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.

culture of nepal

On the edge on the Southern slopes of the Great Himalayan Mountains, is situated the ethnically diverse Kingdom of Nepal. In accordance to the 2001 census conducted in Nepal, about 103 distinct caste/ ethnic groups that were inclusive of an unidentified group were enumerated. The Hindu religion forms the basis of the caste system in Nepal with mutually incorporated ethnic system exclusive of exclusive of historical reciprocated isolation, origin legends, and the infrequent state intercession.

The Nepalese or the people of Nepal trace their ancestry from three major migrations that took place from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. One of the initial inhabitants of Nepal are the Newar of the Kathmandu Valley as well as the aboriginal Tharu in the southern extent of Tarai region. The descendants of the Brahman and Chetri caste groups have been traced to have come from India, whereas the other ethnic groups trace their genesis to Tibet and Central Asia. This group is inclusive of the Magar and Gurung in the west, Limbu and Rai in the east, and to the north Bhotia and Sherpa.

People of Nepal residing in the Tarai region that is a division of the Ganges basin draw similarity to the Indo- Aryan population from the north of India, both physically and culturally. In the hilly region of Nepal, people of both Mongoloid as well as Indo-Aryan stock can be found whereas the mountainous highlands are thinly populated. In the central hill region of the Kathmandu Valley, although representing a small portion of the state’s region, but is densely populated with approximately 5% of the populace.

culture of nepal

On the edge on the Southern slopes of the Great Himalayan Mountains, is situated the ethnically diverse Kingdom of Nepal. In accordance to the 2001 census conducted in Nepal, about 103 distinct caste/ ethnic groups that were inclusive of an unidentified group were enumerated. The Hindu religion forms the basis of the caste system in Nepal with mutually incorporated ethnic system exclusive of exclusive of historical reciprocated isolation, origin legends, and the infrequent state intercession.

The Nepalese or the people of Nepal trace their ancestry from three major migrations that took place from India, Tibet, and Central Asia. One of the initial inhabitants of Nepal are the Newar of the Kathmandu Valley as well as the aboriginal Tharu in the southern extent of Tarai region. The descendants of the Brahman and Chetri caste groups have been traced to have come from India, whereas the other ethnic groups trace their genesis to Tibet and Central Asia. This group is inclusive of the Magar and Gurung in the west, Limbu and Rai in the east, and to the north Bhotia and Sherpa.

People of Nepal residing in the Tarai region that is a division of the Ganges basin draw similarity to the Indo- Aryan population from the north of India, both physically and culturally. In the hilly region of Nepal, people of both Mongoloid as well as Indo-Aryan stock can be found whereas the mountainous highlands are thinly populated. In the central hill region of the Kathmandu Valley, although representing a small portion of the state’s region, but is densely populated with approximately 5% of the populace.

culture of nepal

Nepal culture is a consequence of blending of influences from its neighboring countries and the indigenous ethnicity over a period of centuries. It is a multi-ethnic and multi-lingual culture constituting some of the unique groups such as Ahir, Tharu, Yadav, and Newars. In fact, it would not be incorrect to say that in this landlocked country every aspect of life, clothing, and even occupations are guided by the norms of the culture.

Its population primarily comprises of Hindus and Buddhist, besides a small percentage of Muslims, Kirant (indigenous), and even Christians. With the multliciltygroups prevalent in Nepal, there are several cults that have given birth to a huge pantheon of Gods and Goddesses. The philosophical tradition also imbibes the ideology of Kashmir Shaivism as well as Tantrism.

In accordance to 2001 census, there are about 92 languages spoken in Nepal. However, if given a look at other studies, there are about 123 languages including Nepali, Tamang, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Newari/Nepal Bhasa, Bantawa, and Bajjika. In fact, in the Terai region, even Hindi language is spoken. Some of the extinct languages of Nepal are inclusive of Kusunda and Waling.

