Kastamandap :The temple of Basantapur

This Temple is supposed to be on of the oldest remaining houses of Kathmandu. The name means house of wood and it was formally a meeting place for the people of the surrounding villages. Probably it gave even the name to the place which later became Kathmandu. Still you will still find many porters in the early morning waiting here to get some work in the day, it is now a Temple dedicated to Gokharna and in the evening groups of Hindus will come to chant holy texts.

On the fence you see many beautiful flower garlands, they are either used as offerings for the gods or just as welcome blessing for friends and relatives,

 

Basantapur the popular place for tourist

                                       Basantapur is one of the famous place for the tourist. It is one of the place that shows the ancient civilization of Nepal. There are a number of temples on that place which have a great importance since our past. in Basantapur there is one temple named "kastamandap" which is made up of one branch of the tree. Basnatapur is one of the important place of Nepal which have a high possibility of tourism development. It is one of the important place for the souvenir seller. Most of the souvenirs are specially made for the tourists .
A lot of artisans and little factories are situated in Patan and Bhaktapur. So dont expect to find genuine antiques or Gurkha knives. The later are made of soft iron and useless if you want them for gardening. The Newars who are the original population of the valley are famous for their skills and make very nice souvenirs. Quiet a few people had to pay a lot for overweight when they flew back home.  The King’s palace Hanuman Dhoka is a huge complex north Basantapur with several Buildings, Towers, and pagodas and inner court yards. On the corner to the durbar Square is the white building in Neoclassical style which was only build in the second half of the 19 th century.

Daman The heart touching palce of Nepal

          Daman is one of the most famous place of Nepal which have a very beautiful scenery. Daman is one of the famous place of Nepal which help in uplifting tourism industry in Nepal. For those seeking the ultimate panoramic Himalayan view, Daman is the place to visit. Located approx 80 km southwest of the Kathmandu valley, Daman (2,400 m) offers the only unimpeded view of the entire Himalayan range – roughly 400 km of Himalayan panorama. Daman is located on the Tribhuvan Highway between Kathmandu and the town of Hetauda. A walk around the surrounding area or a lounging on the one of the resort here is just a different experience in itself. Rock climbing, cycling, hiking are few of the many activities possible here. There are couple of accommodation option for a comfortable stay. Daman is recognize as a place gifted by god as anyone wonder it for calling wonderland.

The heart metting place : SANGA

                    Sanga is one of the heart touching place of Nepal which is situated in Kavre district. It is really a beautiful place like a heaven fallen in the earth. Sanga is the boarder place of Bhaktapur district and Kavre district of Nepal. The main fact about Sanga is that there is a tallest statue of lord Shiva.

World’s tallest statue of Hindu God Shiva will be inaugurated in Nepal on June 21, 2010. The 108-feet tall idol of Shiva is located at Sanga, which is on the way from Kathmandu to Banepa. Sanga is around 20 km from Kathmandu. The picture of the Shiva idol shows him holding a Trishul and one hand is in blessing posture. The murti (idol) is made of cement and can withstand minor earth quakes and strong wind.

The project is sponsored by Kamal Jain and is dedicated to Shiva who resides at Kailash which is further north of Sanga. The center and the park were the idol is situated has facilities like spa, yoga, meditation center, and nature walks.

Though the spot was not intended as a place of attraction, thousands of people are already thronging the place to have glimpse of the huge

CHEPANG (TSEPANG)

18,000 to 27,000 (1991). Inner Terai; Narayani Zone, Makwanpur, Chitwan, South Gorkha, and South Dhading districts. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bodic, Eastern Himalayan, Kiranti, Western, Marginal Western. Dialects: EASTERN CHEPANG, WESTERN CHEPANG. The 2 dialects are close; 98% lexical similarity. 5% to 15% literate. Agriculturalists. Traditional religion, Hindu overlay. NT 1993.
                     


