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Art & Architecture |
Speckled with numerous exemplary works of art and architecture,
Kathmandu Valley stands a testimony to ancient Nepal's
inclination toward the aesthetics. Several monuments in
the Valley have been listed by UNESCO as World Heritage
Sites. Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, is the
only World Heritage Site outside the Valley in South Nepal.
Like architecture, most artwork of Nepal is based on religion.
Artworks range from the famous Buddhist Thanka and Newari
Paubha paintings to the traditional crafts of woodwork
and metal. Other art include literature, theater, music
and dance, mirroring the different stages of Nepali society.
Nepali art has been deeply influenced by religion since
very early times. Early art of Nepal can be seen as stone
sculpture and temple architecture. Other art include Newari
Paubha and Tibetan Thanka paintings, wood and metal crafts,
ceramics and clay pots, textiles, paper, Tibetan carpet,
music and literature. Contemporary Nepali art represents
two distinct segments, traditional idealistic paintings
and the contemporary western style works. The contemporary
painting is specially noted for either nature based compositions
or compositions based on Tantric elements or social themes.
Nepali painters have also earned international reputation
for abstract works based on these themes.
Kathmandu Valley houses a number of museums and art galleries
displaying art work of the past and present. Some are:
The National Museum at Chhauni, Museums at Kathmandu Durbar
Square, Museum of Natural History at Swayambhu, National
Library at Puchowk, Kaiser Library at Thamel, National
Birendra Art Gallery at Naxal, Asa Archives at Tangal,
National Art Gallery at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, National
Woodworking Museum at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Bronze
and Brass Museum at Bhaktapur, Nepal National Ehnographic
Museum at Bhrikuti Mandap. Museums outside the Kathmandu
Valley are such: Dhakuta Museum, Hattisar Museum in Bhimphedi,
Mustang Eco Museum in Jomsom, Tharu Cultural Museum in
Thakurdwara and International Mountain Museum in Pokhara.
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| Sculpture |
The art form that traces Nepalese culture from its early
beginnings right upto modern times is sculpture. As previously
mentioned, many carved artifacts have been found in the
Terai region of the country, providing an insight into
the religion of the country of early times. Nearly all-Nepalese
sculptures are of a religious character. It seems that
the artists themselves were greatly imbued with a feeling
of religious devotion.
Nepalese sculpture reached its zenith in the Lichchhavi
period (A.D. 330 - 879). Stone, copper and bronze images
from this period show round faces with slanted eyes. A
distinguishing feature of Lichchhavi sculptures is their
simplicity. The use of clothes and ornaments was quite
restrained, many Hindu deities, for example, are shown
wearing only a Dhoti (skirt-like lower garment). Buddhist
deities were carved to show them wearing long sanhatis
(a saffron coloured robe that the Buddhist wear hanging
from the shoulders). Lichchhavi period sculptors most
often used basalt for their work, first chiselling and
then smoothing and varnishing, perhaps with iron dust.
The limbs of Lichchhavi period idols were so beautifully
executed that it is not possible to find one specimen
with a chisel mark. Some of the best examples of Lichchhavi
art are the image of "Sleeping Vishnu" in Budhanilkantha,
located eight kilometers north of Kathmandu and Vishnu
Vikranta or Dwarf Incarnation found near Lazimpat in Kathmandu.
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| Wood Carving |
Besides stone sculpture another art form worth mentioning
is woodcarving. No visitor to the Kathmandu Valley can
go without being impressed by the numerous extremely beautiful
windows, doors, temple roof-struts and other intricately
carved artifacts. As wood is vulnerable to the ravages
of time well preserved specimens date back only to the
fourteenth century.
Woodcarving has been an integral part of Nepalese architecture,
some of the examples being the old palaces of Kathmandu,
Patan and Bhaktapur and a number of different Viharas
(monasteries) around the Valley.
