People & Culture of Nepal

Nepal is a melting pot of many races and tribes. The population of about 22 million people, made of up a variety of races and tribes, all live in different regions and speak different languages and dialects. The locals live in diverse environmental conditions from the low, nearly sea level plains at the border of India, northward through the middle hills and valleys and up to the flanks of the great Himalayan range where there are settlements at altitude of up to 4,800m. Though Nepal is a conglomeration of dozens of ethnic groups, they are bound together by their loyalty to the institution of Monarchy, and by the ideas of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance to form one unified nation. Nepal has one of the richest cultures in the world. In Nepal, every aspect of life, food, clothing and even occupations are culturally guided and this includes the codes of manners, dress, language, rituals, norms of behavior and systems of belief.

Buddhism has significant number of its residents in Nepal. Approximate 26% of the Nepalese population practices Buddhism, especially the Tibetan form of Buddhism. Nepal can be said to be the meeting point of Indian and Tibetan streams of Buddhism. Fine Buddhist art has also hugely developed in Nepal. Ethnic groups residing in Central Nepal are mostly the followers of Buddhism. Hinduism, another dominant religion in Nepal, has also influenced Buddhism in Nepal.

Culture in Nepal is embedded in the high peaks of Nepal, tradition flows with its rivers, art traverses through its valleys and religion lies in the heart of its people. Nepal, in short, is a country where art, culture and religion are a part of life of the inhabitants. People celebrate every moment with aroma, adding novelty to the traditions without affecting their essence. The people live harmoniously and are hospitable hosts. Local Nepalese are generally rural people who welcome the tourists to their homes for tea, coffee or supper.

Food in Nepal is as diverse as the country. Nepalese food is known for its nutrition level and tempting taste. Nepalese cuisine may look basic but is certainly rich in flavour and spices. In most part of country, especially the rice-growing areas, Dal Bhat (pulses and rice) is the staple food of the locals that is eaten twice a day. Snacks include bread, chura (beaten rice), roti (flat bread), curried vegetables and milked tea. Of course, equally popular among the tourists and the locals is the Gundrook-Dheedo, which is a sugar-free dish made of wheat, maize and dried green vegetable. Alu Tama, or 'Potato Bamboo Shoots' is a unique and classic Nepali curry flavor dish. However, the unique thing about this dish is that bamboo shoots are rarely used.
Nepalese art is unique, exotic and enchanting. Nepalese expressions of art, classical and modern style, are embedded in the daily practice of religion. Craftsmanship is most easily found in temples, architecture, shrines, fountains and the designs of religious objects. Temples found in Nepal are usually one of three types; pagodas, shikaras or stupas. Stupas are exclusively a Buddhist temple, but pagodas and shikaras may be Hindu or Buddhist. Music is also popular in Nepal and the rhythm, beats, bounce of Nepali traditional folk and classical music is spiritual enough to soothe and entertain anyone. Music is associated with every event in Nepal, be it birth, marriage, festivals or National events.