Culture and Tradition in Nepal

Nepal Culture


Nepal is blessed with one of the richest cultures in the world. Culture has been called 'the way of life for an entire society'. The statement holds particularly true in case of Nepal where every aspect of life, food, clothing and even occupations are culturally guided. The culture of Nepal includes the codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and systems of belief.

Nice to Know
» The culture of Nepal is a unique combination of tradition and novelty. The traditions are followed as they were and new customs are created to keep pace with the changing times.
» Culture in Nepal is an assemblage of music, architecture, religion and literature.
» The mountain kingdom of Nepal is multi-ethic and multi-lingual. The land is rich with unique cultural groups like Tharu,Yadav, Ahir, Newars and others.



Nepal Hospitality
Nepalese are among the most hospitable hosts. This is the reason for which tourists from far and wide enjoy coming to Nepal time and again. Local Nepalese are generally rural people who welcome the tourists to their homes for tea, coffee or supper. Nepalese are culturally warm, hospitable and affectionate hosts who place their heart above their head.


Nepal Dress
                 Daura-Suruwal, typically termed as 'Labeda-Suruwal' is the traditional
Nepali dress. The dress has several religious beliefs identifying its designs
 and has therefore remained the same from the years. The Daura has eight
strings that serves to tie itself up around the body. Eight is the lucky number
in Nepali mythology.

Also, the Daura has five pleats or Kallis, signifying Pancha Buddha or Pancha Ratna. And the closed neck of the Daura signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva's neck. The Nepali dress for women is a cotton sari (Guniu), that is gaining great popularity in the fashion world.



Rituals
                             The main rituals followed in Nepal are naming ceremony, rice-feeding
ceremony, tonsure ceremony, ceremony of giving Nepali Sari (Guniu),
marriage ceremony and funeral rite.The rituals are still prevailing in
society and are performed with zeal.. Different ritual experts have                different roles in these rituals.                                                              


Festivals in Nepal


Festivity is synonym to the Nepalese Culture. For the Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also are a living part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals effectively bind together the Nepalese people of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs into one nation. Most Nepalese festivals are related to different Hindu and Buddhist deities. They are celebrated on days consecrated for them by religion and tradition.

Month Festival
Jan-Feb
  • Sweta Manchhendra Snan
  • Swasthani Puja
  • Maghe Sankranti
  • Basanta Panchmi & Saraswati Puja
Feb-March
  • Maha Shivaratri
  • Losar
  • Fagu Purnima or Holi
March-April
  • Chaitra Dasain
  • Ghode Jatra
April-May
  • Biska Jatra
  • New Year's Day
  • Red Machhendranath Jatra
  • Buddha Jayanti
July-August
  • Gunla
  • Krishna Astami
  • Janai Purnima
August-Sept
  • Gai Jatra
  • Teej
Sept-Oct
  • Indra Jatra
  • Dasain or Durga Puja
Oct-Nov
  • Mani Rimdu
  • Tihar or Deepali
Nov-Dec
  • Balachaturdarsi
  • Bibah Panchani
  • Yomari Punhi