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up Helambu Sherpa fellowships that will multiply and bless entire villages.

Text Source:   Joshua Project