NEPAL - General Information
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NEPAL'S HISTORY IN SHORT
Modern Nepal was unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha. Before the unification, Nepal was ruled by various Kirats, Lichchavis, Thakuris and Mallas. The history mentioned that Kirats ruled Nepal during the 7th century BC. Though much was not known about Kirats,the Lichchavi dynasty followed the Kirats which lasted from the 2nd to 9th century AD. Nepal was ruled by the Thakuris who were followed by the Mallas for two centuries after The Lichchavis. Nepal was divided into many principalities and small kingdoms In the fifth centuries of Malla rule,. Those kingdoms have their own currency, administration and large armies. Malla dynasty is known as golden period and it was during the reign of the Mallas that Nepal developed into a great center of art and architecture. It was mentioned in history that some of the best known monuments were built during this time which can be seen even today. Taking the advantage of quarrel between these small kingdoms, in 1768, King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha invaded the Kathmandu Valley and unified Nepal, thus Shah Dynasty was established in Nepal.
Jang Bahadur Rana the then Prime Minister of Nepal revolted against the royalty In 1844. The famous Koot Massacre took place during this period in which numbers of noblemen were killed. The Rana took absolute power but continued to maintain the Shah family in the palace. Chandra Shamsher the later Ranas has brought many reforms including the abolition of slavery. Colleges, schools, hospitals and, started newspapers were built during Ranas regime. The 104 years reign of Ranas came to and end due to their autocratic rules.
It was in November 1950 King Tribhuvan restored democracy overthrowing the Rana regime with large number of Nepalese people support. He restored Shah regime again in Nepal.After his death King Birendra ruled Nepal and know as one of the noble and peaceful king of Nepal.
The entire family of King Birendra was massacred in June 2001 popularly Known and Royal Massacre 2001. Prince Dipendra was crowned as King while on coma later he took his last breath lying in hospital bed.
Gyanendra Shah late King Birendra’s brother was coroneted as the King of Nepal.
In 2006, a decade-long People's Revolution by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) along with several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties of Nepal signed a peace accord, dethroned King Gyanendra Shah and established Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.
GEOGRAPHY:
Nepal is a landlocked country lying between 800 4'- 800 12' east longitude and 260 22'- 300 4' north latitude. The total area comprises 147181 sq. km. Nepal is bordered by the Tibet, an Autonomous Region of China, to the north and India in the east, south and west. The country is rectangular in shape, approximately 885 km long boarded by Mechi River in east and Mahakali River in west and roughly 200 km tall north to south.
Nepal is divided into three geographical regions known as, Himalayan region, Mountain Region and the Terai Region.
In the north it straddles the hills and mountains between the enormous Ganges plain and high Tibetan plateau. The Himalayan range content close to the one third of the entire greater Himalaya range including 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountain. There are about 1300 other peaks well above 6000 meters high resting in this region. In the south a narrow strip of flat land known as Terai exist bordered by Siwalik Hill and Mahabharat Range. Between are boarded valleys, the inner Terai which were once infested with deadly malaria but this area is now a rapidly developing area since DDT was spread to eradicate Malaria. The Terai region is also known and fertile bread basket of Nepal. Between Himalayas and Terai the Mountain region covers 64% of total surface area of Nepal.
PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE:
People in Nepal commonly welcome you Namaste as a traditional salute (means I salute the divine in you) which is wisely used in the most part of country. About 23 million Nepalese are made of 69 different cultural and linguistic group also known as ethnic groups living in different, regions of the country. Mostly each ethnic group has their own unique costumes, speak their own languages or dialects, and follow their own religious practices. They live under different diverse geographic and environmental orientations, from the low plains near the Indian border, northward through the middle hills of Mahabharat range and valleys, and up to the high plain valleys of the Himalayan zone.
However, the globalization motives and innovations effect to the Nepalese society which made many changes day by day in addition of several infrastructural developments new roads building, modern public education, democracy since 1990 and Federal Democratic Republic since in on 23 May 2008, and even rapid innovation of information technology, Internet access are making massive changes brought among new generation. More and more Nepalese, especially young folks speak Nepali and fluent English language, dresses western style clothes most of the time and generally relate to the outside world.
