Hinduism and Buddhism constitute two major religions of Nepal. A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity that exists, particularly between the Hindu and Buddhist Communities. These two religions are mingled into a complex blend, which is often impossible to separate. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim forms the third largest religious group. The exquisite medieval Art & Architecture of the Kathmandu Valley vividly reflects the artistic ingenuity and the religious tradition of the people.
- Hinduism
Thousands of gods and goddesses make up the Hindu pantheon. Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva are the three major Hindu gods who have their own characteristics and incarnations. Each god has his own steed, which is often seen kneeling faithfully at the feet of the deity or sometimes outside that god's temple. Symbolic carried by the multiple hands of each deity empowers them to perform great feats.
- Buddhism
Sakyamuni Buddha is the founder of Buddhism who lived and taught in this part of the world during the sixth century BC. The great stupas of Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath are among the oldest and most beautiful worship sites in the Kathmandu Valley.
The spinning of prayer wheels, prostrating pilgrims, collective chants and burning butter lamps are some Buddhist practices often encountered by tourists. A slip of paper bearing a mantra is kept inside the wheels so that prayers are sent to the gods when the wheel is spun. Scenes from the Buddha's life and Buddhist realms are depicted on thangka scroll paintings, which are used during meditation and prayer ceremonies. Many Buddhist followers are seen performing these practices in Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath and at other Buddhist sites around the Valley.
Ethnicgroups
- Newars
Kathmandu, the capital city has been the homeland of the Newars. The Newars are inhabitants of a Tibeto-Burman origin who speak in Newari (their own dialect) as well as Nepali. The Newars are among the largest indigenous groups of Nepal and make up the 7% of the total population. Several Newar families follow Buddhism as well as Hinduism. They are usually inclined towards commerce, trade and farming. Newars have a rich cultural heritage and are skilled artisans. A lot of the traditional art of Nepal and Tibet is Newar crafted.
- Brahmins
Brahmins, the priestly class of Indo-Aryan origin, occupy the highest position in the Hindu hierarchy. They speak Nepali as their first language. They are said to have come to Nepal from different parts of India. Today they are found in every part of Nepal and have taken up different occupations.
- Chhetris
The Chhetris, who like the Brahmins also have an Indo-Aryan origin, have been traditionally classified as warriors and administrators. They are recognized for their bravery and administrative skills. Today, they are distributed in almost all the parts of Nepal and have been working in different fields. They are said to have originally come from northern India during and after the time of Buddha.
The Khas are generally regarded as Bahuns and Chhetries who set up their own Kingdoms in the far-western parts of Nepal. Their language, Khas-kura (Nepali) which had evolved out of Sanskrit, was later introduced as the state language after King Prithivi Narayan Shah conquered the Kathmandu valley in 1778.
- Gurung
The Gurung, originally belonging to the Tibet-Burman ethnic group, live mostly in the central region of Nepal in places like the foothills of Kaski, Lamjung and Annapurna himal. The Gurung villages surrounding the hills of Pokhara have attracted tourist because of their beautifully maintained stone houses. The Gurungs are good farmers as well as warriors. They, like the Rais, Limbus and Magars, have introduced themselves internationally as the brave Gorkha-soldiers. They follow Hinduism or Buddhism.
- Kiratis
The Kiratis are among the first group of people ruling over Nepal. Ancient Hindu texts like Himvat-Khanda, and Mahabharata have mentioned their names. They basically come from eastern Nepal’s Tamakoshi, Bhotekoshi, Arun and Tamor. These people of Tibeto-Burman origin worship their ancestors and at the same time follow Buddhism, Hinduism, Animism and so on. They are very good farmers and warriors. They are rich in culture and have several languages and scripts called the Sri-Jung.
- Magars
The Magars, having Tibeto-Burman origin, live in the Kali Gandaki region on the South of Dhaulagiri. They speak the Tibeto-Burman language and are Hindu by faith but they also follow Buddhism. They are mostly farmers but their martial qualities and physical fitness have made them good soldiers.
- Sherpas
The Sherpas, who are said to have come from Tibet, speak the Tibeto-Burman language and live in the Himalayan region of Nepal. They are hardworking, friendly, and reliable in nature. The largest Sherpa settlement is in Solu Khumbu at the foothill of Mt. Everest the world’s highest peak (8848m)
The Sherpa are adventurous mountaineers of international repute. Tenzing Norgay was the Sherpa, who with Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand, successfully climbed Mt. Everest in 1953. Ang Rita, Babu Chiri(Late), Passang Lhamu (Late) are a few well known Sherpas in the field of mountaineering.
- Tharus
The Tharus are the only people living in the forests of the Terai along he southern base of the Shivalik hills. Their age old religion has been Animism, which often reflects their mixed belief in Hindusim and Buddhism.
The Tharu, who are said to be descendants of the Rajputs (ruling class) of India, have spread from eastern to western part of Nepal. We have many Terai people living along the border between India and Nepal. They speak language like Maithali in the eastern Terai, Bhojpuri in the central Terai and Avadhi in the western Terai.
