Did you know?? "Namaste" is standard greeting form of Nepal which in general means hi,hello,thanks to us.But,the real meaning of Namaste is "I respect the god in you" and so people with their hands joined,greet other people.
Welcome to the first post of Exploring Cultures in different parts of world.Today I will be writing about one of the culturally beautifully decorated countries among many in the world,i.e, NEPAL.
Nepal,with almost 30 million population has culture representing fusion of Indo-aryan and tibeto-mongolian influences. Varieties of cultural heritages encloses cultural variations of different ethnic and social groups inhabiting in different locations and manifest in the form of dance,music,food,lifestyle,languages,festivals,arts and most importantly in the form of Hospitality.Here,I will mention about different monuments,some sort of unique cultural dances, food items and arts which most of us will be fond of and don't want to miss whenever we will be visiting one of the cultural treasury of the world.
1.The Pashupatinath Temple
One of the pilgrimage of all Hindus over the world,located in Kathmandu(City of temples) is the the sign of belief of Nepal and Nepalese.It is one of the place where you will find the peaceful state of your mind.
2.The Stupas(Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath)
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Stupas consists of hemispherical dome with a cube over it which is topped with a pyramidal structure consisting of 13 steps.These 13 steps are believed to be 13 stages of enlightenment.Two eyes in the the cube represent wisdom and compassion with third one in between representing Buddha’s light in achieving the enlightenment.
3.The Newari Dance
video credit:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgmG1cQb3_e0Lp_ZVVl7dZg
One of the entertaining dance highlighting the uniqueness of Newar Community(Natives of Kathmandu Valley),mostly famous as Lakhe dance,Charya Dance.Musical instruments and dressing styles presented in Newari Dance has always proved to be fascinating in Nepalese Culture.
4.The Tharu Dance
Performed by the dwellers of Terai region of Nepal(lower belt based on altitude) in festivals like Holi,Maghi,mostly in the western part as a form of expressing joy has been one of the treasure among many in Nepalese culture.Performance with bamboo sticks,local musical instruments(dholak,jhanjh) is always pleasure to watch.
5.Dhindo and Gundruk(The traditional food)
It has been one of the unique and most demanded food in many restaurants in Nepal as well as foreign countries.Dhindo made of grind millet and Gundruk made of fermented leafy green vegetables.It is one of the uniqueness in Nepalese culture.
6.The Swastika with Hexagram
One of the finest art found in Nepal,Swastika represents a sacred symbol,a sign of good omen and Hexagram,with upward triangle representing lord Shiva(emergence of male) and downward one representing Devi(emergence of female).
7.Mandala
Usually found printed on clothes,Mandala is spiritual symbol for meditation.Sand Mandala,is used for one time meditation and to be destroyed completely there after represents that nothing lasts for ever.
Some other fascinating cultural moments are captured in the pictures below…
The Sherpas
The Madhesis
The Living Goddess:KUMARI
The words and pictures are not enough to share the moments and joy in Nepalese culture.Though I have tried to include different Scenarios of Nepalese Culture.Hope you find this interesting and a moment not to be missed in your upcoming visit in Nepal.
A warm and heartful greetings from all Nepalese.
Will come up with new explore in another part of the world in upcoming posts.
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