Nepalese Society and Culture

1. Himalayan Society and Culture

• Ecology , Economy, Society , Culture and religion of the people of Nepal of Himalayan Region

2. Hill Society and Cuture

 Ecology , Economy, Society and Culture mid and far western Hill Region( basically Karnali
region, mid hill region and eastern hill region)

3. Tarai Society and Cuture

• Ecology , Economy, Society and Culture of Eastern, Central and Far- western Tarai.

Nepal is a sovereign and mountainous kingdom, located in South-west of Asia. It is land locked country, situated between
China to the North and India to the South East and West, which are the two giant countries of Asia. The area of Nepal is
1,47,181 sq. km. In total which covers 0.3 percent of Asia and 0.03 percent area of the world. It lies between the latitude
of 26' 22' and 30' 27' North and the longitude of 80' 4' and 88' 12' East. The country is small only about 880 km. long from
East to West and breadth varies from 145 to 241 km from north to South. So the average breadth is 193 km, which covers
approximately the same land area.
The topography changes dramatically within a short lateral distance. There is a narrow strip of low lands in the south.
Further north lie the Himalayan foot hills and ranges which run roughly east-west across the country and include eight of
the highest peaks in the world each over 8000m. Nepal is also remarkable in its great variety of climate vegetation, as well
as in flora and fauna. Therefore, viewed in any sense whether it is in the sense of prospect or promise, trekking in the
Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal is bright and beautiful.

Geographically, Nepal can divide into three main regions:

 Himalayan / Mountain Region

 Hilly Region

 Terai (plain Region)

The word "Himalaya" is Sanskrit for "abode of snow". This region has an altitude ranging between 4,877 m to 8,848m. It
includes eight of the 14 highest summits in the world that exceed an altitude of 8000 m, including the highest of them all,
Mt. Everest (8,848 m). Only 8% of Nepal's population lives in this region.

The Himalayan region covers 15 percent of total area lies in the northern side of country lying horizontally in the altitude
of 4700m and above. In this region white snow falls every season. So we found here, several mountains including Mt
Everest and give pleasure for all mankind to enjoy. Another attraction of this region is several Kundas (Big lake) and also
several national parks, and wild life reserves with Sagarmatha National Park, which is known as world heritage site. In
Nepal generally two major groups of people can be found in high Himalayan region Tibitan origin (Tibeto-Burman or
Bhot Burmes) and in low land to mid hill Indo-Aryan (Bharopeli) origin groups. Himalayan region settlements of Tibetan-
speaking groups Sherpa, Tibetan origin Gurung of Manang, Mustang and Dolpo region and Thakali of Mustang’s high
plain are found in sub alpine to trans Himalayan areas. Outside Nepal, the best known are the Sherpa people who has
gained world renown and interest because of their mountaineering skills. In fact, the word “Sherpa,” meaning mountain
guide in English, comes from the group’s proud Sherpa name.
Nepalese Mountain and Agricultural Economy
As three fourth of the total land is covered with hills and mountains it holds many beautiful Himalayan peaks, glaciers,
lakes and attractive eco-tourism patches. The main river system of the country has given the base of commercial
agriculture with 32% irrigated land. Swift rivers flowing south through the Himalayas have massive hydroelectric
potential to service domestic needs and growing demand from India. Only about 1% of Nepal's hydroelectric potential is
currently tapped. Several hydroelectric projects, at Kulekhani and Marsyangdi, were completed in the early to late 1980s.
In the early 1990s, one large public-sector project, the 'Kali Gandaki A' (144 megawatts-MW), and a number of private
projects were planned; some have been completed. The 'Kali Gandaki A' has started commercial operation in August
2002. Privately financed hydroelectric projects currently in operation are the Khimti Khola (60 MW), Bhote Koshi (36
MW) and Chilime projects. The other notable hydro projects are Trisuli and Sunkoshi (Shrestha, 2005). Recently,
government has initiated the formulation of big hydro projects like Upper Karnali and Arun 3. The country has a great
variety of topography that is reflected in the diversity of weather and climate. The country experiences sub tropical to
temperate climate within a very limited range of geographical distance. Major cereals crops are grown in terai, vegetables,
fruits and livestock are grown in hills, livestock, temperate fruits and medicinal herbs are grown in mountains and upper
valleys. Though agricultural growth rate is slightly higher than population growth rate, population pressure on natural
resources is increasing. Nepal ranks among the world's poorest countries with a per capita income of around $300. The
country has, however, made progress toward sustainable economic growth since the 1950s and is committed to a program
of economic liberalization. Capitalizing the diversified climatic condition and natural resources, Nepal can enter into the
global competitive and open market with its identified niche products.