In Nepal generally two major groups of people can be found in high Himalayan region Tibitan origin (Tibeto-Burman or Bhot Burmes) and in low land to mid hill Indo-Aryan (Bharopeli) origin groups. Himalayan region settlements of Tibetan-speaking groups Sherpa, Tibetan origin Gurung of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo region and Thakali of Mustang’s high plain are found in sub alpine to trans Himalayan areas. Outside Nepal, the best known are the Sherpa people who has gained world renown and interest because of their mountaineering skills. In fact, the word “Sherpa,” meaning mountain guide in English, comes from the group’s proud Sherpa name.
In the mid hill mostly settled Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Sunwar, Gurung and Chepang groups as well as other mongoloid groups live in this areas. The Brahmans, Chhetris, Newar and Thakuris and different occupational groups Kami, Damai Sarki, Gaine are spread generally over most parts of the country. In towns Newar, Marbadi, Punjabi, Brahaman, Kshetri and other mixed groups are also settled. The groups of Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Magar are popular as Gurkha solder in the world.
In Terai Plain Brahaman, Kshetri, Rajput, Tharu, Danuwar, Majhi, Darai, Rajbansi, Satar, Dhimal, and Jhangar, Singh, Jha, Yadav and Lal(Mithila) people inhabit in the dun, valleys and different occupational groups are living and being bound together by the ideas of peace and harmony. Terai’s Mithila groups are popular for their authentic traditional arts and paintings. But however mostly either living in hilly region or Terai region their major occupation is traditional agriculture broadly adopted.
CULTURE & RELIGION:
Since Nepal was declared federal democratic republic nation, the people of Nepal living in various society got right to establish there own religion belief so thereafter Nepal is known as multi religious to the entire world. Due to its huge diversified land division people living in the various regions in different ethnic groups they follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal’s east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country.
In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, Nepali’s specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.
ARTS & ARCHITECTURE:
Nepalese traditional arts and architectures are totally dominant of Hindu and Buddhist religion philosophy which are reflected by various kind of painting images, statue sculpture of deities, temples, monasteries, old squares and other monuments. In general traditional arts and architectures can be remarked as a fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist religion in Nepal. Especially Kathmandu valley’s squares, monasteries, surrounding areas’ various pilgrimage places, Lumbini, Janakpur and, world heritage spots are main evidences of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures. There are also several authentic and traditionally unique arts and crafts are produced commercially. In Kathmandu valley both neighboring ancient cities Patan and Bhaktapur are well renowned due to its wonderful tradition in subjects of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures ever outstanding. In generally Nepalese traditional arts and architectures can be categories in three different respect architectures - Pagoda pattern, Stupa Pattern and Shikhar pattern as well arts are Buddhist Thanka paintings and Hindu arts of deities.
The Pagoda Pattern of monuments and buildings are styled several layers roof with broad space of carved wood struts. The roof of this style of building typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding and lattice windows are used which gives look in outermost real bell shape. The several storied pagoda style historical remaining of Nepal are almost constructed during Malla Dynasty period which is impressively represents Nepalese an authentic fine artistic architectural design of nation. The most popular sites to observe these pagoda patterns are Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square area, Taleju temple of Basantapur, Kashthamandap and temples of around, Patan Durbar Square area, Kumbheswor temple, and many temple of around, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, popular Nyatapola temple and Datatraya temple, others Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan temples.
The Stupa Pattern of monuments and buildings are styled mainly hemispherical round shape in bottom and segmented part to part round up to top and decorated with images pattern of different sects of Buddhism atop. The main base of ground is always in mandala shaped of every Buddhist stupas and pair of big eyes in square of main body which can be observed from all side easily. There are also several monasteries where monks and nuns are practically educated about Buddhism and all the monasteries inside are panted very authentic style of arts which based on Buddhism philosophy. Nepal’s most popular sites to see stupas are Bauddhanath, Swoyambhunath and many other stupas or Chhortens of Kathmandu valley.
The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temple is very common monuments of Hindu shrine. In Nepal this type of patterned construction can be seen at Patan Durbar Square area which is known as famous Krishna temple as well some are at Pashupatinath temple area and some Hindu temples of Kathmandu valley. The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temples are consists of five to nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower like structure and atop decorated by beautiful gajur.