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| Painting |
Two media that reveal a lot about Nepalese culture, both
past and present, are painting and sculpture. Fortunately,
there are many fine and well-preserved pieces that have
survived the passage of time and thus enable detailed
research to be made. Looking briefly at the history of
Nepalese painting, it appears that ancient icons and religious
paintings entered the Valley during the Lichchhavi period.
Lichchhavi inscriptions inform us that traders, monks
and Brahmans as well as artists from neighbouring areas,
visited Kathmandu Valley from the mid-fifth century A.D.
The visitors may have brought religious icons and paintings
with them, which served as models for local artists. 
The Chinese envoy, Wang Hsuan Tse, who came to Nepal in
the seventh century AD; described quite eloquently the
houses in the Valley, which at that early time were embellished
with sculptures and paintings. Although there are not
surviving examples of paintings from the Lichchhavi period,
it can be surmised that the murals or wall paintings noticed
by the Chinese envuy were just as sophisticated as the
surviving pieces of culture from this period.
Religious paintings worshipped as icons are known as Paubha
in Nepalbhasa and Thangka in Tibetan. The origin of Paubha
or Thangka paintings may be attributed to Nepalese artists
as early as the ninth or tenth century.
Nepali sculpture reached its zenith in the Lichchhavi
period (A.D. 330 - 879). Stone, copper and bronze images
from this period show round faces with slanted eyes. A
distinguishing feature of Lichchhavi sculptures is their
simplicity. Budhhist deities were carved to show them
wearing long sanghatis (a saffrom coloured robe that the
Buddhist wear hanging from the shoulders). |
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| Museums and Galleries |
Museums and Galleries Stone images, stolen images, stuffed
animals- there are many reasons to visit Nepal's Museums.
They create an underlying sense of history. One cannot
escape the fact that artifacts seen at museums are hard
to find in other places as these objects adorning the
museum are next to peerless because they date back as
early as the 2nd century. The Art Galleries are not exactly
the epitome of art collections but they do exhibit a vast
collection of works, woodcarvings. Harboring interesting
artifacts, museums and galleries wait for you to make
discoveries, so this could be one of your treasure hunts.
All you need is undying interest and curiosity. |
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| Music & Dance |
Nepali classical music owes its origin to Rig Veda. Later
the metrical chanting of its hymns found its expression
in the songs of Sama Veda. Since then classical music
has associated itself with every sphere of Nepalese classical
life. For nearly 3,000 years, this tradition has been
handed down from generation to generation.
The classical structure of a melody is known as Raga,
and there are hundreds of Ragas either played on musical
instruments or sung according to seasons and time. The
24 hour period is divided into 8 segments of 3 hours each
and each Raga has to stick to a particular time frame
in order to produce a desired effect. At times, some branches
of these ragas composed of songs are intertwined with
dances.
Small group of itinerant minstrels namely Damais and Gaines
have become an integral part of the Nepali folk culture.
Through the ages the Gaines have been visiting door to
door singing accompanied by the Sarangee, a local violin,
their only means of survival. The Damais do the same thing
with Sahanai (a recorder), (although they have another
source of income from tailoring). The Damais also play
Panchai Baja (Sahanai, Narsinga (horn), Damaha (drum),
Dholaki (a recorder) and Tyamko (a small drum)) which
they play in a group during weddings which is a feature
of village life. Folk music in Nepal trives throughout
the country embracing a wide range of ethnic diversities.
Every community dances to the beat of the drum and melody
of the flute on important occasions.
Both spatial and temporal in nature dance derives its
liveliness from music which is merely temporal. In Hindu
mythology, Lord Shiva is the Natraj, the supreme king
of dancing, and when he danced his "Tandab Nritya",
the whole planet earth was violently shaken. Since then
classical dance has been based mainly on religion and
myth. Nepal has had a tradition in which even epics like
the Mahabharata and Ramayana have been subjected to interpretation
in dance.
Elaborate classical grammer which was laid down in "Natya
Shastra" written in the 2nd century B.C. in India,
gives much emphasis to the movement of the eyes and the
gestures of the hadns to which Nepali dance also adheres.
