Customs and Traditions - Marriage and Family

Marriage customs vary among the different castes. Traditional marriages are arranged by parents, although sometimes with the consent of the marriage partners. Marriage is sacred, divine, and considered to endure beyond death. For the Nepalese, chastity (sat, or satitwa in urban areas) is the most important virtue a woman can bring to a marriage. Sherpas might live together before getting married. Weddings are times of great celebration and feasting. They are elaborate and may last up to three days. In the southern region, called the Tarāi, a dowry is common.
In Nepal the interests of the family take precedence over those of the individual. The elderly are respected and cared for by their families. Traditional households are large and include the extended family. In many homes, aunts, uncles, and other relatives live together with their respective families and share the same kitchen. Among the educated, it is increasingly common for some sons to set up separate households after marriage rather than live with the extended family. To slow the recent rapid population growth, the government is encouraging family planning.
Land is inherited and divided equally between the sons of a family. Inheritance laws have been reformed, and women are gaining some property rights; however, women, especially among Hindus, generally have few rights or privileges in society. They are responsible for the household and farming, except for plowing, and do not socialize in public as much as men. While many women work outside the home, it is more common in urban areas than in rural areas. Women in rural areas often marry before they are 18 years old. They join their husband's extended family at that time and are expected to care for his parents. Some men have more than one wife.
Most families in rural areas live in modest, two-level houses made of stone and mud with a few small windows. The upper level is used to store food. Houses in the cities are built from bricks, stone, or reinforced concrete. Urban apartment buildings cannot have more than five stories. Those who live in apartments often share water and bathroom facilities with others. In the south, where the caste system is most dominant, a few higher-caste people can afford to live in large, well-built houses, but the majority of lower-caste people live in poverty.

The Main Cities of kaTHmandu

Spiritual, divine, adventurous and entertaining... the cities of Nepal are a unique blend of tradition and novelty. Then be it the clinging bells of temples at Bhaktpur, the beautiful lakes of Pokhara or the casinos at Kathmandu... a tour to the cities of Nepal introduces you every facet of life. Pack your bags and get ready to for the journey of lifetime. Come lets discover the diversity of Nepal cities...

Major Cities Of Nepal 
Bhaktapur
As the name means in Hindi, Bhaktpur is the "City of Devotees". This divine, ancient town is famous for its multi-storeyed pagodas. Bhaktpur has a calm, soothing and spiritual atmosphere and is one of the most peaceful cities of Nepal.

Birgunj
Birgunj, the commercial capital of Nepal is the second largest city in the country, located in the lower Terai plains, near the Indian border. It is known as the gateway of Nepal because of its location that makes Birgunj a frequent destination for business travelers, executives of foreign projects and agencies, overland tourists, pilgrims and other visitors. 

Kathmandu
The capital of Nepal, Kathmandu valley, is the biggest and the most cosmopolitan city of Nepal. Known as the 'City of Temples', it has great temples with historic, architectural and religious importance attached to them. Famous for its rocking casinos, Kathmandu is the meeting point of various ethnic groups. The unique element of the city is that it is a fabled capital of convivial pilgrims and carved rose-brick temples as well as a frenetic sprawl of modern towers and spunky casinos.

Lumbini
Listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO, Lumbini is the birth place of Lord Buddha. The historical city of Lumbini is blessed with rich natural setting and astonishing architectural beauty. Located in South-Western Terai of Nepal, the historic city takes one back to 623 B.C.

Nepalgunj
Located in the lower Terai region and known as the transport hub for western Nepal, the town is the starting point of the adventurous treks to Dopla and Jumla regions. The border crossing, 6 km south of Nepalganj, is one of the limited number of places where non-Indian foreigners are allowed to cross the border with India.

Patan 
The city of fine arts, Patan is the shopping hub of traditional handicrafts and carpets. The city is blessed with beautiful temples and stupas. The Phulchokri mountain near Patan is an excellent spot for hiking. The diversity of the medieval culture has left a rich legacy of impressive sightseeing in the city attracting tourists from far and wide.

Pokhara
This mystical city is rightly called the "Center of Adventure". With sky touching mountains and dazzling waterfalls, the city is indeed a visitors' paradise. In close proximity to nature, this beautiful city of Nepal offers the most esthetic panoramic view of the Himalayas.