Thangka Paintings are very authentic traditional Buddhist cultural and religious artistic hand work of Nepal which reflects real Buddhism philosophy by its unique arts. There are many different variety and qualities of thangka paintings available in the Kathmandu Valley’s thank shops as well in Pokhara. Some expensive and master piece images painted with the color mixed of gold and silver as well long time hard work. Travelers can enjoy shopping this beautiful souvenir to find out some antique paintings at major Thanka galleries of Patan, Bhaktapur, Jhonchhe (Freak Street) Thamel and Hanuman Dhoka areas of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVALS & SPORTS:
Nepal has also several festive games as traditional sports of various regions which belongs ethnical groups all over the country. In the Mountain and Himalayan regions people participated for their game show during many times of year in different cultural occasions. Some of the most renowned traditional sports of remote are – Horse Ridding, Race, Mountain Horse Polo, Bull Race, Sheep Fighting and Archery. Horse Ridding and Archery are very popular game in Trans Himalayan districts of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo’s remote area. People of there celebrate and play these games as their typical culture during the festive moments. Sheep Fighting and Bull Race are also most popular in Annapurna region’s Kaski and Lamjung areas of pasture land. For cultural and religious entertainment they also celebrate many typical festivals- in high mountain valleys of various region of the country.
Teeji festival of Upper Mustang, Mani Rimdu Festival in Himalayan region’s monasteries, Baden (Festival of Warfare) of Manang, Gai Jatra (Festival of Cow), Ghode Jatra (Horse Race Festival) of Kathndu valley, Sakela Nach of Rai Community, Tharu Dance Culture, of Tarai, Rodhi Culture of Gurung community, Traditional Instrumental Music competition, Dohari Culture of mid-west, Teej Parva (Festival of Women) and Deuda Culture of far-west community in Nepal are most popular entertaining culture festive occasions. There are many different other festivals in Nepal which have deep religious and cultural value as well entertaining, welcoming and farewell to the months, season and prosperous days - Dashain Festival, Tihar, Buddha Purnima (Buddha’s birthday), Lohsar (New Year of Buddhist community), Nag Panchami, Holi (Festival of Color), Nepali New Year, Janai Purnima, Shiva Ratri Festival and Bhoto Jatra are the best known of them.
In modern days Nepal is also adopted several globally renowned sports- Football and Cricket are the most popular sport among of them in Nepal. And except these Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis, Marshal Art Games, Boxing, Wrestling, Kho Kho, Kabardi, Running, Weightlifting, Basketball, Shooting, Archery, Badminton and Gulf are also much popular as armature games. Concerning the reorganization of nation, Nepal has also developed various infrastructure programs and established academies to produce players as regarding games. To develop sport culture in Nepal there are also established many clubs and sport grounds in cities of nation wise.
Modern Nepal was unified by King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha. Before the unification, Nepal was ruled by various Kirats, Lichchavis, Thakuris and Mallas. The history mentioned that Kirats ruled Nepal during the 7th century BC. Though much was not known about Kirats,the Lichchavi dynasty followed the Kirats which lasted from the 2nd to 9th century AD. Nepal was ruled by the Thakuris who were followed by the Mallas for two centuries after The Lichchavis. Nepal was divided into many principalities and small kingdoms In the fifth centuries of Malla rule,. Those kingdoms have their own currency, administration and large armies. Malla dynasty is known as golden period and it was during the reign of the Mallas that Nepal developed into a great center of art and architecture. It was mentioned in history that some of the best known monuments were built during this time which can be seen even today. Taking the advantage of quarrel between these small kingdoms, in 1768, King Prithvi Narayan Shah of Gorkha invaded the Kathmandu Valley and unified Nepal, thus Shah Dynasty was established in Nepal.
Jang Bahadur Rana the then Prime Minister of Nepal revolted against the royalty In 1844. The famous Koot Massacre took place during this period in which numbers of noblemen were killed. The Rana took absolute power but continued to maintain the Shah family in the palace. Chandra Shamsher the later Ranas has brought many reforms including the abolition of slavery. Colleges, schools, hospitals and, started newspapers were built during Ranas regime. The 104 years reign of Ranas came to and end due to their autocratic rules.
It was in November 1950 King Tribhuvan restored democracy overthrowing the Rana regime with large number of Nepalese people support. He restored Shah regime again in Nepal.After his death King Birendra ruled Nepal and know as one of the noble and peaceful king of Nepal.
The entire family of King Birendra was massacred in June 2001 popularly Known and Royal Massacre 2001. Prince Dipendra was crowned as King while on coma later he took his last breath lying in hospital bed.
Gyanendra Shah late King Birendra’s brother was coroneted as the King of Nepal.
