culture of nepal

When women have their monthly (Period or menstruation), they sleep and eat alone without touching anyone in the family for three to four days, they are also kept isolated for a week when they give a birth. Such traditions have been modified to fit family's desire or needs. During untouchable period, women don't visit temples or perform puja (worshiping and making offerings to God ). Some go as far as not celebrating festivals. For example, a sister who has a period during Tihar festival won't give or receive tika (a special mark on forehead). Learn about Tihar festival

Most Nepalese eat their meal by hand specially for the Nepali food Dal Bhat and Tarkari

Once someone has eaten from a plate, most Nepalese will not eat from it as it is considered impure (Jutho in Nepali). They feel they might get germs from it. But it is found that many Nepalese women eat leftovers from her husband's plate - for sharing of food is a loving gesture.

Priest play an important role in the lives of Nepalese. He is called in to get a special `birth name' when you are born, he is there to witness your marriage vows, and he is with you at your funeral, and also in selected Hindu festivals like Janai Purnima. He performs puja, worships God and asks God for forgiveness of your sins. They are passionate people, they love their job like no other. Never criticise the job of a priest, even if you don't agree.

Traditional Nepalese marriage is a deal between the parents. The boy, his mother and his father will come to see the girl and her parents. She will offer them tea. He will get to see her for a while, and the deal is made by the parents. If its not good enough, they will go search for another deal.

People who don't look like the ordinary Nepalese will get lots of looks and even constant staring. Specially when you are away from the main cities like Kathmandu, you will be noticed constantly by many people including beautiful Nepalese kids whose curious eyes will be all around you. Smile and Enjoy

Nepalese don't eat beet, but buffalo meat is eaten by certain group of people.

Many of the Nepalese customs are based on traditions and beliefs in Hindu and Buddhist religions. You haven't known about Nepalese untill you have been with all. There are more than 100 ethic groups of Nepalese in Nepal each with their own custom, tradition, and rituals, all sorts speaking different Nepali language. To learn more spend 100 days in Nepal 1 day for each group!

culture of nepal

Explore Royal Chitwan National Park
Royal Chitwan National Park is Nepal's first and most famous national park. Situated in the Chitwan Doon, the park was created in 1973 and made the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1984. The park consists of hills, lakes and the flood plains of the Rapti, Reu and Narayani Rivers. Perhaps the park's biggest draw is that it houses one of the last populations of single-horned Asiatic rhinos, as well as serving as a refuge for the Bengal tiger.
There is an entrance fee for entering the park, but it is waved for children under 10. The park is easily accessible from Katmandu via a national highway. Highlights at the park include participating in elephant safaris, exploring the park's museum and lectures at the Sauraha Visitor Center.
Eat a Traditional Meal
As with most countries, the different flavors and cuisines in Nepal can vary depending on region, but there are certainly some constants. Daal, or lentil soup; bhat, or steamed rice; tarkari, or curried vegetables; and aachar, or pickles, can be found in most regions of Nepal. Tibetan influences increase as you go north just as Indian influences increase as you travel south. You haven't fully experienced a new culture until you've eaten at their table, so here's a short list of traditional foods that won't have you feeling like you're on Fear Factor.
Daal-Bhat: The taste of this dish can vary depending on the cook, but daal and bhat are dietary staples and are generally served in most restaurants.
Rotis: A flat pancake-like bread made of wheat or rice flour available in most restaurants. Hint: most Nepalese do not use cutlery. They eat with their right hand, and rotis can be handy in preparing bite-size tastes.
Chatamari: Chatamari is a flatbread made from rice flour served with or without toppings like meat, vegetables, eggs or sugar. This dish is a favorite among tourists who consider it akin to pizza.
Gundrook-Dheedo: A popular sugar-free dish made of wheat, maize and dried green vegetables. It is nutritious, filling and very tasty.
Lassi: Wash all your local fare down with this refreshing drink, made from yogurt and water.

culture of nepal

See a Buddha Stupa
The stupa is a religious monument originating from the simple mounds of mud and clay that covered the relics of Buddha. One of the most ancient religious monuments, Swayambhunath Stupa, can be seen in the Katmandu Valley. Historical records found at this now lofty and golden-spired stupa indicate that the original structure was a pilgrimage destination in the 5th century.
Worshippers at Swayambhunath include Hindus, Buddhists from northern Nepal and Tibet, and Buddhists from central and southern Nepal. Something amazing occurs each morning before dawn, when hundreds of pilgrims ascend the monument's 365 steps and begin a reverent and religious clockwise encircling of the stupa. Famous for the eyes of Buddha that seemingly observe the world from all 4 directions, this stupa can be visited daily and is located near our next landmark, Durbar Square.
Discover Durbar Square
Durbar Square is 1 of 3 durbars, or royal palaces, in the Katmandu Valley. Dating back to Licchavi times, the complex was the residence of Nepal's royal family before the construction of the Narayanhiti Palace. Housed within Durbar Square is the Hanuman Dhoka Palace complex where the coronation of the Nepalese monarch still takes place today. It also houses 2 museums, the King Tribhuvan Memorial Museum and the Mahendra Museum. A ticket to the Tribhuvan will also allow you to explore the ancient artifacts and photos at the Mahendra Museum.
At the southern end of Durbar Square, visit the Kumari Chowk -- a 3-story stone building that houses 1 of the country's more curious attractions. Inside the palace lives the Raj Kumari, a young Nepalese girl chosen as the human incarnation of the Hindu mother goddess, Durga. This young girl is worshipped during the country's many religious festivals and makes other more limited public appearances.

