Nepalese arts and culture
Arts and Culture
Hinduism followed by Buddhism, constitute two major religion of Nepal. Both these co-religionists are bound together by a sense of fellow-feeling and bonhomie particularly displayed in their worship of common deities and joint celebration of many festivals belonging to either religion or culture. Kumari, the Virgin Hindu Goddess, for instance, is selected from a Buddhist clan.
A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity that exists. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim form the third largest religious group.
The exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment of the Nepalese pagodas that enshrine the bronze and stone images of great beauty and, more often than not, treat antiquity, are a unique features of Nepal.
The temples and stupas are rich repositories of wood carving, metal work, terracotta and stone sculpture. In their uniqueness they add glory and grandeur to the cultural scene of the Kingdom and tell a long history of native genius.
Language
Nepali is the national language of Nepal and is written in Devnagari Script. Other languages spoken in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, Avadhi, Tharu and Newari, however most educated Nepalese can also speak and write English.
The Religious way of Life:
Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Majority of the people is Hindu in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life. Some hints regarding religious matters.
Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to take off their shoes before entry as a mark of respect. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas. In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus.
Hinduism followed by Buddhism, constitute two major religion of Nepal. Both these co-religionists are bound together by a sense of fellow-feeling and bonhomie particularly displayed in their worship of common deities and joint celebration of many festivals belonging to either religion or culture. Kumari, the Virgin Hindu Goddess, for instance, is selected from a Buddhist clan.
A remarkable feature of Nepal is the religious homogeneity that exists. Apart from the Hindus and Buddhists, Muslim form the third largest religious group.
The exquisite architecture and artistic embellishment of the Nepalese pagodas that enshrine the bronze and stone images of great beauty and, more often than not, treat antiquity, are a unique features of Nepal.
The temples and stupas are rich repositories of wood carving, metal work, terracotta and stone sculpture. In their uniqueness they add glory and grandeur to the cultural scene of the Kingdom and tell a long history of native genius.
Language
Nepali is the national language of Nepal and is written in Devnagari Script. Other languages spoken in Nepal include Maithili, Bhojpuri, Tamang, Avadhi, Tharu and Newari, however most educated Nepalese can also speak and write English.
The Religious way of Life:
Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Majority of the people is Hindu in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life. Some hints regarding religious matters.
Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to take off their shoes before entry as a mark of respect. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas. In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus.
posted by Amidiu at 7:37 AM
