The name "Bakumpai" is a nickname for Dayak people who live along the Barito Riverbanks.

[6] According to legend, the origins of the Bakumpai Dayaks came from Ngaju people who settled on the current land which is called Marabahan.

In the beginning, they practice Kaharingan, the religion of their ancestors, which can be seen as well in the cultures of other Dayak people.

When they studied religion in a particular region together with their teacher, Nabiyullah Khidir, grass would begin to grow from the ground and thus they are referred to as Bakumpai people.

Until today if observed from the lineage of the Muara Untu people, they would trace their ancestors to Raghuy.

Customary ceremonies that are related to old beliefs are such as Badewa and Manyanggar Lebu rituals.