nepalese culture
DESCRIPTION
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 - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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”
Attire
• Skimpy outfits are frowned upon
Taboos
• Feet• Stepping over people who are seated• Looking dirty• Bathing naked in public…• Walking counterclockwise around temples