The Newars of the Kathmandu Valley are the main exponenets
of classical dancing, with masked dances with a Tantric
background, and in particular the Lakhe dance, and in
Bhaktapur the colourful Mahakali masked dances are performed
during the Indra Jatra festival each year.
As well, among the monasteries of Bouddhanath Tibetan
masked dancing by monks can be seen at certain times of
the year during celebrations and anniversaries, and in
western Nepal Magars perform Sorathi, and in the Terai
the stick dance is usually seen.
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| Body Mind & Soul |
Meditating rejuvenates ones energy level and zeal, so
you can feel enlightened, far from the metaphysical world.
A meditation course in Lumbini, Bhairahawa or in Bouddha,
Kathmandu will help you explore in-depth and find a new
human within you. There are specialized centers offering
meditation course, accommodation, and food.
Yoga classes will contribute to the development of a healthy
body, a healthy mind, and healthy thought. It also helps
one achieve balanced, harmonious and integrated development
of all the aspects of their personalities. Yoga is a pathway
to true, happy, and healthy living. Yogic training eventually
prepares one for spiritual awakening, the supreme aim
of human life.
Ayurveda dates back to the Vedic period. Vedas are the
oldest recorded documents of human civilization. Ayurveda,
the life science, is also the oldest authentically recorded
science in existence today. Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word,
when translated means “the science of life”
or “a natural way of living”.
The objective of Ayurveda is to achieve the highest goal
of life, the inner and outer dynamic harmony. The dimensions
of health are defined as bodily, sensorial, mental, and
spiritual health. Traditional and indigenous knowledge
has been used for centuries by indigenous and local communities
under local laws, customs and traditions. Fundamentally,
they follow the Ayurvedic, ethno-botanical, ethno-traditional,
tantrik, spiritual and Amchi knowledge. As described in
Ayurveda, the Himalayan herbs and medicinal plants are
used for healthy body and happy mind. These are used in
different forms such as toiletries and cosmetics, incense
and aromatic substances, health promoting agents, supplements
and medicines, natural manures, pesticides, environmental
cleaning and protection, food, food additives and drinks,
etc.
More than 80 per cent of the total population of the country
still rely on Ayurveda and Ayurveda based traditional
medicine. Ayurveda and the traditional medical wisdom
and practices are prevalent in the communities and are
totally dependent on locally available medicinal herbs,
knowledge, technology and their application. It has deep
history in taxonomical, pharmacological, and clinical
studies of drugs. It is still the primary form of treatment
and is extensively used. |
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| Astrology |
Like the other significant parts of the Nepalese heritage
Astrology too links its origin to the Vedas, the major
source of virtually everything (for the Hindus) written
thousands of years ago. Mesh (Aries), Brish (Taurus),
Mithun (Gemini), Karkat (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo),
Tula (Libra), Brishchik (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius),
Makar (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius) and Meen (Pisces)
are the 12 signs of the zodiac, and in Nepali they are
called Rashi.
In Nepal the moment a baby is born, the first thing they
do is note down the exact time of birth. Then it is given
to the astrologer, who according to the position of the
different planets in the solar system at that precise
moment prepares a Cheena (horoscope). Cheena is a rectangular
chart, which indicates the degree of influence of the
planets from the solar world on the people born to a particular
Rashi. Besides highlighting the positive as well as negative
aspects of one's life comprising of achievements and failures,
when it comes to facing difficult times the Nepalese people
go to their astrologer with their Cheena for consultations
and they act according to his recommendations.
