Nepal is a fascinating country, characterized by a rich culture and breathtaking natural landscapes. But the country has much more to offer. The culture in Nepal is one of the oldest and most diverse in the world and reflects the history and traditions of the country. In this article we want to send you on a journey into Nepal's culture!
People in Nepal
People in Nepal are friendly and open to new encounters. However, you should note that they can sometimes be a bit shy towards tourists.
Life in Nepal takes place mainly on the streets, which are full of people talking to each other. The Nepalese are very social and it is common for passersby to stop to chat. You can hear loud discussions at every corner and often people share meals together at street stalls. Even the children spend many hours playing and running around outside in the streets.
Nepal language
Nepal has a variety of languages, of which Nepali is the most widely spoken and official language. It is spoken by about 60% of the population. Nepali belongs to the Indo-Aryan language family and has many similarities with the Hindi and Sanskrit languages. However, there are also numerous dialects spoken in different regions of Nepal.
Besides Nepali, there are also more than 120 ethnic languages and dialects spoken by the various indigenous groups of Nepal.
But don't worry, especially in the tourist areas English is also spoken!
Festivals and holidays in Nepal
The culture in Nepal includes a variety of Festivals and holidaysthat take place in the course of the year. Much of the celebration is based on Hindu beliefs and does not follow a fixed date, but is based on the lunar calendar.
Since Nepal is home to a variety of different ethnicities and religions, there are more festivals here than there are days in a year!
Here are some of the most important holidays in Nepal:
– The Dashain FestivalIt is the most important Hindu festival in Nepal and honors the goddess Durga.
– Tihar: It is the second most important festival in Nepal and is the festival of lights and colors in honor of the goddess Laxmi.
– Buddha JayantiThis is the birth date of Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism. It is a national holiday in Nepal.
Religion in Nepal
Religion has a central importance in the society of Nepal. This is evident not only in the multitude of temples, shrines and statues that can be found on almost every corner, but also in the people themselves, who regularly wear religious amulets, have tikas (red marks) applied to their foreheads, and often linger at shrines and temples for short prayers and diligently make offerings.
The most widespread religion in Nepal is Hinduism, which is practiced by about 80% of the inhabitants. It is also important to emphasize that the two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, are closely linked and many Nepalese consider themselves followers of both faiths
Hinduism in Nepal has a close connection to the country's mountains and rivers and is often associated with the natural world. Thus, many gods and goddesses are worshipped in Nepal, who are considered personifications of natural phenomena. Most Nepalese Hindus belong to the caste of Brahmins, priests and scholars.
Nepal also has many religious sites and temples that attract people from all over the world. The most famous among them are the temple of Pashupatinath in Kathmandu, one of the holiest places in Hinduism, and the Swayambhunath Stupa, a Buddhist stupa also known as the Monkey Temple, because it is inhabited by many macaques. The religious places are a big part of the culture in Nepal and should not be missed when visiting the country!
Culinary in Nepal
The Nepalese cuisine Nepalese cuisine is a mixture of Indian, Tibetan and Chinese influences. It uses a variety of spices and herbs such as cumin, turmeric, coriander, ginger and garlic. Rice is the main staple food in Nepal and is often served along with lentil soups and various vegetable and meat dishes.
Meat is generally rarely eaten and is often expensive, so Nepalese cuisine is also known for its vegetarian and vegan Courts.
Popular Nepalese dishes are:
- Momos (dumplings)
- Curry dishes
- Dal Bhat (rice and lentil soup)
- Sel Roti (sweet rice pastry rings prepared mainly during the festivals of Dashain and Tihar).
7 Things you should know
- Welcome: In Nepal, it is customary to use a slight bow and the joining of palms as a greeting. It is considered impolite to shake hands or hug someone.
- ClothingNepal is a conservative country and tourists and travelers are expected to dress accordingly. You should make sure to wear knee covering clothes and cover your shoulders.
- Food: In Nepal, people eat with their fingers, but it is okay to use cutlery. It is customary to pick up food with the right hand and not to speak while eating.
- Religion: When you visit temples or other religious institutions, you should be respectful and reserved.
- Gestures: Shaking your head means "Yes!" in Nepal.
- Pure and impure: Food and objects that have been touched by someone's mouth are considered unclean. The left hand and feet are also considered unclean.
- Tenderness in public: Kissing or holding hands in public is frowned upon in Nepal.
Culture in Nepal
Nepal is a country full of wonder and adventure that offers you an incomparable culture. A country that fills the soul! A trip to Nepal is like a journey to another world that will fill you with new energy and inspiration. If you are looking for something truly unique, don't hesitate any longer and book your Trip to Nepal - the country that will amaze and delight you!
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