Culture, Religion and Arts of Nepal

Culture & Religion in Nepal

Since Nepal was declared federal democratic republic nation, the people of Nepal living in various society got right to establish there own religion belief so thereafter Nepal is known as multi religious to the entire world. Due to its huge diversified land division people living in the various regions in different ethnic groups they follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal's east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country.

In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, Nepali's specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world.

Religion Belief

Nepal is multi religious country in the world so different ethnic groups live with their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture and tradition with ever peace of harmony in society. About 80% of total populations are Hindu religion follower lives in the all over Nepal’s east to west up to Maha Bharat range in north, about 10% Buddhist religion people among live bellow of Himalayan region to mid hill, valleys and in towns together 4% Muslim religious people and rest of other religious people live in different parts of the country. In Hindu community every ritual ceremony handled by priest (pundit), by Lama (monk) in Buddhism community as well by Mullah in Muslim community.

In term of vast range geographical varied land orientation features of the country Hinduism among Indo-Aryan communities influence in the lower elevation and the Buddhism among Tibetan-origin in the Himalayan region and other different parts of the Nepal. In Nepal moreover traditionally, Buddhism and Hinduism both were never two distinct religions for societies they believe these two religion have inter relation since then so that share faiths and worship common deities in temples, monasteries and mostly pilgrimage by both communities people. Though Nepal has number of religious group they always live in peace and harmony. There is not any record of religious conflict in Nepal yet. All Nepali has respected the national feeling of ‘unity in diversity, specialty and establishing own reorganization to the world. 

Arts & Architecture in Nepal
Nepalese traditional arts and architectures are totally dominant of Hindu and Buddhist religion philosophy which are reflected by various kind of painting images, statue sculpture of deities, temples, monasteries, old squares and other monuments. In general traditional arts and architectures can be remarked as a fusion of both Hindu and Buddhist religion in Nepal. Especially Kathmandu valley’s squares, monasteries, surrounding areas’ various pilgrimage places, Lumbini, Janakpur and, world heritage spots are main evidences of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures. There are also several authentic and traditionally unique arts and crafts are produced commercially. In Kathmandu valley both neighboring ancient cities Patan and Bhaktapur are well renowned due to its wonderful tradition in subjects of Nepalese traditional arts and architectures ever outstanding. In generally Nepalese traditional arts and architectures can be categories in three different respect architectures - Pagoda pattern, Stupa Pattern and Shikhar pattern as well arts are Buddhist Thanka paintings and Hindu arts of deities.

Pagoda Pattern
The pagoda pattern of monuments and buildings are styled several layers roof with broad space of carved wood struts. The roof of this style of building typically crowned by triangular spires surrounding and lattice windows are used which gives look in outermost real bell shape. The several storied pagoda style historical remaining of Nepal are almost constructed during Malla Dynasty period which is impressively represents Nepalese an authentic fine artistic architectural design of nation. The most popular sites to observe these pagoda patterns are Kathmandu’s Basantapur Durbar Square area, Taleju temple of Basantapur, Kashthamandap and temples of around, Patan Durbar Square area, Kumbheswor temple, and many temple of around, Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, popular Nyatapola temple and Datatraya temple, others Pashupatinath and Changu Narayan temples.

Stupa Pattern
The Stupa Pattern of monuments and buildings are styled mainly hemispherical round shape in bottom and segmented part to part round up to top and decorated with images pattern of different sects of Buddhism atop. The main base of ground is always in mandala shaped of every Buddhist stupas and pair of big eyes in square of main body which can be observed from all side easily. There are also several monasteries where monks and nuns are practically educated about Buddhism and all the monasteries inside are panted very authentic style of arts which based on Buddhism philosophy. Nepal’s most popular sites to see stupas are Bauddhanath, Swoyambhunath and many other stupas or Chhortens of Kathmandu valley.

Shikhara Pattern
The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temple is very common monuments of Hindu shrine. In Nepal this type of patterned construction can be seen at Patan Durbar Square area which is known as famous Krishna temple as well some are at Pashupatinath temple area and some Hindu temples of Kathmandu valley. The Shikhar Pattern of architectural temples are consists of five to nine vertical sections forming a high pyramidal or curvilinear tower like structure and atop decorated by beautiful gajur.

Thangka Painting
Thanka paintings are very authentic traditional Buddhist cultural and religious artistic hand work of Nepal which reflects real Buddhism philosophy by its unique arts. There are many different variety and qualities of thangka paintings available in the Kathmandu Valley’s thank shops as well in Pokhara. Some expensive and master piece images painted with the color mixed of gold and silver as well long time hard work. Travelers can enjoy shopping this beautiful souvenir to find out some antique paintings at major Thanka galleries of Patan, Bhaktapur, Jhonchhe (Freak Street) Thamel and Hanuman Dhoka areas of Kathmandu Durbar Square.