culture of nepal

Attend a Religious Festival
Religion is the core of the Nepalese culture, and most celebrations are religious festivals. By participating in a Nepalese festival, you will experience the richness of its culture and the vivacity of its people. The biggest and most popular Nepalese festivals are Dashain and Tihar.
Dashain occurs during late September and early October each year and is the longest and most auspicious festival in the Nepalese calendar. The celebration is 15 days long and commemorates a great victory of the gods over a wicked demon. The first 9 days signify the battle between the goddess Durga and the demon; the tenth day exalts the slaying of the demon; the last 5 days are a joyous celebration of Durga's victory.
The festival is marked with feasting and, be forewarned, a great slaughter. It is a time of relaxation and prosperous celebration for the people of Nepal.
The Tihar Festival is also known as the Festival of Lights, so named for the hanging of oil lamps in homes and villages. It is a 5-day festival following Dashain and celebrates the Hindu goddess of fortune and wealth, Laxmi. It is a celebration of the relationship between brothers and sisters and the closeness of the familial bond. Life and prosperity are celebrated nationwide during this festival and the dancing, food and patriotism should not be missed. Click here for a listing of all the religious festivals in Nepal.
See a Buddha Stupa
The stupa is a religious monument originating from the simple mounds of mud and clay that covered the relics of Buddha. One of the most ancient religious monuments, Swayambhunath Stupa, can be seen in the Katmandu Valley. Historical records found at this now lofty and golden-spired stupa indicate that the original structure was a pilgrimage destination in the 5th century.
Worshippers at Swayambhunath include Hindus, Buddhists from northern Nepal and Tibet, and Buddhists from central and southern Nepal. Something amazing occurs each morning before dawn, when hundreds of pilgrims ascend the monument's 365 steps and begin a reverent and religious clockwise encircling of the stupa. Famous for the eyes of Buddha that seemingly observe the world from all 4 directions, this stupa can be visited daily and is located near our next landmark, Durbar Square.

culture of nepal

n Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the 2 main religions. The 2 have coexisted throughout Nepal's tumultuous past and many Hindu temples are located on the same grounds as Buddhist shrines. The intermingling of Hindu and Buddhist beliefs is mainly due to the common worship of similar deities. However, Hinduism is the main religion of Nepal and Shiva is regarded as the country's guardian deity. The Pashupatinath Temple is the largest Shiva temple in the world, located in Deopatan, a small town just northwest of Katmandu. Note to travelers: The temple is barred to non-Hindus, but a view of the inner courtyard is available from the Shleshmantak hill on the eastern bank of the Bagmati River.
Just north of the ancient Buddhist town, Boudhanath, Kopan Hill rises out of the Katmandu Valley and is visible for miles. Once home to the astrologer of the King of Nepal, this hill is now the site of the Kopan Monastery. The monastery houses over 360 monks, mainly from Nepal and Tibet, but it is also a spiritual oasis for many visitors from around the world. Kopan Monastery offers 7- and 10-day monastic courses, and day visits can also be arranged through the reception office. While at the monastery, you are expected to follow the 5 Buddhist precepts: no killing, stealing, lying, sexual conduct and no use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Click here for all the visitors' information at Kopan Monastery.

culture of nepal

The sobriquet “Land of the Himalayas” given to Nepal is fitting as this country has the major bulk of the highest mountain range in the world. To be specific, 1310 mountains of this range is in Nepal. It should then go without saying that peak climbing is a much-loved sport in this small country. Mountaineers from all corners of the world throng each year to scale some of the highest peaks on earth.
The Nepal Mountaineering Association declared a number of peaks open to peak climbing in 1978. In the last two years, 175 peaks were added to this group and now Nepal offers 326 peaks for this sport. Those who have a passion for mountaineering can enjoy themselves to the fullest as a wide selection is open to them.
Nepal has 8 out of the 14 highest peaks in the world. They include Mt.Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Dhaulagiri, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho-Yo, Mt. Manaslu and Mt. Annapurna. All these peaks cross a height of 8000 meters above sea level. However, the more popular peaks are those which have an altitude of 6000 meters above sea level. Some of the peaks in this group are Mera Peak, Pisang Peak, Chulu East Peak, Island Peak and Thapa Peak.
You can go for peak climbing in Nepal alone if you are up to it. However, you are advised to take the help of professional guides, especially if you are undertaking the task for the first time. Make sure you have sufficient ration and other essentials as the journey may take days. Climbing gears and equipments may be bought form Kathmandu. Permits are issued by the Mountaineering Section of the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation.

culture of nepal

Nepal has as peculiar clothing that is reflective of this rich cultural milieu. The clothing adopted by the people of Nepal varies in accordance to their geographical setting as well as the weather conditions. Owing to the different terrain that is spread over Nepal, you may encounter different clothing adopted by the inhabitants to cope up with the particular environs.  

Daura-Suruwal, which is characteristically referred to as 'Labeda-Suruwal' is the conventional clothing of Nepal. This traditional clothing has been attached to a number of religious beliefs that are identified by its designs and has for that reason remained the unchanged from the years. The Daura has eight strings that assists to tie itself up around the body. In fact, eight is considered to be the lucky number in accordance to Nepali mythology. In addition to this, the traditional Daura has five pleats or Kallis that signify the Pancha Buddha or Pancha Ratna. The closed neck of the Daura-Suruwal signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva's neck. As for the Nepali clothing for women, is a cotton sari or also known as Guniu, which is gaining immense recognition even in the fashion circle.