  CHHINTANG (CHHINTANGE)
 
  100 or fewer (1991 W. Winter). Lower Arun region, Dhankuta District, Chhintang panchayat, Sambhung and Pokhare, and Ankhisalla panchayat, Dandagaon. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bodic, Eastern Himalayan, Kiranti, Eastern, Southwestern, Chilling. Speakers are mainly older; the ethnic group has largely shifted to Bantawa or Nepali.

    BHOJPURI (BHOJAPURI)

  1,370,000 in Nepal (1993 Johnstone), 8% of population (1985); 23,375,000 in India (1994); 25,000,000 in all countries. Birgunj area, just across Indian border from Raxaul. Indo-European, Indo-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Eastern zone, Bihari. Dialects: BHOJPURI THARU, TELI. The extent of dialect variation among speakers in India and Nepal has not been determined. Bhojpuri Tharu is a dialect of Bhojpuri spoken by the Tharu caste in Nepal. It is distinct from Chitwan and other Tharu. Bilingualism in Hindi and Maithili. 50% to 75% literate. Hindu, Muslim, Christian. Bible portions 1911-1982.

CAMLING (CHAMLING, CHAMLINGE RAI) 

10,000 or fewer (1995 Karen Ebert). Rawa Valley, Khotang District, Sagarmatha Zone. Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, Bodic, Eastern Himalayan, Kiranti, Central, Southern. Many ethnic subgroups, but linguistically homogeneous. Closest to Bantawa and Puma linguistically. Many ethnic Camling are not fluent in Camling. Learned by children only in a remote area of Udaypur. Many people speak a variety mixed with Nepali. 'Rodong' means 'Kiranti', not 'Camling'. Some Bantawa call their language 'Camling'. Survey needed.

Languages of nepal

                

There are some 120 native languages of Nepal, belonging to the Indo-aryan, Sino -tibetan, Austro asiatic and dravidian languages families.

The official language of Nepal is Nepali, formerly called Khaskura then Gorkhali. The 2001 census counted 11 million native speakers in Nepal and it is spoken as a second language by millions more. It is also spoken in parts of India and Bhutan.In nepal, mostly in the city areas people use to speak Nepali language(national language of Nepal) but in village areas people use to spoke language according to their own castes and culture. There are altogether 126 languages spoken in Nepal. Each of the language have its own inportance and historical facts.

Jewelry
Jewelry of gold and silver reflects the preferences of ethnic groups. Gurung women often wear large disc earrings of bronze and copper, while Sherpa women often have turquoise and silver earrings. Other forms of jewelry include nose rings, pendants, engraved silver belts, anklets and bracelets

Pottery 

Pottery flourishes in Patan and Thimi, a locality near Bhaktapur. Common forms of pottery are terra cotta oil lamps used to light homes during the festival Dipawali, and flower pots decorated with peacocks and elephants.

Literature

Literature appeared in the valley during the 18th century. Poetry is the predominant form of writing from this period, but most authors are unknown. The following centuries brought more poets and writers inspired by religion as well as social problems. Musical lyrics celebrate the beauty of nature and life, or convey a legend.

Bronze figures

 
Bronze figures, sometimes alloyed with copper, appeared in the valley around 8th century AD. These images usually represented religious deities or legendary figures. The most frequently used production technique is that of cire perdue, a form of wax casting. Images often contain embedded semi-precious stones, usually coral or turquoise, or are gilded with gold.

 Painting

The earliest paintings appeared in 11th century AD. and consisted of illustrated manuscripts on palm leaf or rice paper. Thangkas, a more predominant form of painting, are popular among Buddhists in Nepal as well as in Tibet and date back to the late 14th century. These paintings on cotton are rectangular in shape and usually longer than they are wide.

 They are framed with three stripes of Chinese brocade of blue, yellow and red which represent the rainbow which separates sacred objects from the material world. Older Thangkas consisted of mineral-based colors, while current Thangkas are produced with vegetable-based or chemical colors. Frequent themes of Thangkas include images of Buddhist figures, mandala designs, the wheel of life design, or depiction of scenes or stories.

Architecture

People walking the streets of Kathmandu cannot fail to notice the abundance of religious buildings in the city. Temples exist near or around royal palaces, as well as at important geographical locations including the top of hills, river banks or near wells. Private temples were built anywhere and can be found in almost every neighbourhood.