As an astrological document, Cheena, they say, pre-determines
the entire course of an individual s life. For the Nepalese
people on their birthday, the day is partly set aside
to worship their planet that occupies a major position
in their horoscope made according to the position of stars
at the time of birth. It is also a day for them to please
the other ones who are not placed in such a favourable
position in their Cheena. As well on this day they also
go through a number of rituals with their priest, who
is offered grains and cash in order to stay in good health
for the entire year. Astrologers are also consulted on
various occasions like rice feeding, sacred thread and
weddings. Tika in Dashain, Bhai Tika in Tihar, including
a series of national festivals, are occasions when the
as- trologers are involved in choosing the auspicious
hours for these festivities to take place. As well, they
forecast the solar and lunar eclipses and their impact
on the people. When a person dies his Cheena is taken
to the crematorium or ghat along with his dead body. |
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| Ayurveda |
Based on historical evidence Ayurveda has been practised
in Nepal since the beginning of time. The Himalaya stand
for purity, clarity and harmony, which is the goal and
aspiration of every living creature. Nepal is one of the
richest countries with diverse flora ranging from tropical
to alpine within a small geographical area. Much of the
flora is used for medicinal purposes. Nepal has a great
tradition of Ayurveda, and it is considered to be part
of the cultural and scientific heritage of the country.
Ayurveda is a Sanskrit word that means the science of
life or a natural way of living . Ayurveda, is thought
of as a life science, and includes yoga, meditation and
the natural and spiritual sciences. It looks at every
person as a unique individual, and seeks to understand
and to correct the imbalances and restore the innate intelligence
and harmony of the person.
The objectives of Ayurveda are the development of awareness
which leads to a state of desirelessness; the promotion
of health and the achievement of longevity; the prevention
of disease; and the curing of disease. The Ayurveda practitioner
first of all asks a series of questions to identify the
person s type, after which it is possible to diagnose
the problem, and suggest a series of activities and practices
together with ayurvedic medicines. Neither stands alone,
each patient is treated in both
In order to understand Ayurveda in more depth, it is possible
to visit Nepal to be treated by an Ayurveda practitioner,
or to meet with practitioners to understand the philosophy
on a more intellectual level. Excursions can be organised
to visit practitioners, to meet rural people collecting
the herbs, and to meet traditional healers such as Shamans
and Jhankris.
You could learn about the cultivation and harvesting of
the herbs, and the treatment and final production of the
herbal medicines. In Nepal there are libraries with manuscripts
of herbal remedies and historical facts about Ayurveda,
as well as a herbal specimen museum.
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| Faith Healing |
Wrapped in innumerable myths and legends, Nepal is a land
of magic and mystery. The confrontation between its millions
of gods and goddesses on the one hand and the most powerful
demons on the other, at various points gives a meaningful
perspective to this magic and mystery. The former represents
positive spirits, and the latter negative ones. Somewhere
between the two stands the faith-healer, almost like a
catalyst, who, with his invocation and possession of positive
spirits (white magic) manages to drive away the negative
spirits (black magic) inflicted on his clients.
The cult of faith-healing in Nepal dates back to pre-historic
times, with the The Jhankris are shamans, who, with the
garlands of tiny bells around their necks tremble and
chant at the beat of the drum which they play during the
invocation and possession of spirits, and sometimes their
elaborate performance runs for the whole night. Often
their ritual also involves sacrifice of either a rooster
or a black goat depending upon the nature of the complication.
The others are incredibly simple people, a broomstick,
some grains of husked rice, a pinch of ash, incense sticks
and a couple of spoonfuls of water, charged with tantric
spirits is all they need to come out with a miracle.
India witnessed its great tantric period between the 7th
and 13th centuries. The visit of Padmansambhaba, the great
In- dian spiritual master, to Tibet during the 8th century,
his tantric encounters with his Tibetan counterparts in
the process of introducing his own brand of Buddhism in
Tibet, and the subsequent visit of Atisha, the Indian
Buddhist scholar during the 13th century bears ample evidence.
Then came the Mugal invasion in India which was responsible
for the re-emergence of the tantric cult both in Nepal
and Tibet. While in Nepal, it fell into the hands of Gubhajus
who came from the highest priestly class of the Newar
community, in Tibet it was the Lamas from the monasteries
who had access to this cult. This is how over the centuries,
tantrism has succeeded in becoming an integral part of
faith healing both in Nepal and Tibet.
Tantrism does have its intricate features, where it means
many things to many people. For the common people vajra
and dorje in Tantrism signify a mere curative ritual,
however for the spiritual grand masters it has also been
a path to liberation and enlightenment. |
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| Meditation |
Vipassana is one of the most ancient meditation techniques.
