Burial grounds serve as repositories of human history, culture, and the temporal continuum, embodying profound cultural, religious, and anthropological significance. This study investigates the Yakthung disposal system in connection with burial grounds, examining the condition and cultural, identity-related aspects that influence the disposal practice, and it aims to enhance comprehension regarding the diminishing burial lands of the Limbus and propose effective measures to preserve and safeguard these cultural sites.

Indigenous communities, exemplified by the Limbus of Nepal, exhibit relational worldviews characterized by diverse ontologies and relational epistemologies. The cultural fabric of the Limbus is intricately woven with their land, encompassing spiritually, culturally, and religiously significant areas such as Ipungdens (burial grounds), Hang Yaks (historical forts/palaces), and Mangenna Yaks (areas of ancestral clan evolution). Regrettably, these sacred locales confront encroachment, devastation, and desecration, particularly with respect to burial grounds facing high risks due to government-driven initiatives such as their conversion into community forests and construction projects.

Furthermore, a deviation from traditional burial practices is evident, as some Limbus are opting for cremation in river-side, Aryaghats or crematoriums. This shift has impacts, weakening the community's dedication to their land rights and the stewardship of burial grounds. The confluence of these challenges underscores the need for a nuanced examination of the effects on the cultural heritage and land-related practices of the Limbu community.

This research critically examines the Yakthung original disposal system in relation to Mundhum, unveiling its inherent connection to burial grounds and addressing pressing concerns of destruction and encroachment. Employing a qualitative research approach within the transformative paradigm, encompassing direct observation, focus group discussions, interviews with community members, and analyses of burial practices and grounds, the study seeks to provide a comprehensive understanding of the Yakthung original disposal system and the necessity of burial lands. The primary fieldwork was conducted at Mudke Ahal Cemetery, one of the oldest cemeteries Ipungden situated in Jorpati Rural Municipality of Dhankuta district. For the support, the study offers an overview of burial grounds of Lasune and the surrounding areas of Laligurans

Municipality in Tehrathum in a narrative and descriptive structure to capture diverse situations.

The research highlights the importance of the Yakthung indigenous burial system as a cultural cornerstone intricately connected to burial grounds. It elucidates the risks posed by encroachment, encompassing the reduction of sacred spaces and alterations in traditional burial practices. The findings underline the critical and precarious state of burial grounds, primarily attributed to government initiatives undertaken without prior community consultation and seriousness about the significance of the burial grounds for the burial followers. For instance, the conversion of Mudke Ahal Cemetery into a community forest has diminished the exclusive authority of the Limbus over its use. Burial grounds in the hilly Limbuwan areas face rapid encroachment and destruction, while those in urban settings encounter challenges due to land scarcity and government hesitance in their management.

Regarding the disposal system, the study confirms that Mundhum of the Limbus explicitly outlines burial and burial rites as the original death identity of the Limbus. This establishes burial grounds as an inherent aspect of Limbu culture with both tangible and intangible manifestations. The research calls for collaborative efforts between the Yakthung community and policymakers to formulate strategies that mitigate the impact of encroachment on burial grounds. Acknowledging the cultural importance of the Yakthung indigenous burial system and instituting measures to safeguard these sacred spaces can significantly contribute to the conservation of cultural heritage. Such initiatives are essential for cultivating sustainable coexistence in both rural and urban landscapes. Limbus can achieve the task through collaborative endeavors,

demonstrating unwavering commitment.

Yakthung Disposal System in Relation to Burial GroundsCultureरू100.00