The temples are sites of magnificent stone and wood carvings. Most of the stone carvings are from the eleventh and twelfth centuries and reflect the influence of Indian art from the Gupta (5 and 6th century A.D.) and the Palasena (10th to 12th century AD.) periods. Wood carvings are predominantly from the eighteenth century used to decorate pillars, door and window frames, cornices and supporting struts. Struts of Hindu temples usually contain an erotic scene which attracts speculation from visitors. The motivation for such motifs are natural; in countries where death is predominant, procreation is sacred in some respects as the embodiment of life-giving energies and fertility. Sexual union also represents the union of the individual with the universe in the Vedas which are Hindu texts.

Sangha

 Sangha  is community of Buddhists. Used to mean monastic community but concept broadened. Showing the path to enlightenment.

About 100 years after Buddha's death, communities disagreed and split over ways to achieve enlightenment. Traditional school of Theravada Buddhists follows Buddha's original teachings. Mahayana school accepts some changes, various ways to enlightenment (became Zen).

Scripts appeared also introducing changes. Deification of Buddha, and separation between mortal Buddha like Siddharta who will reappear, and transcendental ones which are only understood through meditation (Dhyani Buddhas). While enlightenment reached through individual effort, idea spread that meditation Buddhas give merit to those who worship them. Bodhisattvas are humans who reached enlightenment but instead of joining nirvana chose to help others reach enlightenment.

Buddhism

Based on meditations of Siddhartha Gautam, also called Sakyamuni (wise man of the Sakya clan) and later the Buddha (Enlightened one). Philosophical doctrine and code of conduct. Based on the three jewels, Buddha himself, dharma, Buddha's teachings and prescribed conduct, and sangha the community.

Buddha was born in Lumbini, Nepal around 544 BC. Son of raja (title for rulers and wealthy landlords) who sought reason for human misery. Left his family and experimented and traveled; found enlightenment through meditation at Bodh Gaya.

Brahma 

 Brahma is the creator of the universe. Attributes are the rosary, the receptacle of holy water, the ladle and the book. Mount is a goose or swan. Brahma usually represented with four heads, allows him to watch over world. Very few statues of Brahma since creation is done.

Saraswati 

Saraswati is Brahma's consort and is goddess of knowledge, learning and music. She is often portrayed with four arms, plying the veena (seven stringed musical instrument) with two hands as well as holding a rosary and a book. Sits on a lotus riding a peacock or a swan. Often a crescent moon on forehead. Worshipped by Buddhists as a form of Manjushri, the Bodhisattva of wisdom.

Hinduism

The word Hinduism was introduced in the 19th century to define the aggregate beliefs of the Arya, immigrants who left Central Asia in 1500 BC, and animist religions of native populations in India.

Basic concepts. Cosmic law rules the good order of the world, be aware and respect cosmic law. Lead the life of a good Hindu, observe rules, perform all rites, accept the caste of birth. Caste system supplies code of conduct and rites done. Encompasses all parts of life; rites but also who to take drink from, associate with, marry, etc.

Principles of Hinduism. Dharma religious law and moral code by which people can earn enlightenment. Karma is the life balance of action and reaction; individuals responsible for decisions and consequences. Leading good Hindu life will bring rebirth into a better life. Samsara is cycle of reincarnations determined by karma. Moksha is liberation from samsara; individual unites with universal timelessness, ultimate serenity, nirvana. Path to moksha is good Hindu life.

Each deity has different names, as well as different symbols, attributes, tasks and powers according to what god it represents. Each deity has a vehicle, an animal usually which serves master. Primary Hindu gods are Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva.