Long lost to humanity, it was rediscovered by Gautum Buddha
more than 2500 years ago. Vipassana means 'to see things
as they really are'; it is the process of self purification
by self observation. One starts by observing the natural
breath to concentrate the mind. With this sharpened awareness
one proceeds to observe the changing nature of body and
mind and experience the universal truths of impermanence,
suffering and egolessness. The entire path (Dhamma) is
a universal remedy for universal problems and has nothing
to do with any organised religion or sectarianism. For
this reason, it can be practised freely by all without
conflict with race, caste or religion, in any place, and
at any time and will prove equally beneficial to one and
all.
Vipassana is an art of living which frees the individual
from all the negativities of mind, such as anger, greed
and ignorance. It is a practice which develops positive,
creative energy for the betterment of the individual and
society.
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| Yoga |
Yoga = Unity Oneness. Derived from the Sanskrit word yog
which means to join. The science of life, the integration
of mind and body, the union of the spirit to the divine,
via tools left behind from rishis, ascetics and yogis
of ages past.
The Eight Fold Path of Yoga (not to be confused with Buddha's
Eight Fold Path), from sage Patanjali s yoga sutra delves
deeply into the morality of living and plunges into the
human psyche. It consists of: Yama (self restraints),
Niyama (self observances) Asana, Pranayama (breath techniques),
Pratyahara (withdrawl of the senses), Dharana (concentration),
Dhyana (meditation) and Samadhi (identification with pure
consciousness).
To many, the mention of yoga conjures up images of postures
(Asanas) to develop flexibility, general body health and
of course awareness. This is just the beginning. While
yoga's central theme remains the highest goal of the spiritual
path; yogic practices can give direct and tangible benefits
to everyone regardless of their spiritual aims.
There is an inter-relationship between yoga and meditation.
Part of Lord Buddha s contribution to humanity was to
focus on meditation to develop Samadhi (while focusing
on a platform of ethics and morality). You can choose
whether to focus wholly on yoga, or more specifically
on meditation, or saturate yourself in both of these.
For millennia, the Himalayas have played a key role in
mankind s journey to self realisation. Its total isolation
from the rest of the world, its serene solitude has been
an ideal environment for looking within. Nepal has inherited
this unique past which is evident in its every day life
and culture when it comes to diving deep into your consciousness
or floating in total awareness. It still does have individuals
and institutions capable of guiding you to this noble
path; to the cosmic universe which has an infinite beauty
of its own.
There are many classes from which to choose. Kathmandu
also offers many practitioners/Ayurvedic healers who hold
yoga as a primary source for the treatment of illness.
Please see Ayurveda Section.
There are many branches of yoga, such as : raja, hatha,
jnana, karma, bhakti, mantra, kundalini and laya. Make
sure you are not selecting a particular branch at random.
Here are a few tips for choosing the right path.
1.The teacher's personal conduct, as one who lives yoga
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2.On which area of yoga do you wish to focus,
3.Ability to communicate with your teacher,
4.Opportunities for personalised instruction (if required),
5.Intensive/live in courses if desired.
6.Value for money.
Kathmandu in particular is where most yoga happens. Throughout
the city and in particular Thamel (the tourist area),
there are restaurants many with bulletin boards, listing
all the activities taking place in the city. This is where
you will find information on yoga. There are a few yoga
studios, including one near Naxal, where you could enrol
in an already existing course, or where you could enquire
about private tuition and classes. |
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| Nepali Cuisine |
There are different types of Nepali food depending on
the region the kind of food belongs to but most Nepali
s have Dal (lentil soup), Bhat (steamed rice) and Tarkari
(curried vegetables). It is often accompanied by aachar
(pickles). Curried meat is popular, but since meat is
expensive people save it for special occasions. Tibetan
influences increase as you go north and perenial favorites
like momo s (steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat),
are widely available. As we move towars the south Indian
influences are seen in the food. Most Nepalese do not
use cutlery to eat but use their right hand.
