Nepal is spread across the main heights of the Himalayas and has always been a land of fascination. Nepal is a land of great contrasts with high Himalayan mountains, vast and icy glaciers, tiny houses, ancient history, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife sanctuaries, greenery and diverse cultures. It is the land where Lord Buddha was born over 2,500 years ago. Nepal is rectangular in shape, landlocked and covers an area of 147,516 square km. The capital of Nepal is Kathmandu. About half a million people lives in Kathmandu. Every aspect of Nepali life can be seen in Kathmandu, which is the center of travel and adventure activities. The Kathmandu Valley is magnificent for its wealth of unique temples. Nepali is the official language of Nepal and is spoken by most of the people. Till 1951, Nepal was a closed book for foreign visitors. Till 1964, it was reserved only for hardy climbers and explorers. In recent years, the country has opened its doors to foreign and Indian tourists and millions of them visit this country every year. The experiences of the travelers who visit the Nepal for the first time are very different. Some of the tourists feels like stepping out of a time machine, some are thrilled by the pleasant atmosphere, while, some of them feel like living in a permanently air-conditioned state. Nepal can be visited throughout the year and in any season.
Peoples of Nepal
It is believed that the first inhabitants of Nepal were Mongoloid or Tibetan who migrated to the fertile valleys in the south. They were mainly Buddhists who follow the Tantric rituals of Tibetan Buddhism. In the early centuries of the Christian era, they were joined by Indo-Aryans or Hindus from northern India, who took the charge of the country. They were followed by the Lichhivis who were Buddhists converted by Lord Buddha himself. The people were charming, naturally friendly and virtually untouched by the social, political and commercial changes taking place beyond its borders. Those early travelers were effusive in their praise of this wonderful but economically backward land. Today, the different races and tribes of people live in different regions of Nepal. They follow varied customs, traditions, wear different costumes and speak different languages. The Rais, Limbus, Magars and Gurungs mainly lives in the eastern mountains and on the southern slopes of Annapurna Himachulti and Ganesh Hamal. They are popularly known as the Gurkha soldiers. The Sherpas popularly known as “tigers of snow” live to a height of 4000 metres and are the tough mountain climbers. The Sherpas have easy access to Bhot (Tibet) for trade and social intercourse and therefore Tibetan influence on their culture and civilization.
Nepal People, People of Nepal remains distinct. The Newars and Tamangs mostly inhabit the Kathmandu valley. The Tharu and Dhimals live in the Terai region. Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris are spread over the hills and valleys. The midlands are inhabited by various Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan speaking hill and valley people. The people of Nepal mostly wear the handmade natural fiber cloth men and women in cotton, hemp, and wool
Culture
The diversity of Nepals Ethnic groups its isolating geography and languages have resulted in a complex portion of customs and beliefs that make hared to generalize about Nepali people. Perhaps the dominant cultural concepts are those of cast and status, both of which contribute to a strictly defined system of hierarchy and deference cast determine not only a persons status but also their career and marriage partner, how that person interact with other Nepalese and how other get back. This system of hierarchy extend even to the family where clearly defined rank.
The Nepali view of the world is dominated by puja, prayer and ritual and knowledge that the gods are not remote, abstract concept but living, present being, who can influence human affairs in very difficult ways. Nepali perceives the divine everywhere from the Namaste greetings.
Hindu people belief in re-birth that’s why every morning hindus women all over in Nepal can be seen walking thought the street carrying a plate usually cupper filled with an assortment of goddess. These women are no having break fast but are taking part in a important daily, ritual called Puja. The plate might contain flower petals, rice yoghurt, fruit or sweet are the offerings to the gods which is good offering is being made.
Country Facts
Region: Southern Asia
Continent: Asia
Capital: Kathmandu
Area: 147,516 square km
Population: 29,164,578
Time Zone: GMT +5. 45
Currency: Nepalese Rupees
Languages: Nepali