Nepali Culture

Nepali Culture Local Customs plus some do's and don'ts Nepal's culture is greatly influenced by its music, architecture, religion and literature. Your first sight of Nepal may leave you speechless, the great quantities of temples, churches, monasteries and other religious buildings, the hurly-burly in the streets and the number of people and animals socializing on every corner of the narrow cobble-stone lanes. Culture and customs in Nepal run deep.  Some of them you will find interesting, some strange and others beyond logic.  But as long as you show respect and sensitivity to local traditions, willingness to learn and adapt to Nepalese ways and values, you will be fine. For a people so deeply rooted in traditions and culture, Nepalese are remarkably open-minded and easy-going. If at any time, you have doubts, ask or simply do what other Nepalese do. A brief introduction to Nepali culture * "Namaste" is a common act done by putting the palms together in a prayer like gesture to greet anyone in Nepal. Do not take it seriously if any Nepalese hesitates to shake hands because it really hasn't been very long since western traditions crept into the Nepalese way of life. In Nepal, people especially ladies; do not normally shake hand when they greet one another. * Use your right hand to eat and deal with food. Nepalese use their left-hand to wash themselves after defecating. Also remember that most Nepalese use their fingers to eat and using spoons and forks is not common, especially when you are having "Daal Bhat" the staple Nepalese diet, but this does not mean, however that you can't use implements.  * On any visit to a Hindu temple, Buddhist Stupas, Monasteries or into a home you are expected to be un-shoed as a mark of respect * Feet should never be pointed at anyone; drape something over them if you must stretch them out while sitting on the floor. Never step over anyone, and always move your feet to let people avoid stepping over you * Beef is prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists and no female animal is killed for food. * Once your lips have touched a food item or its container, it is considered "Jutho"(polluted) for others. Don't eat off someone else's plate or offer anyone food you have taken a bite out of.  * Major Hindu temples are usually off-limits to foreigners.  Don't enter them or take pictures unless given permission to. Do not take leather articles inside the temple precinct as they are prohibited. There are small circular or rectangular stones or metal Mandalas on the ground in front of most shrines. Do not step on them. * Public display of affection between men and woman is frowned upon. Avoid kissing, hugging, cuddling or even holding hands in public * Be patient. Anger and impatience will rarely make things better. Nepalese have an easy "timeless" manner. Try to adjust to it. * Please do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.  * Beware of touts who claim to be representatives of companies and offer to "make you a bargain". Though it will surprise you once you visit you will learn that not everyone in Nepal is trustworthy. * Nepal has about thirty-six different ethnic groups and multiple religions and languages. It's music is similarly varied, with pop, religious, classical and folk music being popular. Musical genres from Tibet and Hindustan have greatly influenced Nepalese music. Usually, women, even of the musician castes, do not play music except for specific situations, such as at the traditional all-female wedding parties. Click here to learn more of Nepali music * The architecture of Nepal is another art that has become an important part of the country's culture. Nepal's architecture can be divided into three broad groups, the stupa style, the pagoda style and the shikhara style. * Note that men and woman should always dress appropriately. Men should not walk or trek bare-chest ed, shorts are acceptable but it's recommended to rather wear long pants. Women are recommended to wear long skirts that cover the ankles, because exposure of a woman's legs can draw unnecessary attention. The Nepali calendar The link above will take you to the current Nepali Calendar. The first thing you will notice is the year and that there is a fifty seven year difference The official Nepali calendar that you see in the link above follows is Bikram Samwat. Nepal Sambat on other hand is the calendar that has origin in Nepal and is followed only by a group of people of Newar origin. The Newa foundation aims to establish this calendar as an official Nepali calendar. Nepali Music Music is very important to the Nepali people as it brings a cultural cohesion to the many castes and clans. Click on the link above to learn more on the many facets of this musical feast Nepali Religion Nepal is constitutionally a Hindu kingdom with legal provisions of no prejudice against other religions. The Hindu inhabitants in the country has been constantly over 80 percent since the 1950s. The second largest religion of Nepal is Buddhism, it is practiced by about 11 percent, while Islam comprises of about 4.2 percent of the population. The Kirat religion makes up nearly 3.6 percent of the population. Buddhism in Nepal Hinduism in Nepal Nepal Festivals Aug/September Gai Jatra