Daal-Bhat: The taste of Daal and Bhat vary, depending
on the cook. It always tastes wonderful with aachar. It
is often available in restaurants.
Rotis: They are flat pancake-like breads made of wheat
or rice flour. They are available in restaurants and can
be eaten accompanied by Daal and curry.
Dhedo: The most average Nepali people have this as a meal.
It is made of different kinds of flours, ranging from
wheat to millet, which is boiled until thick.
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| Myths & Folker |
Perhaps nowhere on earth myth features so prominently
in the beliefs of the people as it does in Nepal. For
Nepal has millions of myth-ridden gods and goddesses,
mighty snow-clad mountains - some of them the very embodiment
of the gods and goddesses themselves. Added to this, are
the rivers and valleys
- each of them dotted with a legendary myth of their own.
Not even the planetary system in the universe escapes
these myths. In- deed myth in Nepal amounts to a lively
legend which manifests itself in the folklores of its
diversified ethnic commu- nities. That is why even a layman
in Nepal is a great story-teller, be it a part of a myth
he has heard or something of his own coinage. |
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| Fetes and Festivals in Nepal |
Everything festive in Nepal traditionally begins with
something religious and moves with spontaneous spirit
into a pleasant family feast. This is because, for Nepali's,
relegion has always influenced and has been the core of
Nepali culture.
Most of the festivals celebrated in Nepal are religious.
However, they can be generally divided into four sections
keeping in mind the main aspects of the festival emphasized:
Religious: These festivals are specially designed to
honor a certain god or goddess. For instance, Bada Dashain,
the festival of Devi Durga, the universal mother goddess
also known as Kali.
Historical: The historical festivals are celebrated
to keep alive memories of events of importance. Gaijatra,
was introduced by Jaya Prakash Malla.
Agricultural: Since Nepal is an agricultural country
there are different festivals like Laxmi Puja which
mark the different seasons of harvesting, planting etc.
Seasonal: The different seasonal festivals are celebrated
in order to mark the beginning of special seasons. Holi
or Fagu is the festival inspired by spring, the season
of colours.
Legendary: These festivals are based on legends than
on any reliable historical record. Ghantakarna is a
festival, which is also based on a legend. It is celebrated
as a great relief from the death of a most dreaded legendary
monster-Ghantakarna.
One of the interesting ways to understand the beauty
and richness of Nepali culture is through its festivals.
During festivals in Nepal, cultural dances, songs and
performances are practiced. These cultural treasures
make the festivals interesting and entertaining. People
find more joy participating in performances and watching
others perform and so, no festivals are idle gatherings.
Instead, they are lively and purposeful.
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| Shopping in Nepal |
Shopping in Nepal is easy. With a little money and some
time one can obtain the best buys this little kingdom
has to offer. It will be helpful to have a Nepali for
company if a huge shopping project is at hand. Common
tourist shopping items include souvenirs and trinkets
like gems and jewelry. However, one should be careful
while buying jewelry as assessing their quality is difficult.
Hand-weaved cotton fabric is a popular buy among visitors.
Some buy pashmina that this Himalayan region is famous
for and some also buy fresh tea and spices.
Popular buys among visitors are local craft and artwork.
Among these are the Tibetan and Newar Thangka and Paubha
paintings that belong to the time when these cultures
were at their peak. Visitors buy Newari woodcrafts of
picture frames, windows, statues and carvings. Carpets
that represent the age-old folk art of the Tibetans
are also very popular. Shops have rugs on display, however,
carpets can be custom made by contacting the manufacturer.
Traditional Nepali paper is popular as writing pads
and bound journals, calendars and lampshades.
There are government restrictions that visitors should
be aware of before purchasing items to take home. Antiques
are not permitted to be taken out of the country. Hence
inspection by the Department of Archeology is required
for export of antiques. To be on the safe side, visitors
should have all material examined by the Department
of Archeology and obtain a certificate from the office
before leaving Nepal.
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