Nepali New Year is coming ; Lakeside emerges as a choice of foreigners to understand the culture and history during Nepali New Year Celebration.

Nepali New Year, also known as "Naya Barsha" or "Nepal Sambat," is celebrated by the Nepalese people. It usually falls in mid-April, and its exact date is determined by the lunar calendar. The celebration involves various cultural and religious activities, including cleaning and decorating homes, visiting temples, feasting with family and friends, and participating in traditional dances and music. It marks the beginning of a new year according to the Nepali calendar, which is based on the Vikram Samvat system.It's surprising to many foreigners that Nepal is celebrating its New Year BS 2081 on 15th April. Nepal is almost 57 years ahead of English Calendar. One can check Nepali calendar online if you want to learn it more. New year will be celebrated with exhibition of cultural dance , traditional food , concerts that draw attraction of so many youths.Lakeside will be the hot spot for all in entire country. Many tourists come during this season just to be part of the crowd and enjoy. If you want to enjoy,learn Nepali culture in a period of a week this time is the best.

A typical monthly calendar of a Ist Month in Nepali calendar 2061 (2012 AD )

Nepali culture

Nepali culture is incredibly rich and diverse, influenced by its unique geography, history, religion, and ethnic diversity. Some key aspects of Nepali culture include:

• Religion: Hinduism and Buddhism are the two major religions practiced in Nepal, and they greatly influence the country's culture. Many temples and monasteries dot the landscape, and religious festivals play a significant role in people's lives.

Millions of People have faith on Muktinath ,Manakamana, Janaki and Pashupathinath Temples. People travel thousands of kilometers to worship in these temples amd many others. Northern belt of Himalayas in Nepal is considered the holy place where Risi and Gurus meditated for hundred of years in ancient times and got enlightened. You can see how they can control their body with their mind. Their strength of Knowledge is evident in Vedas and Hindu sculptures where you find their immense insights in economics, medicine , science,politics and art of life. Their writings on after death journey is something which is mystery for us now. This is something in modern science which is still on a surface level. I don't mean it exists in my eyes of modern science, but Hindu Gurus and Rishi really have a strong Vedic writtren support on their sayings regarding after death journey.

Hindu Temple

People also come to visit Lumbini in Nepal ,the Birthplace of Lord Buddha (God of Buddhists) from so many countries in the world. King Suddodhan and Queen Mayadevi gave birth to Lord Buddha. He left the palace in search of peace and got enlightened later in Bodhgaya in India.The remnants of Lumbini palace are smuggled out to other countries from Lumbini. In that regard we feel ourselves a bit negligent for not being able to preserve the. birthplace of Lord Buddha (Siddhartha. Gautam ).

Lumbini,Nepal, Birthplace of Lord Buddha

• Language: Nepali (also known as Nepalese) is the official language and is spoken by the majority of the population. However, there are also numerous other languages and dialects spoken by different ethnic groups.

Nepali Alphabets and Devnagari numbers in. Nepali language

Nepal is incredibly diverse in terms of ethnic groups, with over 125 distinct ethnic communities officially recognized by the government. Some of the major ethnic groups in Nepal include:

Chhetri: Chhetris are one of the largest ethnic groups in Nepal and traditionally belong to the warrior or Kshatriya caste in Hindu society. They spread across various regions of the. country.

Member of Rana family belonging to Chhetri

grabbed super power from King and ruled Nepal for 104 years ;

Around 35 % in Nepal are Chhetries.

Bahun: Also known as Brahmins, Bahuns are another prominent ethnic group in Nepal. They traditionally hold high positions in society as priests, scholars, and teachers.

Brahmin reciting mantras and praying god

Newar: Newars are the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley and are renowned for their rich cultural heritage, including old and traditional architecture, local cuisine, musical and instruments and festivals.

Newari Dress

Magar: Magars are one of the indigenous ethnic groups of Nepal, primarily inhabiting the mid-western and western regions of the country. They have a reputation as skilled. soldiers and are known for their martial traditions.

Magar Dresss

Tharu: Tharus are an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the Terai region of Nepal. They have their own language, culture, and traditions, and are known for their expertise in agriculture.

Tharu Dress

Tamang: Tamangs are one of the. largest ethnic groups in Nepal, primarily. residing in the hilly regions of the. country. They have their own language. and culture.

Tamang Dress

Rai: Rais are an indigenous ethnic group primarily found in the eastern hills of Nepal. They have their own language and culture, and are known for their agricultural practices and folk traditions.

Rai Dress

Limbu: Limbus are another indigenous ethnic group of Nepal, primarily residing in the eastern hills. They have their own language, culture, and religious practices, and are known for martial traditions and craftsmanship.

Limbu Dress

Gurung: Gurungs are an indigenous. ethnic group primarily inhabiting the central and western regions . They have their own language and culture and are known for their bravery,hospitality, and traditional music and dance.

Gurung Dress

These are just a few examples of the diverse ethnic groups that make up the population of Nepal. Each group has its own language, culture, traditions, and way of life, contributing to the rich tapestry of Nepali society.

• Food: Nepali cuisine varies by region, but staples include rice, lentils, vegetables, and meat. Dal bhat (rice and lentil soup) is a traditional and ubiquitous dish. Momos (dumplings) are also popular and can be found throughout the country.

Nepali Food

• Clothing: Traditional Nepali clothing varies by ethnic group and region. The most well-known attire is the Daura-Suruwal for men and the Gunyo-Cholo for women. However, Western-style clothing is also common, especially in urban areas. We have shown different dress designs used by different ethnicities.

Daura Suruwal and Guniyo Cholo (National. Dress of Nepal )

• Art and Architecture: Nepal boasts beautiful examples of traditional art and architecture, including intricate woodcarvings, Thangka paintings, and Newari architecture in cities like Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

Old Nepali House designs with Wood-crafted Doors and Windows seen more often in Bhaktapur

Thanka Paintings

• Festivals: Nepal celebrates numerous festivals throughout the year, including Dashain, Tihar, Holi, and Buddha Jayanti. These festivals are marked by colorful celebrations, rituals, and feasting.

Foreigners playing Holi in Nepal

• Music and Dance: Music and dance are integral parts of Nepali culture, with various traditional instruments like the madal and sarangi accompanying folk dances such as Dhime, Maruni, and Tamang Selo.

Nepali Folk Musical Instruments

• Hospitality: Nepali culture places a strong emphasis on hospitality and community. Guests are warmly welcomed and treated with respect, and communal gatherings are common.

Overall, Nepali culture is characterized by its warmth, spirituality, and diversity, reflecting the country's rich heritage and traditions. One can be lucky enough to observe all of them at one place in coming New year.