Numerous festivals of Nepal usually last one to several days. One of the most important festivals of Nepal is Darshain (denoting victory over demons). Diversity of its culture is also experienced in the food and drinks with dal-bhat and tarkari (vegetable curries), being its usual hilly staple food.

culture of nepal

Use of vastu Shastra was a wide spread practice in Nepalese culture.The Temples,Mathas, Chowks etc found in Nepal,especially within Kathmandu Valley, Which are established  in various periods of Nepalese history.These are prime examples of use of vastu in Nepal. Another Typical example of vastu being practiced in Nepal which is not obvious to general public is the use of Shagun. Shagun is a very important and symbolic practice in Newari culture, which has been practiced since ancient times. Shagun consist of five different varities of foods and it is believed that these represent five elements of the nature. Bara (Who) representing  the Ether,Egg representing the Earth, Ginger representing the Fire, Fish representing the Water and Meat representing the Air.
Shgagun is given to a person to consume when these things are going well e.g. promotion at work etc to wish them further success. Shagun is also given when things are not going well for a person e.g. after accident etc.it is believed that things don’t go well, When five elements of nature are not in harmony.As people are generally not aware of which elements out of five are causing this disharmony. It is believed that all the five elements are included is Shagun to cover all the grounds.The basic idea is that when a person consumes Shagun is balances all the five elements that are required for a successful healthy and happy life.

Weather of Nepal

Nepal is, enjoys pleasant weather round the year.The country enjoys different seasons of spring, summer, monsoons, autumn, and winter. However, the spring and autumn season offer the ideal time to visit the country when it is neither too hot, nor too cold.
Spring season in Nepal continues from March till May.
The month of June heralds the arrival of summers which lasts till August. During the summer months, the average temperature lingers around 28⁰ C. However, the hilly areas experience much higher temperature due to scorching sun.
Monsoons from June that continues till September, with 2,500 millimeters of rain every year. After monsoons, starts the dry season from October till November, as countryside gets lush green after the rains.
 Autumn which lasts from September to November. During autumn months, the weather remains pleasant, not  much affected by cold.
Winter, December-February. The temperature reaches almost the freezing point during these months, while hilly regions experience rough weather and heavy snowfall.

Marriage

Nepal is overwhelmingly patrilineal and patrilocal. Arranged marriages are the norm in the mainstream culture. Because marriages forge important social bonds between families, when a child reaches marriageable age, the family elders are responsible for finding a suitable mate of the appropriate caste, education level, and social stratum.

For Buddhist monks, Nepal is significant as the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

The bride's family generally provides a substantial dowry to the groom's family, while the groom's family furnishes a much smaller gift of clothing, jewelry, and personal items to the bride. Both families are expected to host a feast during the wedding festivities, which generally last three days. The cost of a wedding, especially to the bride's family, is high and often puts families into debt. Hindu castes do not generally approve of cross-cousin marriage, which is preferred among some Mongolian ethnic groups. Among some groups, a brideprice substitutes for a dowry. In others, clan exogamy is an important feature of marriages. Until recently, polygyny was legal and relatively common. Now it is illegal and found only in the older generation and in remote areas. Child marriages were considered especially auspicious, and while they continue to be practiced in rural areas, they are now prohibited by law. Love marriage is gaining in popularity in the cities, where romantic films and music inform popular sentiment and the economy offers younger people economic independence from the extended family.

Himalayan

 Nepal fits into a geographic pattern as the culmination of a series of parallel ranges. The main mountain region, represented by the eternal ranges, lies about 90kms north of the Mahabharat Lekh. The intervening space between the two parallel ranges is made up of the lower belt of the low hills (Pahar) and the higher belt of elevated ridges (Lekh) that provide the first intimation of the high snow continuous range but rather a chain of lofty ridges separated by deep gorges. Each of these mountain chains or Himals in turn sends out a maze of spurs studded with numerous peaks.

In the western and central Nepal, there is yet another mountain range that defines the boundary between Nepal and China. This border range has elevations ranging from 5,000 to 6,000m with comparatively less rugged relief but a harsh climate. Between the main Himalayan range and these border ranges lie some of the elevated Bhot Valleys.

Launguage and religious

Nepali is the national language of Nepal and is written in Devnagari Script. Other languages spoken in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, Avadhi, Tharu and Newari, however most educated Nepalese can also speak and write English.

Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life.  Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere.  Majority of the people is Hindu in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country.  Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life.  Some hints regarding religious matters.

Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to take off their shoes before entry as a mark of respect.  In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas. In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus.

Culture

	Hinduism followed by Buddhism, constitute two major religion of Nepal. Both these co-religionists are bound together by a sense of fellow-feeling and bonhomie particularly displayed in their worship of common deities and joint celebration of many festivals belonging to either religion or culture. Kumari, the Virgin Hindu Goddess, for instance, is selected from a Buddhist clan.  A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity that exists. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim form the third largest religious group. The exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment of the Nepalese pagodas that enshrine the bronze and stone images of great beauty and, more often than not, treat antiquity, are a unique features of Nepal. The temples and stupas are rich repositories of wood carving, metal work, terracotta and stone sculpture. In their uniqueness they add glory and grandeur to the cultural scene of the Kingdom and tell a long history of native genius.