In 2006, a decade-long People's Revolution by the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist) along with several weeks of mass protests by all major political parties of Nepal signed a peace accord, dethroned King Gyanendra Shah and established Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal.
GEOGRAPHY:
Nepal is a landlocked country lying between 800 4'- 800 12' east longitude and 260 22'- 300 4' north latitude. The total area comprises 147181 sq. km. Nepal is bordered by the Tibet, an Autonomous Region of China, to the north and India in the east, south and west. The country is rectangular in shape, approximately 885 km long boarded by Mechi River in east and Mahakali River in west and roughly 200 km tall north to south.
Nepal is divided into three geographical regions known as, Himalayan region, Mountain Region and the Terai Region.
In the north it straddles the hills and mountains between the enormous Ganges plain and high Tibetan plateau. The Himalayan range content close to the one third of the entire greater Himalaya range including 8 of the world’s 10 highest mountain. There are about 1300 other peaks well above 6000 meters high resting in this region. In the south a narrow strip of flat land known as Terai exist bordered by Siwalik Hill and Mahabharat Range. Between are boarded valleys, the inner Terai which were once infested with deadly malaria but this area is now a rapidly developing area since DDT was spread to eradicate Malaria. The Terai region is also known and fertile bread basket of Nepal. Between Himalayas and Terai the Mountain region covers 64% of total surface area of Nepal.
PEOPLE & LIFESTYLE:
People in Nepal commonly welcome you Namaste as a traditional salute (means I salute the divine in you) which is wisely used in the most part of country. About 23 million Nepalese are made of 69 different cultural and linguistic group also known as ethnic groups living in different, regions of the country. Mostly each ethnic group has their own unique costumes, speak their own languages or dialects, and follow their own religious practices. They live under different diverse geographic and environmental orientations, from the low plains near the Indian border, northward through the middle hills of Mahabharat range and valleys, and up to the high plain valleys of the Himalayan zone.
However, the globalization motives and innovations effect to the Nepalese society which made many changes day by day in addition of several infrastructural developments new roads building, modern public education, democracy since 1990 and Federal Democratic Republic since in on 23 May 2008, and even rapid innovation of information technology, Internet access are making massive changes brought among new generation. More and more Nepalese, especially young folks speak Nepali and fluent English language, dresses western style clothes most of the time and generally relate to the outside world.
In Nepal generally two major groups of people can be found in high Himalayan region Tibitan origin (Tibeto-Burman or Bhot Burmes) and in low land to mid hill Indo-Aryan (Bharopeli) origin groups. Himalayan region settlements of Tibetan-speaking groups Sherpa, Tibetan origin Gurung of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo region and Thakali of Mustang’s high plain are found in sub alpine to trans Himalayan areas. Outside Nepal, the best known are the Sherpa people who has gained world renown and interest because of their mountaineering skills. In fact, the word “Sherpa,” meaning mountain guide in English, comes from the group’s proud Sherpa name.
In the mid hill mostly settled Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Sunwar, Gurung and Chepang groups as well as other mongoloid groups live in this areas. The Brahmans, Chhetris, Newar and Thakuris and different occupational groups Kami, Damai Sarki, Gaine are spread generally over most parts of the country. In towns Newar, Marbadi, Punjabi, Brahaman, Kshetri and other mixed groups are also settled. The groups of Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Magar are popular as Gurkha solder in the world.
In Terai Plain Brahaman, Kshetri, Rajput, Tharu, Danuwar, Majhi, Darai, Rajbansi, Satar, Dhimal, and Jhangar, Singh, Jha, Yadav and Lal(Mithila) people inhabit in the dun, valleys and different occupational groups are living and being bound together by the ideas of peace and harmony. Terai’s Mithila groups are popular for their authentic traditional arts and paintings. But however mostly either living in hilly region or Terai region their major occupation is traditional agriculture broadly adopted.
SOCIAL STRUCTURE:
As Nepal being a very broad diversified home land of several ethnical groups it has common social family structure. In general living in joint family system at a home, respecting and following own socio-traditional conducts generation to generation. Showing physical affection openly in public is restricted; gents and ladies socialize separately both before and after marriage with family gatherings. Normally marriage is arranged by parents with help of marriage consular called Lahmi. Among new generations love marriage is also popular now a day. They have right to choose their mate and decide their own future bright. There is no way to say that Nepalese society remained untouched by global changes, mainly in major cities and towns of young generation hugely influenced by information technology of world and adopted several fascinating ways.