NePaLesE FeStivAls\

Festivity is synonym to the Nepalese Culture. For the Nepalese, festivals are not merely the annual spectacles, but also are a living part of their rich cultural heritage. Festivals effectively bind together the Nepalese people of diverse cultural backgrounds and beliefs into one nation. Most Nepalese festivals are related to different Hindu and Buddhist deities. They are celebrated on days consecrated for them by religion and tradition.

Month	Festival
Jan-Feb	Sweta Manchhendra Snan Swasthani Puja Maghe Sankranti Basanta Panchmi & Saraswati Puja
Feb-March	Maha Shivaratri Losar Fagu Purnima or Holi
March-April	Chaitra Dasain Ghode Jatra
April-May	Biska Jatra New Year's Day Red Machhendranath Jatra Buddha Jayanti
July-August	Gunla Krishna Astami Janai Purnima
August-Sept	Gai Jatra Teej
Sept-Oct	Indra Jatra Dasain or Durga Puja
Oct-Nov	Mani Rimdu Tihar or Deepali
Nov-Dec	Balachaturdarsi Bibah Panchani Yomari Punhi

LaKeS in NePaL

Majestic, splendid and holy... the lakes of Nepal are reverred not only for their natural beauty but also for the spiritual importance attached to them. There are around two hundred lakes in Nepal of glacial and tectonic origin. Mountain lakes like Rara, Phoksundo and Phewa are majestic in extent and beauty. 

Fast Facts 

Lake	Category	Location	Water Surface Area (hct)
Rara Tal	Mountain Lake	Mugu District	1000
Phewa Tal	Mid-hill lake	Pokhara	523
GosikundaTal	Mountain lake	Himal region	-
Pokshundu Tal	Montain Lake	Dopla District	180

Other Popular Lakes In Nepal 

Mid-hill Lakes	Low Land Lakes
Begnas Tal	Rupia Tal
Rupa Tal	Gadhbhijala Tal
Deepang Tal	Nakhrodi Tal
Khaste Tal	Badhaiya Tal
Maidee Tal	Sakhunia Tal
Syarpu Tal	BudhiTal
Rokum Tal	Gaindhawa Tal
Mahadev Tal	Beesh Hazar Tal
Kailali	Halkhoria Tal

Activities 
Nepal lakes are famous for their crystal clear water, scenic backgrounds and the adventure activities that they offer. Cited below are two of the activities that keep you fresh and vigorous like the blue waters of the lakes themselves.

Boating 
The pleasure of touching water waves while siting on a boat cannot be described in words. A relaxing boat drive on Phewa lake of Pokhara is one of the most soothing experiences in Nepal. Leisure boating can be done in various locations. Pokhara, set in a lush topical alley, with a backdrop of the Annapurna range, is blessed with many lakes and is the most famous spot for boating activities.

The Phewa, Begnas and Rupa lakes provide enough space for boating experiences. Phewa Lake is Pokhara's prime attraction for photographers, boaters and shore side strollers.Visitors love sending an hour or two rowing (or being rowed by one of the local boats men) through the many inlets, with a visit to the Varahi island temple. 

Fishing 
Nepal, the world's second rich country in the water resources having numbers of rivers and lakes, is an ideal location for fishing and angling. There are some specific ethnic group in the hills and Terai region of Nepal whose lifestyle has been based on Fishing. Bote, Majhi, Tharu and Machhuwar are some of them.

With approximately 118 varieties of fresh water fish found in the Himalayan waters of Nepal, fishing can be really exciting. Mahaseer is the most commonly sought sport fish, besides mountain stream trout-like varieties and lowland water species. Pokhara's crystal clear lakes are the best for fishing.

Buddha born place!!

Lumbini, birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the centre of holy faith for the millions of Buddhists all over the world. Located in south-western Nepal, Lumbini holds several reminders of Lord Buddha. One of the most important historical sites in Nepal is endowed by nature with rich natural beauty.