Impact of Global Warming on Environment

Melting of Ice everywhere is continuous at an accelerating rate. Rising global temperatures are lengthening melting
seasons, thawing frozen ground, and thinning ice caps and glaciers that in some cases have existed for millennia. These
changes are raising sea level faster than earlier projected by scientists, and threatening both human and wildlife
populations (Sakai et al, 1996). Melt water on top of glaciers and ice sheets contributes to fracturing and destabilization of
the ice masses and increases flow rates as the water lubricates the underside of the ice. Increased fresh water from melting
glaciers and sea ice could alter ocean circulation patterns and destabilize regional climate patterns and warmer waters may
also decrease the ocean’s ability to act as a carbon sink. If no action is taken to halt global warming, these positive
feedbacks could quickly send climate change spiraling out of control (Kayastha et al, 2002). The melting of Earth's ice
cover would significantly alter the global climate-though the net effects remain unknown. Ice, particularly polar ice,
reflects large amounts of solar energy back into space, and helps keep the planet cool. When ice melts, however, this
exposes land and water surfaces that retain heat-leading to even more melt and creating a feedback loop that accelerates
the overall warming process (World Watch Institute, 2000).
 The region's culture and religion are closely linked to Tibet, and the traditional economy was (and sometimes still
is) based on trans-border trade with its northern neighbour.

 One can enjoy the magnificent Himalayas of this region in three different ways: take a mountain flight
and enjoy the splendid view of snow capped Himalayas from the safety of the presurrized aeroplane
cabins, or gaze at the panorama from popular mountain viewpoints such as Nagarkot and Dhulikhel
around the Kathmandu Valley and Sarangkot in Pokhara or take the direct approach and trek to the
mountain base from where you can actually touch them and feel the Himalayas.

Indeed, the best way to experience Nepal's unbeatable combination of natural beauty and culture riches is to trek through
them. One should know that trekking means walking and is a process rather than a destination. As one gets into shape, it's
easy to fall into walking-machine mode. Though
 trekking demands a physical challenge, a trekker should remind himself/ herself to stop at teashops, admire the
views, splash in a stream and play with local kids. Walking and nothing, but day after day, provides illuminating
insights of Nepal's diversity in terms of geography, people, religion and culture.

 Trekking is possible at any time of the year depending on where one is going. The most popular seasons are
spring (February - May) and autumn (September-November). Winter is very cold above 4,000m and high
mountain passes may be snowbound but it is good for trekking at lower altitudes. During the monsoon season
(June-August) you can trek in rain-shadow areas of the northern areas of regions like Mustang, Upper Manang
 and Dolpo. These places are out of reach of the rain clouds because they lie beyond the high mountains whcih
block off the monsoon clouds.

HILLY REGION

The Hilly region, locally referred to as "Pahadi Bheg", occupies around 64% of the total land of Nepal and lies as a broad
belt between the southern plains of the Terai and the Himalayas.

The Mahabharat range fills most of the hill region with its high hills and once dense forests. Below the Mahabharat range
of hills lie the Siwalik range which constitute the lower hills and valleys near the southern plains. The Char Koshe Jhadi
was once a dense forest that began from the Mahabharat range and ended around the borders of Nepal and India in the
Terai. Today little of it remains.

The Pahadi Bheg is the heart of Nepal and accounts for around 57% percent of the total population of Nepal It includes
fertile valleys such as Kathmandu and Pokhara, high hills and snow fed rivers that cut across the high hills and valleys
acting as the life suppost system of the area. The hills which have been inhabited for centuries, supports nearly half of the
country's population.

