Festivals and Culture of Nepal

With its four major castes and 36 sub castes Nepal is one of the most diverse countries in the world. The major castes are divided between Newari, Chettri, Brahim and Sherpa. North to South and East to West, across Nepal every town or small village has its own cultural setting. The culture of Nepal is made in a mix of traditions, religion, social organizations and superstitions. This allowed Nepal to be a cultural marvel point for visitors from the entire world! Pilgrimage sites, historical monuments and memorials all reflect richness of the Nepalese culture. This multi-dimensional heritage encompasses the diversities of Nepal's ethnic, tribal, and social groups and it manifests in music and dance; art and craft; folklore and folktales; languages and literature. With altitudes and ethnicity, the dances, food and language of Nepal slightly change in style as well as in the clothes they wear.

Some important places in Nepal

Nepal has Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha and the Pashupatinath temple, the religiously important Shiva temple of Hindus. Nepal, with over 300 temples and monasteries is also known as the country of temples. Traditionally, Nepalese philosophical thoughts are ingrained with the Hindu and Buddhist philosophical ethos and traditions. Kathmandu the capital of Nepal houses four important UNESCO World Heritages Sites. Including the Pashupatinath Temple, the harmonious monkey temple of Swayambunath, the incredible and huge Boudhanath Stupa, and the Royal Durbar Square make up as the four pillars of Kathmandu.

Further to the West of Nepal, lay the lowlands of the Terrai region. Suddenly this Himalayan country transforms in vast and wide plains with no mountain in sight. Covering up some areas are the jungles filled with exotic animals including the rare Bengal Tiger and the near to extinct and one of a kind One-horned Rhino. In order to preserve the wild life some tourist attractions have been made public and one can also enjoy an exciting jungle safari at Chitwan, Bardia or birdwatching at Khosi Tapu.

Festivals of Nepal

Living in a multicultural country has its perks. In 365 days, you’ll get to experience so many festivals of different communities that you’ll feel like you are partying and celebrating each and every day. Most of the festivals last for a couple of days to weeks. The most important festival in Nepal would be Dashain.

This incredible festival in Nepal falls in late September to mid-October, right after the end of the monsoon season. Tihar or Diwali, Holi, Saraswati Puja, Rakshabandhan, Bhai Dooj, Janmashtami, Kali Puja, Gai Jatra, Nag Panchami, Teej, Chhath, Kartik Poornima, Maghe Sankranti, Ganesh Chaturthi, Maha Shivratri and Chhechu are other widely celebrated important festivals of Nepal. Furthermore there is Bhudda Purnima also known as Lhosar, celebrating the birth of Buddha. For Hindus a special festival called Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to the Hindu main God Shiva.

Every Festival in Nepal is a spectacle to witness with a wide variation of super delicious dishes, cultural dances and activities, social gatherings and traditional music!