Culture of Nepal

Standing at the crossroads from India to China, Nepal has gradually absorbed the multifaceted age-old culture of these two states, but still its foundation is the beliefs and customs of Nepal itself.

Religion in the country

Nepalese are a very devout people, and religious beliefs accompany them at every step from birth to death. Temples, which are scattered in large numbers throughout the country, are a direct confirmation of this. Local culture is Hinduism and Buddhism "in one bottle", with a fair share of tantra, and without any disagreement - everyone believes in what he considers true. In addition to the main religions, here you can meet Islam and even Orthodoxy.

The customs of Nepalese

Very unusual in the understanding of the European man are the customs that characterize the culture of Nepal. These include the following:

1. The extraordinary curiosity of the local population, as well as their openness to communication, even without knowledge of another's language.
2. Respectful attitude to the elders with obligatory presentation of fingers to the forehead and the phrase: "Namaste!".
3. But the rapid expression of emotions is not typical for Nepal. It is strictly forbidden to express feelings in public - kisses and hugs are prohibited, except for a friendly handshake.
4. It is inadmissible to show others their bare feet, and even more so - to step over a lying person.
5. Raising the voice to the interlocutor is unacceptable.
6. The food is taken only with the right hand. They eat in the house with their hands, restaurants have all the necessary appliances.
7. You can not bring real leather to the temple, including entering shoes made from it.
8. Photo and video shooting in temples is prohibited. The same applies to shooting people on the street - not everyone will agree to it.
9. Visiting temples and monasteries is better in long clothes, securely covering the knees and elbows.
10. Sunbathing here is not accepted - this is a direct violation of public morality.

Holidays in Nepal

There are traditions for celebrations in this Asian country. They are mostly related to religion. Sometimes Nepal is called a country of festivals, because there are very often held various Buddhist and Hindu celebrations , historical and seasonal celebrations:

1. New Year in Nepal traditionally begins in April (Baysakh). It is very colorful celebrated in Kathmandu - the palanquins with deities are carried to the streets, carried across all the streets and stop at the end to see their traditional battle. After the procession moves to the river, where a huge pillar is installed, which is trying to fall down. As soon as this happens, the new year comes.
2. Buddha Jayanti is the main holiday for Buddhists. Believers pray, they offer sacrifices.
3. Dasain. In the days of celebrations, Hindus forgive each other sins and exchange gifts.
4. Tihar is a festival of lights. For 5 days of celebration, believers pay homage to different animals - crows, dogs, cows, oxen, and on the fifth day they decorate themselves with flowers - a symbol of longevity.
5. Krishna Jayanti is the birthday of Krsna. On this great day, people pray and everywhere church chants sound.

Family traditions of Nepal

Residents of the highlands are extremely conservative in matters of marriage and gender relations. A woman in them is a second-class person, she is not considered, she can not study and hold high positions. In the family, the woman is obliged to watch the hearth and educate the children. Only in remote regions of Nepal, such as the kingdom of the Mustang , there are traditions of polygamy, when the family reigns matriarchy.

Such a tradition arose because of the fact that as a dowry the sons are supposed to give an allotment of land, which is very small in Nepal. Therefore, the sons preferred to marry just one girl, giving all the land to one family and not dividing it. In such families, the woman is in the rank of queen.

As in India, the deceased are cremated in Nepal. Relatives do not show frank sorrow. Funerals are crowded and spectacular, people are happy for someone who has found eternal rest. The body is burned in a temple on the river bank, and ashes and bones are dumped into the water.

The Art of Nepal

It is also interesting to learn about the various crafts developed here:

1. Carpet weaving. Since ancient times Nepal was famous for its handmade carpets. And to this day this craft has a demand. These products are allowed to be exported from the country, although not everyone can buy them. Another type of activity Nepalese - carving. Ability is transferred from father to son. All temples and stupas are built using intricate carvings.
2. Architecture. Temples of the country are built in the same style: with two-story pagodas of wood and brick. Among the colors dominated by red and gold. During the last earthquake in 2015 many of these buildings in the capital of Kathmandu were destroyed to the ground.
3. The Nevar painting of the sphabha and the Mithilian style of painting. Both are the religious direction of the art of the people of Nepal. Pottery and bronze casting are common here, and unique jewelry is produced.
4. Music. All folk celebrations and family celebrations can not do without the music produced by flutes and drums. In the country there are castes of musicians - wandering singers and those who perform at mass festivities.