Situated south of the Mountain Region, the Hill Region (called Pahar in Nepali) is mostly between 1,000 and 4,000
meters in altitude. It includes the Kathmandu Valley, the country's most fertile and urbanized area. Two major ranges of
hills, commonly known as the Mahabharat Lekh and Siwalik Range (or Churia Range), occupy the region. In addition,
there are several intermontane valleys. Despite its geographical isolation and limited economic potential, the region
always has been the political and cultural center of Nepal, with decision-making power centralized in Kathmandu, the
nation's capital. Because of immigration from Tibet and India, the hill ranges historically have been the most heavily
populated area. Despite heavy out-migration, the Hill Region comprised the largest share of the total population in 1991.

The hilly region covers 68 percent of total area. It is formed by the Mahabharat range that soars to touch mountain region
in the altitude of 600 m to 4700 m height. In winter, snow may fall in high hills. This region is formed by beautiful
valleys like Kathmandu, Surkhet and Pokhara and famous for fascinating lakes in Pokhara Phewa, Begnas, Rupa etc. and
the Tilicho lake in Manang District which is situated at the top level of the world. Swimming and boating in these lakes
can enjoy everyone. The three major rivers Koshi, Gandaki and Karnali come out from Himalaya and flow through this
region.

Additional attraction in this region is Nagarkot, Kakani and Dhulikhel where the rising sun can be viewed. Most of the
snow covered beautiful mountain can be enjoyed from hill top of Nagarkot, Phulchoki and Pokhara.

Although the higher elevations (above 2,500 meters) in the region were sparsely populated because of physiographic and
climatic difficulties, the lower hills and valleys were densely settled. The hill landscape was both a natural and cultural
mosaic, shaped by geological forces and human activity. The hills, sculpted by human hands into a massive complex of
terraces, were extensively cultivated.

Like the Mountain Region, the Hill Region was a food-deficit area in the early 1990s, although agriculture was the
predominant economic activity supplemented by livestock raising, foraging, and seasonal migrating of laborers. The vast
majority of the households living in the hills were land-hungry and owned largely pakho (hilly) land. The poor economic
situation caused by lack of sufficient land was aggravated by the relatively short growing season, a phenomenon directly
attributable to the climatic impact of the region's higher altitude. As a result, a hill farmer's ability to grow multiple crops
was limited. The families were forced to adapt to the marginality, as well as the seasonality, of their environment,
cultivating their land whenever they could and growing whatever would survive. Bishop has noted that "as crop
productivity decreases with elevation, the importance of livestock in livelihood pursuits . . . increases. For many Bhotia
[or Bhote] living in the highlands . . . animal husbandry supplants agriculture in importance." During the slack season,
when the weather did not permit cropping, hill dwellers generally became seasonal migrants, who engaged in wage labor
wherever they could find it to supplement their meager farm output. Dependence on nonagricultural activities was even
more necessary in the mountain ecological belt.

In between the Himalayan and Terai regions, there lies the Hilly region. The social life of the Hilly region represents both
the Aryan and the Mongolian culture and civilization. In addition, an advanced culture and civilization developed in this
region which is different from those of the Himalayan and Terai regions. The people in the beautiful valleys like
Kathmandu, Pokhara, Pampa (Madi) Surkhet, have developed their own ways of life, customs and traditions. Kathmandu
valley, in particular, has developed a different culture of its own, known as the ‘Newari culture’. In addition, being a
metropolitan city and the capital of the country, Kathmandu also possesses a mixed culture as many different people from
various places have come to live here. The western culture is also influencing our young generation to a great extent,
particularly in big cities like Kathmandu and pokhara.

Life in the Hilly Region

The Hilly region is situated in the central part of the country. It spreads from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west. It
has high hills and rocks. There are certain valleys surrounded by hills from all sides. Kathamndu, Phkhara, Surkhet, Dang-
Deokhuri, etc. are such valleys. The hilly region lies at a fairly high altitude. So this region has a moderate type of climate.
It is neither too cold, nor too hot. There is heavy rainfall from June to September. It also receives winter rain. Moreover,
Pokhara valley gets the heaviest rainfall in Nepal.

