Religions and philosophy of Nepal
The culture of Nepal is expressed through Music and Dance; Foods and Drinks; Craft and Arts, Folk song; Languages and Literature; Philosophy and Religion; Festival and Celebration.
Bouddha Stupa Kathmandu, Nepal
2011 census says
that we have 123 languages are spoken in Nepal. Nepal's linguistic heritage has
evolved from three major language groups: indo aryan, indigenous and
Tibeto/Burman major languages of Nepal (percent spoken as mother tongue)
are Nepali (44.6%), Maithili(11.7%), Bhojpuri(6%), Tharu (5.8%),Tamang (5.1%), Magar (3%)
and (3%) Rai, Limbu, Gurung, Kirat-sunuwar. also 2011 census identified 81.6% of the
population being Hindu. Buddhism was practiced by about 9% of the
population. About 4.2% practice Islam and 3.6% of the population follows
the indigenous Kirant religion.Christianity is practiced officially
by less than 1.0%
Several
of the festivals of Nepal last from one to several days. As a
predominantly Hindu and Buddhist nation, most of the Nepalese festivals are
religious ones. The festivals of Nepal have their roots
in Hinduism as more than 80% of the population of the country is
Hindu. Buddhism, the second-largest religion of the nation which
accounts for 9% of the population, has influenced the cultural festivals of
Nepal. Dashain or Vijaya Dashami
is the longest and the most important festival of Nepal. Generally Dashain
falls in late September to mid-October, right after the end of
the monsoon season. It is "a day of Victory over
Demons". The Newars celebrate the festival
as Mohani, Tihar or Dipawali, Holi, Saraswati Puja, Rakshabandhan, Bhai Dooj, Janmashtami,
Gai Jatra, Nag Panchami, Teej, Chhath, Kartik
Poornima, Maghe
Sankranti,or Makar
Sankranti Maha Shivratri and Chhechu are
widely celebrated important festivals of Nepal. New Year's Day of the lunar
calendar Nepal Sambat occurs in November. Several
Jatras take place throughout the year and public holidays are declared in
some regions. other important festivals include Buddha Purnima (the
celebration of the birth of Buddha) Maha
Shivaratri (a festival of Lord Shiva)
and during Maha Shivaratri festivities, some people
consume excessive drinks and smoke charas Sherpas,
mostly located at higher altitudes and in the Mount Everest region,
celebrate Mani Rimdu, for the good of the world. Most festivals
include dancing and music, and a variety of special foods are consumed during
festivals and on special occasions.
|
|
The Sagan Ceremony is
the ritualized presentation of five food items (boiled egg, smoked fish, meat,
lentil cake and rice wine) to a person which is done to bring good fortune as
per Tantric tradition.
Comments
Post a Comment