Fast Facts 

Location	South-western Nepal
Importance	One of the most important historical sites in the country, UNESCO world heritage site
Known For	Religious historical sites
Nearby Attraction	Kapilvastu

Tourist Attractions
Lumbini Garden
The garden is foremost attraction in Lumbini tourism. The fact that Lord Buddha had taken birth in Lumbini Garden makes it a plce of reverence. Number of stupas, monasteries and temples surround the garden. 

Some of these are ancient while are some were erected by medieval states. A collosal stone pillar built by the great Indian emperor Ashoka is also here. Account of the birth of Buddha is inscribed on it.

Mayadevi Temple
Devoted to Maya Devi, the mother of Lord Buddha, the temple attracts praise for its architectural beauty. Credit of discovering the temple, in 1895, goes to a German archaeologist. The temple is remarkable in the way Maya Devi is shown giving birth to Lord Buddha.

Pushkarni Pool 
Queen Mayadevi took a dip in the pond before giving birth of prince Siddhartha. The prince also had his purification bath in the pond. Brick steps of the pond lead to the emerald-green water.

Kushinagar
Lumbini travel guide also takes you to Kushinagar where Lord Buddha attained nirvana. One can see number of stupas, viharas and chaityas which remind us of the mahaparinirvana. 

Bodhgaya
The place of Mahaparinirvana, it was at Bodhgaya that Gautama Buddha attained unsurpassed, supreme Enlightenment. The legand narrates that Siddartha Gautama reached the village of senai and sat on a kusa grass mat under a pipal tree. Here he resolved not to rise again untill enlightenment was attianed. Thereafter the place became a pilgrimage site.

Maha Bodhi Temple 
The temple is known for its 1700 years old idol. The idol sits facing the place where Lord Buddha achieved enlightenment.

Bodhi Tree 
Near Maha Bodhi Temple is the Bodhi tree, an ancient peepal tree. Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree. 

Kapilvastu Excursion
Kapilvastu, birthplace of Gautam Buddha, is a famous historic town which is always brimming with charm. Lord Buddha was born here in the sixth century. Kapilvastu attracts Buddhist pilgrims from all over the world. Kapilvastu is 27km from Lumbini.

How To Reach
By Air : One can reach flight from Kathmandu Airport for Bhairahwa Airport which is the nearest air port for Lumbini. Sacred Garden is 15 minutes drive away.

By Rail : Nearest railway station is at Gorakhpur in India. It is 122 km from Lumbini.

By Road : Good roads link Bhairahwa to Lumbini, and also other important Nepal cities.

Local Transport
Buses, taxis and rickshaws are the means of local transport in Nepal.

InfOrMaTiOn About NePaL!!

Your Tour Guide

The information on Nepal given below will serve as a guide to the tourists before they actually venture into the beautiful mountain kingdom of Nepal. The site will provide the tourists detailed information on the weather, climatic conditions, history, lifestyle, health, festivals and entertainment sources in Nepal. 

Country Description 
Known as the Land of Everest, Nepal is a developing country with extensive tourist facilities. Cited below is a table on the important facts of Nepal. 

Name of the Country	Kingdom of Nepal
Area	140,800 sq km
Population	23 million (20001 census)
Capital City	Kathmandu
People	Hindus, Newars, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas
National Language	Nepali (Khaskura)
Other Languages	Awadhi, Newari, Hindi, Bahing, Limbu, Maithili, Mundari
Tourist Language	English
Religion	Hindu
Government	Parliamentary Democracy & Constitutional Monarchy
Major Industries	Tourism, Handicraft, Agriculture and Water Resources

Useful Resource 
Please click on the following links to get important information you should know before you visit Nepal: 

Facts of Nepal
Have a quick look at the geographical, political, economic, demographic and national details of Nepal. The factual details are an overview to the small mountain kingdom.

Flag of Nepal
The present National Flag of Nepal was adopted on Dec16, 1962. The flag of Nepal is the only national flag which is not rectangular, being based upon two separate pennants which belonged to rival branches of the Rana dynasty, which formerly ruled the country. The two pennants were first joined in the 18th century, but it was not adopted as the official flag until 1962, when a constitutional form of government was established.