MAIN OCCUPATIONS:
In general mostly Nepalese people are involved in their traditional occupation agriculture. Most of the people those who are living out of town they belongs their own family farm land where they grow both main crops and different cash crops seasonally. About 76% of total population in Nepal still belongs to traditional agriculture system as their main source of economy and rest of do other jobs as cottage industries, general manufactures, goods trading, government officials, hospitality tourism and others. All together still about 33% of total populations are dependent in agriculture.
CUISINE:
Topographically, Nepal’s landscape is remarked on the basis of diverse ecological settings are divided in to three main different regions as Himalayan, Hill and Terai. Lowland plan of Terai region lies in the northern part of Indo-Gangetic plain which is suitable for growing rice and other low elevation crops as main agriculture products. Therefore socially living people of Nepal are traditionally adopted as a rice culture food habit and commonly known as Dal-Bhat-Tarkari main meal of daily life. The wholesome food Dal-Bhat-Tarkari is perfect combination of carbohydrate, protein, vitamin, mineral, and fat and is being eaten all over Nepal habitual way of twice a day. Besides morning and late afternoon time tea, coffee other drinks and light food snacks are also can be eaten normally. Dal is well cooked lentil soup from different beans, Bhat is boiled rice, Tarkari is curried vegetables, pickle of seasonal vegetable or fruits, salad and curried or fried meat as a non-vegetarian food. Typical Nepalese cooking propose of curry items for taste and flavor spices are used such as cumin seed, coriander, black pepper, sesame seed, turmeric, garlic, ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaf, clove, cinnamon, pepper, chilies, mustard seed, ghee, butter, mustard oil and salt added by taste. Dal-Bhat prepared in the area of the Classical Kali-Gandaki Trail and Ghorepani-Gandruk Trail by the Thakalis was considered the best in the previous time.
In the hilly area, where rice is growing very less, millet, barley, bark wheat and maize are growing commonly in suitable climate so people of there mostly eat Dhindo with Gundruk or different vegetable curry, meat curry, home made pickle, yoghurt and milk as a their main course but they also like to have Dal Bhat time to time. This authentic tradition of food habit is very common all over Nepal’s mountain areas. There is also several common continental food items are available in cities abundantly as well many countries food items are prepared by several restaurants and fast food stalls of around main hub of tourists. Different ethnic groups have their own specialties, but basically it's all subsistence food which is simply known the value of food as fuel.
DRESS:
There are many specific dressing style in Nepal as a country is being home of multi cultural and lingual groups people. Most Nepalese ethnic groups have their own unique style of dress according to region and culture. Among gents Daura Suruwal Dhaka Topi,T- shirt, Shirt Pant, different casual wears and ladies Kurta Salwar, Saries Blouse (Cholo) T- shirt, Shirt Pant, different casual wears are commonly worn by Nepalese people all over the country. In the cities particularly, young hearts both men and women often dress in western style clothing, while elder women mostly wear Saries Blouse (Cholo), Kurta Salwar modestly.
RELIGION BELIEF:
Nepal is multi religious country in the world so different ethnic groups live with their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal’s east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country. In Hindu community every ritual ceremony handled by priest (pundit), by Lama (monk) in Buddhism community as well by Mullah in Muslim community.
In term of vast range geographical varied land orientation features of the country Hinduism among Indo-Aryan communities influence in the lower elevation and the Buddhism among Tibetan-origin in the Himalayan region and other different parts of the Nepal. In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, Nepali’s specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.
As Nepal being a very broad diversified home land of several ethnical groups it has common social family structure. In general living in joint family system at a home, respecting and following own socio-traditional conducts generation to generation. Showing physical affection openly in public is restricted; gents and ladies socialize separately both before and after marriage with family gatherings. Normally marriage is arranged by parents with help of marriage consular called Lahmi. Among new generations love marriage is also popular now a day. They have right to choose their mate and decide their own future bright. There is no way to say that Nepalese society remained untouched by global changes, mainly in major cities and towns of young generation hugely influenced by information technology of world and adopted several fascinating ways.
MAIN OCCUPATIONS:
In general mostly Nepalese people are involved in their traditional occupation agriculture. Most of the people those who are living out of town they belongs their own family farm land where they grow both main crops and different cash crops seasonally. About 76% of total population in Nepal still belongs to traditional agriculture system as their main source of economy and rest of do other jobs as cottage industries, general manufactures, goods trading, government officials, hospitality tourism and others. All together still about 33% of total populations are dependent in agriculture.
