Nepal has a population of more than 23 million consisting of more than 103 ethnic groups having different cultures and speaking above 93 languages. According to some recently calculated figures 86% of the people are Hindus, 8% are Buddhists and around 3 % are Muslims. The rest are divided into other religions. Whatever might be the figures, the perfect harmony maintained beautifully by people despite the religious differences is truly remarkable in Nepal.
Some of the main groups are such: Gurungs and Magars who live mainly in the western region; Rais, Limbus and Sunwars who live in the eastern mid hills; Sherpas, Manangis and Lopas who live near the mountains of Everest, Annapurna and Mustang respectively; Newars who live in and around the capital valley of Kathmandu; Tharus, Yadavas, Satar, Rajvanshis and Dhimals who live in the Terai region; and Brahmins, Chhetris and Thakuris generally spread over all parts of the country.
The population comprises various groups of different races which are further divided into different castes.The four main divisions of castes in Hindu Nepal are Bahun, Chhetri, Vaishya and Shundra. The family names of some Hindu castes may reflect locality as well as caste specific occupation. For instance, in Newari society potters are known as Kumal (kumale), while masons are kown as dakarmis. The common surnames of east and central Nepal are Gotame, Sharma, Regmi, Acharya, Nepal, Upadhyay, Aryal, Bhandari, Adhikari and Paudyal; those from west Nepal include Pant, Joshi, Bishta, Bhatta, Pandey, Awasthi, Lohani.
Nepali is the official language, spoken and understood by 100 percent of the population. Multiple ethnic groups speak more than a dozen other languages in about 93 different dialects. English is spoken by many in government and business offices. It is the mode of education in most private schools of Kathmandu and some other cities.
Ethnic Distribution
The Northern Himalayan People
In the northern region of the Himalayas are the Tibetan-speaking groups namely Sherpas, Dolpas, Lopas, Baragaonlis, Manangis. The Sherpas are mainly found in the east in the Solu and Khumbu region; the Baragaonlis and Lopas live in the semi-deserted areas of Upper and Lower Mustang in the Tibetan rain-shadow area; the Managis live in Manang district area; while the Dolpas live in Dolpa district of West Nepal, one of the highest settlements on earth at 4,000 meters.
The Middle Hills and Valley People
Several ethnic groups live together in harmony in the middle hills and valleys. Among them are the Magars, Gurungs, Tamangs, Sunuwars, Newars, Thakalis, Chepangs and majority of Brahmans and Chhetris. The Brahmans and Chhetris have long dominance in all pervading social, religious and political realms. There are also some occupational castes namely: Damai (tailor), Sarki (cobbler), Kami (blacksmith) and Sunar (goldsmiths). Though, there exist numerous dialects, the language of unification is the national language, Nepali.
Ethnic Diversity in the KathmanduValley
Kathmandu Valley represents a cultural cauldron of the country, where, people from varied backgrounds have come together to present a melting pot. The natives of the Kathmandu Valley are the Newars. Newari culture is an integration of both Hinduism and Buddhism. The Newars of Kathmandu Valley were traders or farmers by occupation in the old days.
The Terai People
The main ethnic groups in Terai are Tharus, Darai, Kumhal, Majhi and other groups that have roots in India. They speak north Indian dialects like Maithili, Bhojpuri. Owing to the fertile plains of Terai, most inhabitants live on agriculture. There are, however, some occupational castes like Majhi (fisherman), Kumhal (potter) and Danuwar (cart driver).
Religion
Nepal is one of the most peaceful multi-religious countries in the world. Here, we find more than 103 ethnic groups with their own religious cultures, languages and lifestyles and yet there has been no ethnic violence or war caused for religious reasons.
Hinduism is among the oldest faiths in the world, deeply rooted in the Vedas (the holiest among the Hindu scriptures) whose antiquity goes back to 2000 B.C.)
According to Hindu Philosophy the ultimate goal of one’s life is to attain Moksha or liberation. There are three paths recommended to attain the goal; Artha (economic efficiency), Dharma (righteousness) and Kama (devotion to family). The three paths are designed to gradually lead one from Bhakti, to Mukti or Mokshya, the state of supreme bliss and detachment.
Rituals are another aspect of religion in Nepal as most Nepalese people are religious. For them rituals elevate them spiritually and help them to maintain solidarity among each other.
The recorded history of Buddhism in Nepal began with the Buddha himself. Many archeological ruins found in Kapilavastu and the vicinity indicates that many historical buildings are built there, 600 years before Christ. With the passage of time Buddhism underwent many socio-religious upheavals and Vajrayana and other sects were also introduced.
In Nepal, Hinduism and Buddhism are the two main religions. The two have co-existed down the ages and many Hindu temples share the same complex as, Buddhist shrines. Hindu and Buddhist worshippers may regard the same god with different names while performing religious rites.
Traditions & Cultures
Nepal is full of cultural wonders. Some of these cultural practices might seem strange to a person without prior knowledge about what one should expect to see. So, we now see some general cultural practices practiced in Nepal.
Tika and Kohl lined eyes
Tika, a mark on the forehead, symbolizes the blessings of god. The colors of the tika varies according to the occasion and type of temple one visits. The black gajal or kohl is used to line the eyes of children to keep away evil eyes.
Marriage
Child marriage, polygamy and polyandry, though illegal now, once fed Nepali newspapers with interesting stories. The marriageable age has been legally set as 18 for girls and 21 for women. Even today, most people do not have love marriages; the decision is usually made by the parents. Yet, the divorce rate is considerably low.
Pasni
The pasni (rice – feeding) ceremony is the child’s next important occasion. In the presence of family and priests, the seven month old child is dressed in finery and fed rice presented on a coin by all members of the family. He is shown several objects on a tray: a heap of earth, paddy (un-husked rice), bricks, toys, ring, a pen, ink-pot and a book. It is said his parents can tell the child’s future profession from the object he first picks up.
The Costumes
Since Nepal is a country rich in ethnicity, there are different costumes worn by different ethnic groups. But generally, the men wear Daura suruwal’s and women wear sari’s.
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Jungle Safari
The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal is endowed with
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