History of Nepal
Nepal has been a kingdom for over 1500 years from now. The Newars are thought to have lived in the Nepal valley since the 4th century AD, developing a Hindu-Buddhist culture. Between the 8th and 11th centuries, many Buddhists fled to Nepal from India, and a group of Hindu Rajput warriors set up the principality of Gurkha just west of the Kathmandu valley. Although a Newar dynasty, the Mallas, ruled the valley between the 14th-18th centuries.

Language of Nepal
Though Nepali is the official language of Nepal, there are as many as 126 listed languages spoken in Nepal. Out of these, three languages, Dura, Kusunda and Waling, have become extinct. Hindus, Newars, Tibetans, Gurungs, Magars, Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Sherpas are the most commonly spoken languages. The visitors may encounter problems as English is not understood in the rural Nepal. So they should prepare themselves with elementary Nepali language.

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Map of Nepal
The map of Nepal will familiarize you to various mountains, famous cities, wildlife sanctuaries, exotic destinations, pilgrimage sites, major traveling routes and more. The country's trekking, river rafting and mountaineering venues are second to none, and the mysterious capital city of Kathmandu and its royal palace are a 'must see'. Nepal is a spiritual journey, as Buddhist shrines and Hindu temples are inspiring stops along the way.

Pictures of Nepal
Nepal is one of the most picturesque country in Asia. The mighty Mount Everest, the ancient cities, the great display architecture found in the temples, the inspiring rivers, and what not. The pictures of Nepal speak for the unsurmountable beauty Nepal is blessed with. Once you see these pictures you can not resist the temptation of visiting Nepal.

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Transport of Nepal
Nepal is one of the most picturesque country in Asia. The mighty Mount Everest, the ancient cities, the great display architecture found in the temples, the inspiring rivers, and what not. The pictures of Nepal speak for the unsurmountable beauty Nepal is blessed with. Once you see these pictures you can not resist the temptation of visiting Nepal.

Visa of Nepal
Nepal is one of the most picturesque country in Asia. The mighty Mount Everest, the ancient cities, the great display architecture found in the temples, the inspiring rivers, and what not. The pictures of Nepal speak for the unsurmountable beauty Nepal is blessed with. Once you see these pictures you can not resist the temptation of visiting Nepal.

Weather of Nepal
Nepal has two major seasons - the dry season (from October to May) and the monsoon season (from June to September). Early spring (March to April) and late autumn (October and November) are the best times to visit Nepal, and this period also offers the clearest mountain views and good weather for trekking. From December to February, there is snow on the mountains with freezing temperatures at high altitudes, while the summer months of June to August can be very hot for general travel.

NePaLI sOnGs!

The rhythm, beats, bounce of Nepali traditional folk and classical music is spiritual enough to sooth you and entertaining enough to cheer you. Music is associated with every event in Nepal, then be it birth, marriage, festivals or National events.

Various songs, musical instruments and dances are connected with various religious, social and cultural life of the Nepalese. Music is the heartbeat of Nepal. Music is associated to every event of life, then be it festivals, feasts, marriage, birth ceremonies or funeral processions. The main genres of Nepali music are pop, rock, folk, and classical. There are a number of other genres that are yet to be cataloged. 

Fast Facts

Traditional Nepali Music	Imported Music
Newari Music	Indian Music Bhajan Filmi music
Khas Music	Western Music Rock & Roll Rock Metal Latino Punk Hip-Hop Rap
Gurung Music
Kirant Music
Tamang Music
Magar Music
Sherpa Music
Maithili Music
Bhojpuri Music

Popular Indigenous Nepalese Music 
The following music genres have their roots in Nepal and are therefore considered to be indigenous. This includes:-

Newari Music
The Newars are well-known for their Newari music. It mainly consists of percussion instruments, some wind instruments and no string instruments. All the castes have their musical tunes and bands. Music is cherished by people of all walks of life. There are tunes of certain festivals and seasons and even of certain times of day. The God of artists called Nâsadya is found in all the Newar localities. The presence of a Newari musical band in a guthi is considered as a sign of opulence.

Khas Music
Khas music belongs to the Khas society where castes like Damai used to play a number of instruments on occasions such as marriages, birth and other feasts. This tradition is now on decline owing to the growing popularity of television, radio and other means of mass communication. The minstrels used to play instruments like Sarangi but even the Gaine are declining in number.