Nepalese art and religion

Arts and religion of Nepal 

Arts of Nepal provides common interactive art platform for Nepali artists, there by exposing their best artworks and talents to the world. ArtsOfNepal.com houses one of the largest and wide collections of Nepali art, ranging from tradition art like Newari Pauba, thangka and Mithila to modern abstract and semi abstract art.
Nepal, known as a land of diverse cultures, languages, ethnicities and religions, has to offer amazing variety of artworks. However, these artists remain in dark, unknown to the outside world. ArtsOfnepal.com is proud to bring out the hidden talents out of the closet, while appreciating and respecting their work, presenting their work to the public.

      these night clubs and pubs helps a lot in incoming of tourist in our country and it provides a lot of entertainment to the tourist who visit our country. Once the tourist enjoyed by such clubs they want to come twice to the country. Those clubs helps a lot for entertaining the tourist in developing country like Nepal. Its helps in earning tax to the country which can uplift the status of our country. It can be considered as the business which provides profit to the country and the people of country engaged in this business.

kongde lodge: the sherpa dance

Due to the amount of hiking we did each day, the fresh mountain air and the lack of heat in the lodges in general we did not have many late nights. One of the only big nights we had was on arrival at the Kongde Lodge where we ate excellent food prepared by one of Kathmandu’s best chefs and knocked back bottles of Everest beer with our sherpas and guides who also treated us to some traditional dancing and singing. Here is a picture of our guys doing the sherpa dance. In any case, at 4200 meters the Everest beers that come in 650ml bottles and have 5.75% alcohol by volume carry quite a punch. And we drank quite a few that night. At 550 rupees per bottle they were also the most expensive beers we drank, but what can you expect when everything has to be carried up by porters. The higher and farther you go from the main route the more expensive beer gets.

“The Maya Pub”: Right in the heart of Thamel

Yet another of may Old Favourites is “The Maya Pub”This is one of the older pubs in Thamel, I have been going there “Occasionally” since 1994 and it has always been popular !!Right in the heart of Thamel, Just a couple of doors down from The Kathmandu Guest House and on the same side of the road.Drinks are fairly priced and there is a large Selection of Cocktails for the Adventurous

ViaVia cafe & restaurant: Great Music

All in one @ this traveller's placeAt Via Via Cafe you can find low budget accommodation, a meeting point with other travelers, a platform for national and international artists (exhibitions, movies, dj`s), as well as a restaurant and bar with worldwide food and drinks. And if that is not enough ..Guests can avail of travelers information and guidance (library, day trips, tours and trekking), and enjoy intercultural activities (cooking courses, meditation and healing, pottery course).

Clubs n nepal

         To make the nightlife glow there are many attractive clubs established in Nepal. Night clubs are established to make the life glorious in night too as well. night club throws out the tired life of people which all go through the day. same of the night club found in Nepal are as follows :

Busy Bee: Pokhara

There is not much of a nightlife in Pokhara other than dining and enjoying live music. The town shuts down by about 10:30 in the evening. Until you can hang out some of the bars and pubs that are becoming trendy in the area. Fishtail Lodge puts up an hour long nightly Nepali cultural show with dances and such.I always go to BUSY BEE Pub in Lakeside coz it is my favorite night club.You'll be able to meet peoples from different country and can get a nice date to spend your trip with.It's a really nice place to hang out and you'll also enjoy the live music played by local Nepali guys.

Musalmans

There are Muslims migrated from Northern India. They speak Urdu and their social practices correspond with the Muslim religion.

Although these above accounts depict a fundamental description of Nepalese ethnic groups, it is difficult to pin point who is "ethnic" and who is "non-ethnic", who is "indigennous" and who is "non-indigenous" in a particular place. Past migration histories mean Nepal seems to be a melting pot. This is especially prevently in urban areas.

 

Rajbansis

 
This is a dominant ethnic group of far eastern Terai areas of Jhapa and Morang. Although they follow both Hindu and Muslims religions, they have their own local practices. Farming is their major occupation.

Subtropical based cultural groups

Brahman and Rajputs

These a people are similar to Bramin and Chhetris of the middle hills. Their major difference being a high degree of influence from the neighbouring North Indian people.

