Culture of Nepal
Nepal, a country that lies comfortably in the heart of the Himalayas, which has a
rich and diverse culture that is influenced by its unique geography and history.
The culture of Nepal is a blend of various ethnic’s groups, languages, traditions
and religions. Nepalese culture is known for its vibrant festivals, traditional
music and dance, complex art and culture, and delicious cuisine. Here are a few
key aspects of Nepalese Culture:
Ethnic and Linguistic Diversity Nepal is a country known for its rich ethnic and linguistic diversity. There
are more than 125 ethnic groups which include Chhetri, Newar, Tharu,
Tamang, Brahmins, Magar and so on. Each of these groups has its own
culture, language and customs. In terms of language, there are over 123
languages spoken throughout the country which includes Maithali,
Bhojpuri, Tharu, Newari and many others. The official language of Nepal
is Nepali, which is spoken as a first language by the majority of
population. This diversity of cultures and languages in Nepal makes it a
vibrant and fascinating country with unique mix of traditions and
identities.
Religion
Religion plays a significant role in Nepali culture. Hinduism and Buddhism
are the two major religions practiced in Nepal. Hinduism holds a
significant place in Nepalese society, where a large portion of the
population identifying as Hindus. The country is the home to various
Hindu temples and sacred sites, including the famous Pashupatinath
Temple in Kathmandu.
Buddhism also has strong presence in Nepal, especially among the
Tibetan and Sherpa communities. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha,
is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhist from around the world. In addition
to these major religions, there are also small communities of Muslims,
Christians and followers of other religions in Nepal. The religious diversity
of Nepal adds a layer of cultural richness and spiritual significance to the
country’s vibrant and tapestry of traditions.
Festivals
Nepal is famous for its vibrant and colorful festivals that reflect the
country’s rich cultural tapestry. Some of the major festivals celebrated in
Nepal include:
I. Dashain: Dashain is the biggest, longest and most significant festival
in Nepal which symbolized the victory of good over evil. During this
festival, families come together, exchange blessings and receive tika
on the forehead from the elders.
II. Tihar: Tihar, also known as the festival of lights, is another
important festival that honors animals like crows, dogs, and cows on
different days. Worship goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth.
III. Teej: Teej is a festival specially celebrated by women, where they
fast, sing and dance to honor the goddess Parvati for the well being
of their husbands.
IV. Holi: Holi is the festival of colors, where people smear eachother
with colored powders and water, symbolizing the arrival of spring
and the victory of good over evil.
V. Buddha Jayanti: It is the festival celebrated by Buddhist community.
On the day of Buddha, the Jayanti people also memorize his life, his
deeds of enlightenment and his death.
Art and Architecture
Nepal has a rich artistic and architectural heritage that reflects its cultural
diversity and history. The art and architecture of Nepal are heavily
influenced by Hindu and Buddhist traditions, resulting in unique and
intricate designs seen in temples, palaces and stupas throughout the
country. One of the most famous architectural styles in Nepal is the
pagoda styles which is characterized by multi-tiered roofs with upturned
edges. The intricate wood craving, metal work, and stone sculptures
found in Nepalese art are renowned for their craftsmanship and detail,
often depicting religious motifs and deities. The Kathmandu Valley, a
UNESCO World Heritage Sites, is particularly famous for it’s well-
preserved ancient architecture and intricate artwork.
Cuisine
Nepal cuisine is diverse and flavorful which reflects the country’s cultural
diversity. Nepali cuisine are influenced from neighbouring regions like
China, India and Tibet. Here are some popular dishes that are
characteristic of Nepali cuisine:
I. Dal Bhat: It is considered as one of the national dish of Nepal. It is a
traditional meal consisting of steam rice (Bhat) served with lentil
soup (dal), served with vegetables (tarkari), pickle (achar), and
often accompanied by meat oe fish.
II. Momo: Momo are delicious and one of the favourite dish of every
Nepalese. They are typically filled with meat or vegetables and
served with flavorful dipping sauce called achar. It can be steamed
or fried. The combination of juicy filling and soft dough makes
momo a delightful culinary experience in Nepali Cuisine.
III. Dhido: Dhido is a traditional Nepali dish made from buckwheat or
millet flour. It has a unique texture and is often enjoyed with
various side dishes like vegetable, lentis and pickles.
IV. Ghundruk: It is one of the popular Nepali dish made from
fermented leafy greens, which is served with rice. It has a unique
and tangy flavor that is enjoyed by many in Nepal and the
Himalayan Region.
V. Sel roti: Sel roti is a sweet and crispy rice based bread that is
popular in Nepal, especially during festival like Dashain and Tihar.
Music and Dance
Nepal has a rich tradition of music and dance that reflects the country’s
diverse culture and heritage. Various ethnic groups in Nepal have their
own unique styles of music and dance ranging from classical to folk
dances. Traditional Nepali musical instrument like madal, sarangi and
basuri are commonly used in performances. Classical Music are influenced
by both Indian classical music and local traditions. Lakhey is the dance of
demon in the carnival of god performed specially by Newar community.
Nepali folk dances like Maruni, tamang selo, and jhyaure are vibrant and
colourful often accompanied by traditional music.
Traditional Attire
Traditional attire in Nepal gives a glimpse into the rich culture and
heritage of the country. Different ethnic groups in Nepal have their own
traditional clothing accesories. Here are some of the traditional clothes
that are popular in Nepal includes:
I. Daura Suruwal: It is the national dress of Nepal and is worn by men.
The daura suruwal is made up of cotton or silk fabric that comes in
different colours and design. It is typically worn on formal occasions
such as weddings and other ceremonies.
II. Gunyo Cholo: It is a traditional Nepalese dress worn by women. It
consist of blouse called Cholo and a long skrit called Gunyo. The
gunyo cholo is worn mostly by the women of hilly region of Nepal.
Women wear it during festivals and other celebrations.
III. Dhaka Topi: Dhaka topi is traditional Nepalese cap especially worn
by men. It is made up of Dhaka fabric which is a handwoven fabric
made in Nepal. The dhaka topi comes in different colors and
designs and worn on formal occasions such as wedding and others
ceremonies.