Nepalese Culture

“Mama” Dillon

Demographics

• 26.2 million people– 101 ethnic groups

(123 languages, Nepali and Maithili are most common)

– Northern Himalayan

– Middle Hills and Valley People

– Kathmandu Valley– Terai People

Religion and Values

• Secular state in 2006• Primarily: – Hinduism

• Bramha the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver, and Shiva (or Shakti) the Destroyer

• Texts: Bhagawat Gita and Mahabharat– AND Buddhism

• Five elements represented by Dhyani Buddhas

• Tantric tradition – spiritual expansion through rituals and ceremonies

• Also: Islam and Christianity

Customs and Tips

• Traditional marriages• Pure vs. impure• Caste system• Namaste Sid-ji!• “Yes” and “No”• Pointing to things• “Bahini” and “Bhaai”• Kids• Guys holding hands

Food

• Right handed!• Don’t eat/drink after other people• Cow is the national animal of Nepal = NO BEEF• Dal? Bhat? Tarkari? ACHAR!!• Momos (steamed or fried dumpling)• Newar cuisine

“Parbate bigre mojle; Newar bigre bhojle”

Flag and Symbols!

Attire

• Skimpy outfits are frowned upon

Taboos

• Feet• Stepping over people who are seated• Looking dirty• Bathing naked in public…• Walking counterclockwise around temples