Tharus

This is the largest and oldest ethnic group of the Terai belt found living in close proximity to densely forested regions. They are dark in complexion and have smart, trim bodies. They follow the Hindu religion and their practices are dependent on many typical Aryan practices. Farming and business are their main occupations. Danwars, Majhis and Darais are very similar to Tharus, physically and culturally. Nevertheless, they speak their own languages which are of Sanskrit origin.

alpine based cultural groups

Sherpas

Sherpa, in literal terms, means people of the east in the Tibetan language. Originally from Tibet about 500 years ago they have a close affinity with the Tibetan language, culture and religion.Sherpas major occupations include agriculture, animal husbandry, trade and have become famous for trekking and mountaineering. Today they are know worldwide for their skill and hardiness. They follow Buddhism as their major religion.

Olangchung people
 
These people are the inhabitants of Olanchung Gola, the main trading route along Eastern Nepal. Besides Buddhism, they have their own customs and practices

Occupational castes

 
Certain ethnic groups in Nepal are categorised according to their occupation. They are Kamis (smiths), Damais (tailors), Dhibis (washerman) Sarkis (cobblers), Gaines (professional singers) and Khumbharas (porters). The origin of these castes has not been investigated yet by the anthropologists. Hinduism is their major religion and Nepali their major language. Many have their own local festivals and practices.

Furthermore, Sunwars, Jirels, Chepangs, Kusundas and Panchgaule (five villages) are other minor ethnic groups of the Nepal midland hill regoins. Sunwars are Jirels are considered to be the off shoots of Magars. Panchgaule are similar to Thakalis. Kusundas still live in primitive conditions. They live in caves, under trees and in temporary huts in the forest. Only a handful of them are settled into occupational farming. Chepangs, who are believed to be the offshoots of Kirats, are slowly moving into urban areas.

Gurungs

They are famous for their innocence, simple mindedness, and bravery while serving in military forces. They are mostly settled along the higher slopes of the Annapurna areas and the Kali Gandaki river above the Baglung district. They are farmers of rice and grains and also sheep. They are ethnically related to Magars, Thakalis and Kiratis in eastern Nepal. The gurung people love music and they have their own language. 

Thakalis

The origin of Thakali is Thok Khola, a high valley in central Nepal along the Muktinath region. They have Mongolian features, a fair complexion and narrow eyes. Thakalis are divided into four major groups: Gauchan, Tulachan, Sherchan and Bhattacan. Their religion is a mixture of Buddhism, Hinduism and Jhankrism. They are known for their hospitality, good salesmanship, and cleanliness.

Tamangs

 
In Tibetan language Tamang means horse traders. It is believed that they originally came from Tibet. The majority of Tamangs live in the hills surrounding Kathmandu Valley. Their social practices and customs are based on Buddhism and they have their own language, Tamang. They work mainly as farmers, labours and as porters.

Magars

Their origin is basically found in hill regions of western Nepal. Their religion is Buddhism and their language, Magar Kura, depicts their affinity to the Tibeto-Burmese tongue and culture. Farming, military service, weaving, hunting, and fishing are their major occupations. 

Newars

Newars are mainly settled in Kathmandu Valley and in major trading centers throughout the kingdom. They have Mongolian features and their own language and script, Newari, believed to have its origin from Tibeto-Burmans. Hinduism and Buddhism are their main religions. They have complex social systems and practices and are comprised of many castes. Trade and farming are their main occupations.
Kirati

Kirati mainly consists of Rai and Limbu people. Literally Rai or Limbu means headman. They are decendents of the Kirati's who first formed the kingdom in the Kathmandu Valley. They now mainly live in far eastern Nepal. Kirati people are well known for their courage and bravery and are often recruited into armies abroad like the more famous Gurkhas. The religious text of Limbu is the Mundhum.

Temperate zone based cultural groups

Brahmin and Chhetris

Two large groups distributed in scattered patterns all over the country, which are considered the two highest castes in Nepal. They have sharp Indo-Aryan features and an olive complexion. Brahmins are believed to have migrated from India while Chhetris are from the present day Khasa people from Khasi. These people follow Hinduism as their main religion and socially they have many sects. They are divided into two major streams, the Purba and Umai. The Kumain people are of the origin of Kumo, Northern India, Uttar Pradesh. Their social practices depend upon Hindu religious epics. They speak Nepali, the national language of Nepal and use a script with basis in Sanskrit.

