Nepal is a country famous for its rich tapestry of cultures and traditions. The identity of Nepal is highlighted by several ethnic groups of people who follow their own cultures and traditions. Different people follow different castes, like Brahmin, Chettri, Baisa, Vaishya, and Sudhra, who follow their own cultures, traditions, rituals, festivals, etc. All castes of people also follow the national Nepali festivals like Dashain, Tihar, etc. The culture of Nepali people, which they love, is also highlighted in their day-to-day lives.
Nepalese people from different cultures also have their own dialects, like Nepali, Bhojpuri, Maithili, Newari, etc, which they use to communicate. Cultures and Traditions have also given birth to other components like temples, ghumbas, and monasteries, which reflect the cultures and traditions being passed down from the ancestors. This blog will discuss some of the common culture and traditions in Nepal.
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Common Culture and Traditions in Nepal
Since ancient times, Nepalese people have been celebrating unique cultures and traditions. Every caste and ethnic group follows some of these cultures and traditions, whereas some are distinct to the particular ethnic people. From the birth of the child throughout its growing process, to marriage, to childbirth, to death, people of different castes follow and participate in other cultures. These cultures are being passed down from generation to generation, and everyone respects them, follows them, and engages in them. So, let’s get into them.
Nuwaran (Name-giving ceremony)
Nwaran is a highly celebrated naming ceremony culture in Nepal. It is celebrated on the 11th day of the birth of the small boys and girls, who are taken to the nearest temple and given a name that they will be called upon for the rest of their lives. The highly educated priests provide the children’s names based on their lunar horoscope.
Pasni (Rice feeding Ceremony)
Another joint ceremony after the birth of the child is Pasni. This culture has also been passed down from generations where babies are fed rice for the first time, which is why it is called the Rice Feeding Ceremony. After five months for daughters and six months for sons, it is believed that they are now capable of digesting solid foods like rice, and in this ceremony, they are fed the solid food for the first time.
Bratabandha
Bratabandha is the exclusive Hindu cultural ceremony celebrating the boy’s transition from child to adulthood. Only after participating in the Bratabandha ceremony are boys categorized as men, and they can participate in other ceremonies like marriage and Shraddha ceremony, which they must join after the death of their parents. In the Bratabandha ceremony, boys are dressed up as beggars as they ask vikshya for their relatives, which emphasizes independence. They are also given cotton amulet in Janai for the first time during Bratabanda.
Bel Bibaha
Bel Bibaha is the most common culture in the Newar community. The females of the Newar community get married at least three times in their lives. Among them, the first one is Bel Biwaha, which means they get married to the Bel trees or fruit. Bel Fruit or Wood Apple is the symbol of Lord Shiva in the Newari culture. The Newari bride can eat Bel before the Bel Bibaha ceremony, but after it, they can never eat it. Bel, which is used in the ceremony, flows into the sacred river, making it a symbol of god and also a divine man.
Bahra Ceremony
The Bahra Ceremony is the second marriage ceremony for the Newari community. At this time, they are married to the Sun God. The Newari girls from ages 7 to 12 participate in the Bahra ceremony, which is conducted before the bride’s first menstrual period. This ceremony is also important for the self-discipline of the girls as they are kept in a secluded room for 12 days. The Newari culture Bahra that has been passed on from generation highlights the importance of Bahra, which emphasizes that the bride whose husband is dead will not be a widow as they were previously married to Lord Vishnu and Sun.
Chori Bibaha (Marriage by kidnapping)
One of the most unique cultures of marrying in Nepal is Chori Bibhaha, which, in simple terms, is known as Marriage by Kidnapping. In this marriage culture, the boys kidnap the girl from town or fairs if she refuses to marry him or if he doesn’t want to wait for the lengthy marriage ceremony. The girl is kept in a safe room for three days, which is the time she has the consent to agree or disagree to marry the boy.
If she still disagrees after three days, she is sent to her parents’ house, but if she agrees, the marriage takes place in full ceremony. Due to the heavy chance of crime and kidnapping, this culture has not been followed in recent times. Only boys, girls, and parents who agree to the marriage may perform this culture for a bit of fun and entertainment as they are already ready for marriage from the beginning.