Nepali newari music

Nepalese culture is diverse, reflecting different ethnic origins of the people. The Newar community is particularly rich in cultural diversity; they celebrate many festivals, well known for their music and dance.
The Newari Music orchestra consists mainly of percussion instruments, though wind instruments, such as flutes and other similar instruments, are also used. String instruments are very rare. There are songs pertaining to particular seasons and festivals. Paahan chare music is probably the fastest played music while the Dapa the slowest.
There are certain musical instruments such as Dhimay and Bhusya which are played as instrumental only and are not accompanied with songs. The dhimay music is the loudest one. In the hills, people enjoy their own kind of music, playing saarangi (a string instrument), madal and flute. They also have many popular folk songs known as lok geet and lok dohari.
The Newar dances can be broadly classified into masked dances and non-masked dances.

Nepali big festival dashain

During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar (late September and early October), the Nepalese people indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain. Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese of all caste and creed throughout the country. The fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon. Thorough out the kingdom of Nepal the goddess Durga in all her manifestations are worshiped with innumerable pujas, abundant offerings and thousands of animal sacrifices for the ritual holy bathing, thus drenching the goddess for days in blood. Dashain commemorates a great victory of the gods over the wicked demons. One of the victory stories told is the Ramayan, where the lord Ram after a big struggle slaughtered Ravine, the fiendish king of demons. It is said that lord Ram was successful in the battle only when goddess Durga was evoked. 

Nepali festival

Festivals in Nepal begin with religion, ending as social event. There are more than 50 major festivals in a year celebrated by Nepalis. Although most of these festivals are religious some have historical significance, while others are seasonal celebrations.

The dates of most festivals are fixed by famous astrologers after consulting the lunar calendar. The biggest and most popular festivals are: Dashain, a celebration of Goddess Bhagabati's victory over evil Mahisashur; and Tihar, a celebration of lights dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi.

It is not hard to catch colorful processions in different streets of the Valley almost every other day of the week. Cultural acts of dances and songs are integral parts of some celebrations while some celebrations are just quiet family gatherings. Grand celebrations like Ghode Jatra and Gai Jatra entertain participants and spectators every year.Teej big festival for Nepali women a warm wishes  shared among the loves one.

Location and geography

Nepal is a roughly rectangular country with an area of 147,181 square miles. To the south, west, and east it is bordered by Indian states; to the north lies Tibet. Nepal is home to the Himalayan Mountains, including Mount Everest. From the summit of Everest, the topography plunges to just above sea level at the Gangetic Plain on the southern border. This drop divides the country into three horizontal zones: the high mountains, the lush central hills, and the flat, arid Terai region in the south. Fast-moving, snow-fed rivers cut through the hills and mountains from north to south, carving deep valleys and steep ridges. The rugged topography has created numerous ecological niches to which different ethnic groups have adapted. Although trade has brought distinct ethnic groups into contact, the geography has created diversity in language and subsistence practices. The result  with over thirty-six ethnic groups and over fifty languages.

Nepal culture

Nepal has several ancient pilgrimage sites. Each temple is attached to a legend or belief that glorifies the miraculous powers of its deity. Kathmandu Valley is home to the famous Pashupatinath Temple, Swayambhu Stupa and several other famous temples.
Hundreds of famous temples are located in and around the Kathmandu valley.
Some well-known pilgramage sites are: Barah Chhetra, Halesi Mahadev, Janakpur, Pathibhara, Tengboche in East Nepal; Manakaman, Gorkha, Lumbini, Muktinath, Gosainkunda, Tansen, Kathmandu Valley in Central Nepal; and Swargadwari, Khaptad Ashram in West Nepal.
Nepal is also the Gateway to Kailash Mansarovar, the mythical abode of Lord Shiva. Even though weak infrastructure renders some places hard to reach, efforts are being made on national level to develop and promote some popular sites.
Pilgrimage sites of Nepal like Muktinath and Gosainkunda make popular trekking destinations. Tours to these sites are encouraged for the novelty they provide in terms of nature and culture.