Chu Rum Faat – offerings and prayers to the Himalayas. - Africa and Asia Venture

Chu Rum Faat – offerings and prayers to the Himalayas. - Africa and Asia Venture

Ever heard of Chu Ram Faat? I doubt many of you have, with the exception those who have volunteered with AV in the Lepcha community. The Lepchas are an extraordinary community who live in the foothills of the Himalayas in northern India. With an amazing culture, the Lepchas, full of grace, humanity, humour and a zest for life, will leave a lasting impression. Volunteering with them is an honour and they will give you the opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions - from teaching villagers in Night School and helping farm ginger and spices, to participating in Lepcha Festivals.

An annual festival for the Lepcha communities of Northern India, Chu Ram Faat, is an offering and prayer to the Himalayas. ‘Chu' in Lepcha language means the Himalayan peaks, ‘Rum' means God and ‘Faat' means offering. This festival is the most important, primary and significant Lepcha offering to the ‘Creator' and takes place when fresh snow falls in the Himalayan Mountains.

This year the Chu Ram Faat Festival is scheduled for 9 October and those who volunteer with AV on the Lepcha scheme from September to December 2010 will be able to join in the celebrations to keep indigenous Lepcha traditions alive!

Volunteers will also get the chance to join in the 279^th Anniversary Celebration of King Gaeboo Achyok of Damsang on 20 December, and Lepcha New Year - celebrated slightly earlier than the UK, from 6-12 December. There are so many opportunities to see the real Lepcha community, to learn something new and to open your eyes to a very special world!

If you want to experience a different way of life, leave the Western world behind you (for at least 4 months), immerse yourself in a unique culture, and help make a difference in the English language education of Lepchas, young and old, then please take that first step.

For more details see our volunteering opportunities in Northern India or give us a call +44 (0) 1380 729009.

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