SOCIAL LIFE

Food: Rice is the main food of the people of this region. Some people also eat bread. They eat meat, eggs, milk, curd,
butter, ghee, etc. which they get from domestic animals.

Costume: Male members wear Daura, Suruwal, coat and cap, female members wear cholo, fariya and patuka. Men in the
town areas wear pants, shirt and coat, and women wear sari and blouse.

Housing: Most of the houses in this region are made of stone and clay. They have thatched roofs. There are single-storey
houses. In the town areas, multi-storey buildings are also seen.

Health: Government has established Health Centres and Health Posts in various places of this region. In the town areas,
there are many big hospitals. Kathmandu, the capital of the country, has many large hospitals. Patients from all over the
country come to benefit themselves of the treatment available in the capital town.

Education: The hilly region is the centre of education in the country. The centres of education are: Kathmandu, Pokhara,
Tansen, Dhankuta, Birendranagar, Banepa, etc. There are many Primary and Secondary Higher Secondary Schools,
Campuses and Universities in this region.

ECONOMIC LIFE

Agriculture: Agriculture is the main occupation of the people living in this region. They cultivate maize, wheat, rice,
millet, soyabeans, etc. Rice and wheat cultivated in the valleys and river basins. Other crops are cultivated in the hills. The
people also rear domestic animals and grow fruits and vegetables.

Industry: Many industries are set up in this region. There are cement, bricks and tiles, textile, biscuit, leather and shoes,
beer and wine and other industries in the Hilly region.

The Terai region

The Terai region covers 17 percent of total area. This is plain land area of Nepal in the altitude of 70m above sea level to
600 m height. This is the region of religious places and national parks, and wild life reserves. The famous religious places
are Janakpur, Lumbini and Barahachhetra. Lumbini is famous for the birthplace of Lord Buddha who is the motivator of
world peace. There are four national parks, and wild life reserves in this region. Among them Royal Chitwan National
park is the most famous for rhinoceros, tigers and beautiful birds.          

The Terai [low-land/plain] region covers about 17 percent of total land area of the country. This covers the altitude of 60m
above sea level to 600 m. This region is home to many religious places, national parks and wild life reserves. The famous
religious places like Janakpur, Lumbini and Barahachhetra. Lumbini, [The birthplace of Lord Buddha/the light of Asia] lie
in the region. There are four national parks and wild life reserves in this region; Chitwan National park is one of the most
famous for rhinoceros among them.

Weather and Climate:

The topographical extremities of the country govern the climatic conditions of Nepal. It ranges from tropical to arctic.
Low-land Terai region with its maximum altitude at 600m, which lies in the tropical southern part of the country, has a
hot and humid climate that can rise above 40 Degree Celsius during the summer. Mid-land regions are pleasant almost all
the year round, although winter nights are cold. The northern mountain region, at an altitude above 3,300m has an alpine
climate with considerably lower temperatures in winter.

Culture and Customs

Nepal is the meeting place of two different religions - Hinduism and Buddhism, tow races, Caucasoid and Mongoloid and
tow civilization Indic and Sinic. The population has a variety of ethnic groups each with its distinct identity. Polygamy is
stilled practiced in some area of the country although legislation banned it in the sixties.

When entering rooms in Nepalese home it is polite to remove shoes. While some westernized Nepalese might not be dong
it, the best thing is to watch what other are doing. Many Hindu temples do not permit westerners to enter but they are
quite free to watch from outside. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens or temples. Everybody remove
their shoes and any items made from leather such as belts and bags before entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple as they
worship cows.

Public displays of romance and phisical affection are not good manners nor should one swim naked in rivers and lakes. In
the northern hill area, polyandry, the custom of a wife having more than one husband, was also practiced till today. On the
other hand, the Gurung group has an institution called Rodihgar intended to bring people together before they contemplate
marriage. Widow re-marriage was not socially acceptable in some groups. An ethnic group such as Brahmins were
prohibited for drinking alcohol and sometimes follow vegetarian restrains and amongst Brahmin families a man first met
his wife on that day he got married. The Sherpas have remarkably free and easy moral code.