CUISINE:
Topographically, Nepal’s landscape is remarked on the basis of diverse ecological settings are divided in to three main different regions as Himalayan, Hill and Terai. Lowland plan of Terai region lies in the northern part of Indo-Gangetic plain which is suitable for growing rice and other low elevation crops as main agriculture products. Therefore socially living people of Nepal are traditionally adopted as a rice culture food habit and commonly known as Dal-Bhat-Tarkari main meal of daily life. The wholesome food Dal-Bhat-Tarkari is perfect combination of carbohydrate, protein, vitamin, mineral, and fat and is being eaten all over Nepal habitual way of twice a day. Besides morning and late afternoon time tea, coffee other drinks and light food snacks are also can be eaten normally. Dal is well cooked lentil soup from different beans, Bhat is boiled rice, Tarkari is curried vegetables, pickle of seasonal vegetable or fruits, salad and curried or fried meat as a non-vegetarian food. Typical Nepalese cooking propose of curry items for taste and flavor spices are used such as cumin seed, coriander, black pepper, sesame seed, turmeric, garlic, ginger, methi (fenugreek), bay leaf, clove, cinnamon, pepper, chilies, mustard seed, ghee, butter, mustard oil and salt added by taste. Dal-Bhat prepared in the area of the Classical Kali-Gandaki Trail and Ghorepani-Gandruk Trail by the Thakalis was considered the best in the previous time.
In the hilly area, where rice is growing very less, millet, barley, bark wheat and maize are growing commonly in suitable climate so people of there mostly eat Dhindo with Gundruk or different vegetable curry, meat curry, home made pickle, yoghurt and milk as a their main course but they also like to have Dal Bhat time to time. This authentic tradition of food habit is very common all over Nepal’s mountain areas. There is also several common continental food items are available in cities abundantly as well many countries food items are prepared by several restaurants and fast food stalls of around main hub of tourists. Different ethnic groups have their own specialties, but basically it's all subsistence food which is simply known the value of food as fuel.
DRESS:
There are many specific dressing style in Nepal as a country is being home of multi cultural and lingual groups people. Most Nepalese ethnic groups have their own unique style of dress according to region and culture. Among gents Daura Suruwal Dhaka Topi,T- shirt, Shirt Pant, different casual wears and ladies Kurta Salwar, Saries Blouse (Cholo) T- shirt, Shirt Pant, different casual wears are commonly worn by Nepalese people all over the country. In the cities particularly, young hearts both men and women often dress in western style clothing, while elder women mostly wear Saries Blouse (Cholo), Kurta Salwar modestly.
RELIGION BELIEF:
Nepal is multi religious country in the world so different ethnic groups live with their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal’s east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country. In Hindu community every ritual ceremony handled by priest (pundit), by Lama (monk) in Buddhism community as well by Mullah in Muslim community.
In term of vast range geographical varied land orientation features of the country Hinduism among Indo-Aryan communities influence in the lower elevation and the Buddhism among Tibetan-origin in the Himalayan region and other different parts of the Nepal. In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, Nepali’s specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.
CULTURE & RELIGION:
Since Nepal was declared federal democratic republic nation, the people of Nepal living in various society got right to establish there own religion belief so thereafter Nepal is known as multi religious to the entire world. Due to its huge diversified land division people living in the various regions in different ethnic groups they follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal’s east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country.
In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, Nepali’s specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.
ARTS & ARCHITECTURE:
Nepalese traditional arts and architectures are totally dominant of Hindu and Buddhist religion philosophy which are reflected by various kind of painting images, statue sculpture of deities, temples, monasteries, old squares and other monuments. In general traditional arts and architectures can be remarked as a fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist religion in Nepal. Especially Kathmandu valley’s squares, monasteries, surrounding areas’ various pilgrimage places, Lumbini, Janakpur and, world heritage spots are main evidences of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures. There are also several authentic and traditionally unique arts and crafts are produced commercially. In Kathmandu valley both neighboring ancient cities Patan and Bhaktapur are well renowned due to its wonderful tradition in subjects of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures ever outstanding. In generally Nepalese traditional arts and architectures can be categories in three different respect architectures - Pagoda pattern, Stupa Pattern and Shikhar pattern as well arts are Buddhist Thanka paintings and Hindu arts of deities.