Castes in Nepal
Different caste systems have separated Nepal’s long-lasting traditions and culture. In Nepal, there are four castes that all the Nepalese people fall into. The caste system has shaped the social structure ever since time. This system is derived from the Hindu concept of Varna. This concept has helped society divide into four castes, so let’s get into it.
Brahmin
Brahmin is one of Nepal’s most common castes, with more than 13% of the population following this caste. Another common name for Brahmin in Nepal is Bahun. Ever since the earlier times, Brahmins have been the most respected culture in Nepal and other South Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, etc. The Brahmin epitomizes higher intellectual people like Gurus, Pundits, Priests, Teachers, etc. They knew Vedic Vidhya and priesthood and had an enormous knowledge of medicines.
In the case of religion, most Brahmins belong to the Hindu religion. They are a massive devotee of the Hindu Gods like Brahma, Bishnu, and Shiva. Brahmins are the ones inducted as the Pujaris and Gurus in the temples. They involve themselves every day in worshipping Hindu gods and goddesses. Brahmins are also the leaders who complete religious ceremonies like Brathamanda, Puja, Marriage, Nwaran, etc.
The Brahmin tradition is part of Hinduism. The marriage tradition is unique to Brahmins, and the funeral rites differ from those in other cultures. Moreover, The main traditions and rituals of Brahmins are related to birth, marriage, and death. When a child is born in a Brahmin family, they have a naming ceremony, “Nwaran,” on the eleventh day after birth. Then, about six months later, the family has a rice-feeding ceremony for the child.
Chettri
The Chhetris are also a very common caste in Nepal, making up over 16.6% of the population. They are the second largest ethnic group, which is known to prevent their culture, traditions, and religious beliefs. The other name for Chettris is Kshatriyas, which stands for power and authority. In Nepal’s history, the Chettris were rulers and warriors, considered the protectors of Dharma. According to Hindu myth, Lord Brahma created the Chettri race to fight against wrong and negativity.
The Chettri communities mainly live in the central and western parts of the hilly region of Nepal. Some sub-castes of Kshatriya include Thapa, Shah, Rana, Karki, Bhattarai, Bista, Kunwar, and Basnet. The Chettri community follows traditional practices associated with Hinduism, including birth, marriage, and death ceremonies. They have a robust clan system known as ‘Thar Ghar,’ which determines social interactions, marriage alliances, and community responsibilities. Additionally, the Chettri women perform the Ghatu dance during their cultural events.
Vaishya
Vaishya is the third highest caste community in Nepal as per the caste system in Nepal behind Brahmins and Chettris. Ever since ancient times, Vaishya people were primarily experts in agriculture and trade, especially in the remote areas of Nepal. The myth has proven why Vishyas are very respected and are considered to be the devotees of Gods since the myth has suggested they were born from the belly or abdomen of Lord Brahma.
Even in the Bhagwat Gita, it is mentioned that the main occupations of Vaishyas are cattle breeding, trade, and agriculture. They are also used as the head honcho for sacrificing cattle for gods and goddesses. The Vaishyas are among the wealthiest varna mentioned in the caste system. According to the ancient cast system, they were so keen on being the “Twice-Born” that they started sharing the Dvjia status with Brahmins and Chettris.
Sudra
In the caste system, the Sudra caste is also equally important as the other castes. They are considered to be the service provider varna in the cast system. According to ancient Hindu myths, Sudras served Brahmins, Chettris, and Vaishyas. In the ancient period, Sudras faced harsh discrimination and were often boycotted from public ceremonies and even the kitchens of the houses. They were prohibited from the temple’s houses and were not invited to the religious ceremonies in the villages.
The ancient practices state that Sudras were discriminated against because they were born from God’s feet, which made them below the reputation of other castes. Since they were facing harsh discrimination, many Sudras started changing their religion to Buddhism, Jainism, and even Islam.
Major Festivals and Celebrations in Nepal
Dashain
Dashain is the national festival in Nepal that is celebrated by people all around the country. In fact, the Nepalese living outside of Nepal also celebrate Dashain, which is the biggest festival for the people of the country. It is the longest festival and celebration of the Nepal Sambat and Bikram Sambat. The festival is celebrated regularly for nine days, and the first day starts with Ganasthapana. According to ancient mythology, Dashain is the celebration of the victory of Goddess Durga over the Deity Mahisasura.
