Nepal, a small country squeezed between the borders of India and China, has a population of 30 million and is a multi-ethnic society with more than 100 ethnic groups and 92 different languages.
This sounds interesting, but what stuck with me the most during my visit were the following interesting cultural facts about Nepal.
7 Surprising Cultural Facts About Nepal
1) Swastika and Star of David: don’t be surprised if you see them together
As I was walking down an alley in Kathmandu, I was surprised to see the swastika and the Star of David carved on the gate of a small temple. It caught my interest after a few days, as I saw it quite often all over the city, until I decided to ask the locals.
As it turns out, both are… purely Hindu symbols!
this The swastika is a very sacred symbol in Hinduism, representing auspiciousness. As for the Star of David or the Hexagram, it represents the masculine and feminine emergence, the upward triangle represents Shiva (the masculine side of God), and the downward triangle represents Shakti (its feminine side).
2) Sand Mandala: A reminder that nothing lasts forever
In Nepal, you will see mandalas in every corner of the country: shops, restaurants, streets, Mandala is one of the most beautiful colorful geometric designs you will ever see. Mandalas, usually printed on cloth or paper, are spiritual symbols used for meditation in Hinduism and Buddhism. Its circles come in different colors and have elaborately drawn patterns and symbols.
But the most unique thing about Nepal is the Tibetan sand mandala. Building a sand mandala requires the teamwork of several monks, and due to the intricate and detailed structure, it takes weeks to complete. After the sand mandala was built, it was used by Tibetan Buddhists for a one-time meditation, but it was completely destroyed afterwards. Its destruction was a symbolic way of commemorating the highest Buddhist value of “transcendence” and the transience of life and the world.
3) Dhal Bath: All-day dining
Nepalese cuisine doesn’t have many varieties, but the country’s traditional dish, Dhal Bath, is bursting with flavor, spice, and most importantly, very satisfying and healthy. Amazingly, all Nepalese eat this quiet feast at least twice a day, sometimes even three. Dhal Bath is served on a tray with five small bowls containing lentils, boiled vegetables (or chicken), curry cheese (Nepali cheese), steamed spinach, chilli paste, pickles and a large bowl of rice in the middle . Basically eat around 10 am and eat again around 5 pm.
Nepalese must eat with their right hand as touching food with the left is considered vulgar and disrespectful. What is the reason for this fact about Nepal? …that’s the hand reserved for relaxing room cleaning, to put it nicely 🙂
4) 2072: Living in the future
As I was walking the narrow streets of Kathmandu, one particular shop caught my attention. It says “Established 2051”. At first I thought maybe my eyes were blind, or it was a joke! …but none! A few days later, as I continued my travels to visit beautiful Pokhara, the streets were filled with celebration. The big day is coming!
It turned out to be Nepal New Year’s Eve in April! Celebrating the beginning of the year 2072.
Nepal uses lunar months and solar sidereal years, so they end up 57 years behind us. One of the super fun facts about Nepal!
5) The Stupa: The Thirteen Stages of Enlightenment
A stupa is a geometric structure that stands on many squares in Nepal. For Buddhists, the largest and holiest temples are located at Boudhanath and Swayambhunath (must visits, although partially destroyed after the earthquake).
The pagoda consists of a cosmic dome with a cubic structure with Buddha eyes painted on four sides. The entire building is topped by a pyramid-like structure of 13 pinnacles, which are believed to be the 13 different stages a person must pass through in order to reach enlightenment.
The two Buddha eyes represent wisdom and compassion, and the third Buddha eye is drawn in the middle, radiating light to guide those who seek enlightenment.
6) Moon and Sun: The only non-rectangular flag in the world
The shape of the flag of Nepal is the most unique in the world. Unlike other triangles, it consists of two different triangles, symbolizing the Himalayas, one part of which is the moon and the other part is the sun. There are many interpretations of these two symbols, Most commonly, the moon represents the country’s cool weather, while the sun represents the strong resolve of the country’s people.
7) Freak Street: The Cradle of the Hippie Movement?
Many foreigners who have lived in Nepal for many years will tell you that right here, on this narrow street next to Durbar Square in Kathmandu, known as Freak Square, the hippie movement was born in the 1960s .
But what is certain is that Freak Street was the center of the hippie trail in the early 60s, where most of the people lived. At the time, the government-run stores on Freak Row could legally sell marijuana, making it a sort of hippie nirvana.
Nepal is still one of them The best destination for bohemians, artists and hippies. Although cannabis is no longer legal to sell, you can find the plant in the mountains across the country, and it is widely used to make durable bags, slippers, and bracelets, a must-buy especially when in Pokhara.
Excited to explore interesting Nepali culture and learn more facts about Nepal for yourself? Search for flights and book now! Book your accommodation in Kathmandu well in advance to ensure a great spot!