The Pagoda Pattern of monuments and buildings are styled several layers roof with broad space of carved wood struts. The roof of this style of building typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding and lattice windows are used which gives look in outermost real bell shape. The several storied pagoda style historical remaining of Nepal are almost constructed during Malla Dynasty period which is impressively represents Nepalese an authentic fine artistic architectural design of nation. The most popular sites to observe these pagoda patterns are Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square area, Taleju temple of Basantapur, Kashthamandap and temples of around, Patan Durbar Square area, Kumbheswor temple, and many temple of around, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, popular Nyatapola temple and Datatraya temple, others Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan temples.
The Stupa Pattern of monuments and buildings are styled mainly hemispherical round shape in bottom and segmented part to part round up to top and decorated with images pattern of different sects of Buddhism atop. The main base of ground is always in mandala shaped of every Buddhist stupas and pair of big eyes in square of main body which can be observed from all side easily. There are also several monasteries where monks and nuns are practically educated about Buddhism and all the monasteries inside are panted very authentic style of arts which based on Buddhism philosophy. Nepal’s most popular sites to see stupas are Bauddhanath, Swoyambhunath and many other stupas or Chhortens of Kathmandu valley.
The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temple is very common monuments of Hindu shrine. In Nepal this type of patterned construction can be seen at Patan Durbar Square area which is known as famous Krishna temple as well some are at Pashupatinath temple area and some Hindu temples of Kathmandu valley. The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temples are consists of five to nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower like structure and atop decorated by beautiful gajur.
Thangka Paintings are very authentic traditional Buddhist cultural and religious artistic hand work of Nepal which reflects real Buddhism philosophy by its unique arts. There are many different variety and qualities of thangka paintings available in the Kathmandu Valley’s thank shops as well in Pokhara. Some expensive and master piece images painted with the color mixed of gold and silver as well long time hard work. Travelers can enjoy shopping this beautiful souvenir to find out some antique paintings at major Thanka galleries of Patan, Bhaktapur, Jhonchhe (Freak Street) Thamel and Hanuman Dhoka areas of Kathmandu Durbar Square.
ENTERTAINMENT, FESTIVALS & SPORTS:
Nepal has also several festive games as traditional sports of various regions which belongs ethnical groups all over the country. In the Mountain and Himalayan regions people participated for their game show during many times of year in different cultural occasions. Some of the most renowned traditional sports of remote are – Horse Ridding, Race, Mountain Horse Polo, Bull Race, Sheep Fighting and Archery. Horse Ridding and Archery are very popular game in Trans Himalayan districts of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo’s remote area. People of there celebrate and play these games as their typical culture during the festive moments. Sheep Fighting and Bull Race are also most popular in Annapurna region’s Kaski and Lamjung areas of pasture land. For cultural and religious entertainment they also celebrate many typical festivals- in high mountain valleys of various region of the country.
Teeji festival of Upper Mustang, Mani Rimdu Festival in Himalayan region’s monasteries, Baden (Festival of Warfare) of Manang, Gai Jatra (Festival of Cow), Ghode Jatra (Horse Race Festival) of Kathndu valley, Sakela Nach of Rai Community, Tharu Dance Culture, of Tarai, Rodhi Culture of Gurung community, Traditional Instrumental Music competition, Dohari Culture of mid-west, Teej Parva (Festival of Women) and Deuda Culture of far-west community in Nepal are most popular entertaining culture festive occasions. There are many different other festivals in Nepal which have deep religious and cultural value as well entertaining, welcoming and farewell to the months, season and prosperous days - Dashain Festival, Tihar, Buddha Purnima (Buddha’s birthday), Lohsar (New Year of Buddhist community), Nag Panchami, Holi (Festival of Color), Nepali New Year, Janai Purnima, Shiva Ratri Festival and Bhoto Jatra are the best known of them.
In modern days Nepal is also adopted several globally renowned sports- Football and Cricket are the most popular sport among of them in Nepal. And except these Swimming, Volleyball, Tennis, Marshal Art Games, Boxing, Wrestling, Kho Kho, Kabardi, Running, Weightlifting, Basketball, Shooting, Archery, Badminton and Gulf are also much popular as armature games. Concerning the reorganization of nation, Nepal has also developed various infrastructure programs and established academies to produce players as regarding games. To develop sport culture in Nepal there are also established many clubs and sport grounds in cities of nation wise.