Tihar
Tihar is the second major festival for the people of Nepal. It is also called the Festival of Lights because, for five days, the people of Nepal decorate their homes with lights and flowers. Previously, people used to light up Firecrackers, but in recent times it has been banned. Like Dashain, Tihar also celebrates good’s victory over evil and praises the wisdom of Goddess Laxmi, who is the Goddess of money. The first day of Tihar is Kaag Tihar, the second day is Kukur Tihar, the Third day is Laxmi Puja, the Fourth day is Goverdan Puja, and the fifth day is Bhai Tika, where sisters worship their brothers, and they exchange gifts and pleasantries with each other.
Holi
Holi is a very special and important festival in Nepal. This festival is the celebration of colors and the victory of good over evil. Holi festival is a huge celebration of the spring season, during which people from the same locality and family join and paint each other with vibrant colors. The kids and teens also play along with water balloons. In Nepal, the Holi festival is called “Fagu Purnima” and is celebrated on the full moon day of the Hindu month of Falgun, usually in February or March. This year, Holi will be celebrated on March 24, 2024, in the Pahad region and on March 25, 2024, in the Terai Region.
Buddha Jayanti
Buddha Jayanti is the most important festival for the Buddhists in Nepal. This festival falls in the month of Baisakh. Buddha Jayanti is also called Buddha Purnima, as it is celebrated for love, peace, and enlightenment. According to tradition, all of these events occurred on the same full moon day of the Baisakh month (April-May). The teachings of Buddha have traveled far and wide across the world and have given significant importance to Buddhism.
Losar
Losar, also known as Tibetan New Year, is a unique festival in Tibetan Buddhism. It is celebrated in Tibet, Bhutan, Nepal, and India at different times. In 2024, the new year started on February 10 and ended on February 12. This year is called the Year of the Male Wood Dragon. There is also a difference between the Nepalese Losar and Tibetan Losar. Nepalese Losar is celebrated eight weeks earlier than the Tibetian one.
Read More about 15 Best as well as notable festivals in Nepal.
Conclusion
Hence, culture and traditions are very important parts of life for the Nepalese people. These customs and traditions are passed down through the generations, from the elders to their children and by them to their children.
Despite the modernization of the world. We have to preserve our cultures and traditions. We hope our blog on the popular cultures, traditions, and festivals that are celebrated in Nepal helps you understand the importance of them and how we should protect them at all costs.
FAQs
How many ethnic groups are there in Nepal?
There are 125 distinct ethnic groups currently present in Nepal. These ethnic groups all follow unique cultures, traditions, rituals, and festivals. They also have their song, dances, and festivals highlighting their own identity, which they proudly share among other ethnic people or even guests from foreign countries.
Which is the most followed religion in Nepal?
The most followed religion in Nepal currently is Hinduism. Nepal is Hindu-oriented, followed by over 81.19%. Approximately 23,677,744 population are Hindu, whereas Just over 2 lakh people follow Buddhism, and nearly 1 lakh 50 thousand people follow Islam. Despite different people following different religions, they all live in peace and harmony.
What are the four main languages in Nepal?
The four main languages in Nepal are Nepali, Maithali, Bhojpuri, and Tharu. In Nepal, over 44.7% of the people speak Nepali, Maithili is spoken by over 11.7%, the Bhojpuri language is spoken by 6.0%, and Tharu is being spoken by 5.8%. These four languages highlight the culture and tradition of the people following their culture.
What is the most popular traditional dress in Nepal?
The most popular traditional dress of Nepal is Daura Suruwal. It is also the national dress of Nepal, which men wear on occasion for festivals and special occasions. The Daura Suruwal is typically made of cotton or silk and comes in various colors and designs. It is commonly worn for formal events like weddings and ceremonies.
What is Nepal’s main festival?
Dashain is the biggest and most widely celebrated festival in Nepal. It lasts for 15 days and usually happens in September or October. During this time, families come together to celebrate, and the streets are decorated with colorful decorations. Dashain defines victory over evil as goodness. In Dashain, the people of Nepal also tie swings and fly kites.