Culture of Nepalese people and their information

          
         Nepal is culturally rich. Nepal is Hinduism country. People of Nepal follow their own culture accourding their own caste. There are people of 4 caste and 36 sub castes living in Nepal.Nepal has a population of more than 26 million people, made up of over 40 different races and tribes. The country offers such diversity that the visitor may experience any lifestyle from the stone age, in far west and high hills, to the jet age of Kathmandu.

The two major groups in Nepalese society are Tibeto-Burmans, or Mongoloids from the north, and Indo-Aryans from the south. Many customs are inherited from both sides and have been developed by the influences of the land, climate and available resources.

 Objectives of tourism agencies

To help guiding for the tourist the travel and tours agency are establish which is helping a lot in tourism development in Nepal. To provide the quality service for the tourist such agencies are established. The main aim of those agencies is to satisfy the needs of the tourist. The travel agencies are providing well managed facilities which is helping a lot to country to develop its good status in outer country. The main objective of travel and tours agencies is to provide quality service at a reasonable price

            

Tourism board of Nepal

In Nepal, the tourism board is situated in Kathmandu (the capital city).  Tourism board is run by the interim government if Nepal. The tourism minister is the head of the tourism board of Nepal which is nominated by the members of the government. Tourism board work for the welfare the tourist who came to visit our country places which may be the domestic or international. tourism board is one of the the best source to get the information about the tourist and for tourist it is like a goggle in which they can get information about everything related to tourism.

Every year many tourist came to visit our country places. during their visiting they have a certain problem in visiting without a proper guide. They cant get proper information about some palces.

Kaiser Library 

It is near Thamel, the main tourist center of Nepal. It contains a collection of 30,000 books of Kaiser Shumsher Jung Bahadur Rana. Many of the books are romances and adventure-writings from Europe and were imported all the way from England by special order. It is said that Kaiser Shumsher knew many of the books by heart and took pride in the diversity of the collection. The topics range from esoteric religion to law. The gardens at the back are also interesting and the Ministry of Education is located in the complex.

 The National Art Gallery

  This museum is in the Palace of Fifty-five Windows. This palace is believed to be the first in the Kathmandu Valley to use glass, much coveted by the ancient rulers. Within the palace are beautiful paintings of erotic motifs, paubhas, and animals.

The stonework is especially fine and a room outlines the life and times of the Shah kings of Nepal. There are also samples of everyday items used in the past by famous people. Among the displays are scriptures that are among the most valuable in the kingdom.

The National Woodworking Museum:

 The National Woodworking Museum in Dattatreya Square often surprises visitors. Upon entering the museum, guests ask for the exhibits. However, the building itself is the museum and contain very finely carved pillars, windows, doors, and struts. Also, there are wood carving samples that go back to the l5th century.

   Wood was a major constructing item long before that time but not much survives due to the adverse effects of time and weather. The building was constructed in the l5th century by King Yaksha Malla. It is called the Pujari Math and outside the Math, you have to get out of the museum and walk along an alley where the ceiebrated Peacock Window is situated.

The Bronze and Brass Museum 

 It is housed in a newly renovated building near the Pujari Math, Much of the dis- plays have been restored and are in excellent condition. Among the displays are items of everyday use to the ordinary people as well as items used by the rich and the famous of Malla times.

  Platters for worship, lamps, water pots, horns, and other items tell the visitor how the people in Bhaktapur led their ordinary iives. An ornate ink pot also tells us that the kings of yesteryears were very much interested in learning and writing. One such king is supposed to have learned seventeen languages and wrote verses in them.

The Patan Museum










It is inside Patan Durbar in the Durbar Square specializes in bronze statues and religious objects, which add up to nearly 900 items. Some of the art goes back to as early as the llth century, and there is evidence that certain objects date from the period of the Lichhavi kings. Most of the statues are of Buddha, Bishnu, Lokeswar, and Devi, covering both the Hindu and the Buddhisf iconology. The museum has recently been completely renovated which has enhanced its appeal.