Religion:

Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions of Nepal sharing between them some 86.5 and 7.8 percent of the
total population respectively. Both these co-religionists are bound together by a sense of fellow- feeling and bonhomie
particularly displayed in their worship of common deities and joint celebration of many festivals belonging to ether
religion or culture. Buddhism was introduced in Kathmandu valley by Emperor Ashoka of India around 250 BC. Later,
around 8th century AD, the ancestors of the sherpas emigrated from Tibet bringing with them a from of Buddhism know
as Ningmapa Gurungs, Tamangs, Serpas and Newars in kathmandu valley also follow Mahayaa Buddhism and the famous
temple of Swayambhu in Kathmandu and the “Golden Temple” or the Hiranya Varna Mahabihar in Patan are visited
mainly by Newars of Buddhist faith.

A few people have adopted a complex blend of both Hinduism and Buddhissm known as Bajrayana, which is mainly
practiced in Kathmandu valley. A remarkable feature of Nepal is thus the religious homogeneity that exists, particularly
between the Hindu and Buddhist communities. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim (3.5%) forms the third
largest religious group. There has also been an increase in the number of Christian in Nepal in recent years, which number
around 40000 although their proportion in the population is less than 1 percent and 1.2 percent of other religion however,
there is no conflict regarding religion in Nepal, and one may adopt what religion they want.          

People:

Nepal has a population more than two crore made of different faces and tribes, living in different regions wearing
different costumes and speaking different languages and dialects. The Sherpas live mainly in the mountain of eastern and
central Nepal, in particular in the Solu Khumbu region at the foot of Nepal Trailblazer, the Sherpas are probably the best
known Nepalese ethnic group originally from Tibet, they selttled in the area about 500 years ago. The Sherpas also known
as “the tigers of the snow” live in the Himalaya region up to an average altitude of 4570m. Bahuns and Chhetris are
simply the two highest castes; the Bahuns and Chhetirs are spread generally over most parts of the Kingdom. The progeny
of Bahun men and hill women were considered Chhetri and a number of high status families from other hill groups have
also adopted Chhetri status, so some do have Mongoloid tribal ancestry. All Bahuns and Chhetris are Hindu. The Newars
constitute and important ethnic group in the capital valley of Kathmandu. The Newaris of the Kathmandu valley are a
good example of the result of this Himalayan melting pot. The Gurung and Magars live mainly in the west and on the
southern slopes of Annapurna, Himalchuli and Ganesh Himal mountains. The Magars and Gurungs also often work as
Gurkha soldiers. The Rais, Limbus, and Sunuwars inhabit the slops and valleys of the eastern mid hills and many have
migrated to the eastern Terai. Larger number of people find employment with Gurkha regiments. Tamangs are one of the
largest Tibet – Burman ethnic group in Nepal. Around half the Himalayan zone of Nepal is inhabited by Tamangs.

Many Tamangs have been influenced in their dress by both western and Newari styles. Traditionally, women wear a
colorful wraparound skirt, a blouse, jacket and scarf. On important occasion, they wear chunky gold or brass ear and nose
rings set with semiprecious stones. Men wear loincloths or the traditional Newari pant, short – sleeved jackets and topis.
Both men and women wear several miters of cloth wrapped around the waist.

The Thakalis live mainly Kali Gandaki valley in central Nepal, the Thakalis are a Tibeto Burman people who have
become the entrepreneurs of Nepal. Originally Buddhist, many pragmatic Thakalis have now adopted Hinduism. The
actual number of Thakalis are not many comparateviely in Nepal, but they are quite laborious at hard work for the
survival, success and existence of life.

Tharus, Yadavs, Satar, Rajvanshis, and Dhimals are spread generally in the Terai region. Tharus are one of the larges
ethic group in Nepal.

Language % of total population Language % of total population

Nepali 58.4 Maithili 11.1
Bhojpuri 7.6 Tharu 3.6
Tamang 3.5 Newari 3.0
Abadhi 1.5 Rai 1.5
Magar 1.4 Gurung 1.2
Limbu 0.9 Other 6.3          

Things to Remember