Major Festivals of Nepal

Nepalese people celebrate many festivals throughout a year. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Chtistianity are some names of major religions adopted and practiced by most Nepali people. But almost 80% of Nepali practice Hinduism and there are more than fifty festivals in existence in Nepal in a year. Most of these festivals are mainly set by lunar calendar. Nayavasha , Loshar, Teej, Dashain, Tihar, Christmas, Id, Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Gai Jatra, Shiva Ratri, Swaraswati Puja are few examples of them.
1. Nayavarsha:
It is the new year, Baishak 1st of each year's annual calendar of Nepal. It falls in about the 2nd week of April. All Nepalese people celebrate this day as national holiday with many programs like street festivals, carnivals, cultural shows and parties. Some people organize tour or picnic too to celebrate it.
2. Loshar:
It is the Tibetan new year especially celebrated by Nepali Sherpas of Nepal. It falls in February of English calendar. It is also registered as national holiday. Many cultural groups especially from Himalayan tribe of Nepal organize many cultural shows and carnivals around the country to celebrate this festival. Contemporary changing social situation has promoted direct involvement and support of almost all Nepali people in this festival as they too enjoy and celebrate it as the national festival of Nepal and all Nepali.
3. Swaraswati Puja:
It is also known as Shree Panchami. Almost all Nepali celebrate this festival as their common festival to worship goddess of learning, Swaraswati. In this day people worship pens and books to please goddess for her blessing. It generally falls on month of Magra as Nepali calendar which is some day of January or February of English calendar. Especially students take this day as an auspicious day for them to please the Goddess. They wake up early on the day, take bath and pray in-front of the image or idioms of the Goddess. Many undergo feast on this day.
4. Shivaratri:
It is also known as Maha Shivaratri. Nepali celebrate this festival with great enthuism and even hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from other neighboring countries visit different holy shrine of Lord Shiva of Nepal. It is believed to be the sacred night of Lord Shiva which generally comes after Swaraswati Puja, around February or March of English calendar. Flocks of Nepali and other Indian shadu come to Nepal especially Pashupati Nath to celebrate this holy night. This day Nepali government has allowed pilgrims to take different intoxicating substances like marijuana, hashish etc freely in the college of Shiva shrine.

5. Holi:
This festival of colour is famous among many asians. Except Nepal it is celebrated in India, Shrilanka, Bhutan too. It falls in Falgun month of nepali calendar which happens to be some day of February or March of English calendar. It is also known as Phagu in Nepal. It is a holy day which marks as per hindu culture extermination of female demon Holika by child Prahlad, one great devotee of Bishnu. Kathmandu celebrates this festival with Lola and color. This day is also registered as a national holiday.
6. Ghode Jatra:
It is a festival of horses which falls on some day of March or April of English calendar. Nepali government has managed this day as another national holiday. Nepali Arm Force organize horse parade on this day at Tundikhel and performs other different exciting activities in the presence of senior officers of nepali government.
7. Buddha Jayanit:
This day is celebrated as a birth anniversary of Lord Gautama Buddha. It falls in some day of May month of English calendar. Thousands of Buddhists pilgrims visit different holy Buddhist shrine on this day to pay their homage to Lord Gautama Buddha and lit butter lamps and chant different sacred lines with best wishes of restoration of peace and love throughout the world. Swayambhunath, Boudhanath, Lumbini face hundreds of thousands visitors this day. It is also a national holiday.
8. Gai Jatra:
It falls in between August or September of English calendar. This festival is also taken as a national forum for one to prick satire, humor, mockery on the contemporary socio-political scenarios. Originally it is celebrated by Newar Community of Kathmandu Valley in memoir of their bygone family members in that year. They in this day send their young sons and daughters in cow like attire and walk through roads with cultural music. Thousands of commoners on this day parade in the roads of Kathmandu valley especially on this day.
9. Teej:
This day is another national holiday of Nepal and in this day nepali girls especially married undergo strict feast and worship Lord Shiva and wish for their happy married life. Unmarried girls too wish for good husband like that of Lord Shiva. Women in red costumes visit holy shrine of Lord Shiva on this day to prey. It falls in some day of August or September of English calendar which is some day of Bhadra month of Nepali calendar.
10. Tihar:
It is a festive of light which comes after 15 days of end of Dashain. It is some days of October or November of English calendar. It is also the 2nd biggest festival of Nepal after Dashain. This festival goes for 5 days in which people worship crow, dog, cow, ox and brothers/sisters on each day separately with delicious food and garland. They worship Goddess Laxmi, goddess of wealth and prosperity, lit candles, oil lamps and illuminate their home and its premises. Newar community on the fifth day of Tihar celebrate "Ma Puja" which means worship of one's self. It is peculiar cultural practice of this community. It would be nice and really exciting for foreigners to visit Nepal on this period.
11. Dashain:
This festival is also known as Bijaya Dashami as it is believed to be the auspicious day of victory of Goddess Durga over Demon. This is the longest and most auspicious festival of Nepali as it goes for 15 days in total. It falls on some days of Aswin and or Kartik months of Nepali calendar which happens to be some days of September and or October of English calendar. During lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon people worship Goddess Durga, sacrifice animals to please Her, take holy bath and receives tika and blessings from the elders of the family and relatives.

Learn about the national symbols of Nepal

National symbols are something tangible that carry a sense of nationality for a nation. Such symbols work as a medium of unity amid the diverse geo-socio, political scenarios of a country. Such symbols always unite all the people of the country and motivate them to walk in a single linage of nationality to work for the benefit and progress of their country. All the inhabitant of the nation respects such national symbols and proudly associates his/her identities to them. In case of Nepal there are …….. national symbols officially registered. They carry the image of Nepal throughout the world and all Nepali from the world show their respect and sincerity to them. They proud upon them and always associate a sense of nationality on them.
1. National Flag:
Every country has their own unique flag which represents/identifies the country throughout the world. Nepal too has its own national flag which is distinct in its shape and size then that of other countries. It is red in color with blue boarder. It has a shape of two overlapping right angled-triangles. And in between these triangular figures have two figures of Sun and the moon. The smaller upper triangle pose white 12-pointed Sun while the larger lower triangle bears white half-circled moon. These two symbols suggests, as it is believed the immortality of the existence of country Nepal as the Sun and the Moon are never going to die from this universe.
2. National Bird and animal:
Lophophoros and cow are national bird and animal of Nepal respectively. As they are assigned the sense of national identity, it is illegal to kill them throughout the nation. And as majority on Nepalese population have adopted Hindu culture, cow not only carries sense of nationality but also posses religious values too. Nepali during Tihar festival, second greatest festival of Nepalese even worship cow as goddess Laxmi, Goddess of wealth.
3. National Color- Dark Red:
Dark red is another national symbol of Nepal. Sense of peace, deep love and sense of brotherhood, and faith are some meanings assigned to this color. This color also represents the strong will power and courage of a Nepali. It is a symbol of justice and sincerity and benevolence.

Know about the currency of Nepal

Nepali currency is named as "Rupee" in English and "Rupaiyaha" in Nepali. It is different than other currency in use in this time in terms of its look. There are two types of Nepali currency in use. One among them can be found in paper sheet decorated and sealed in especial way and other can be found in metallic coin form. Nepal has regulated such coin with small monetary value that they pose values which ranges from one rupee to ten rupees but more small coins are still in use which pose value small then that of one rupee coin. They are called 1 paisa, 5 paisa, 10 paisa, Charaana(25 paisa), Aathana (50 paisa). Paper note ranges from 1 to 1000 in value. There are 1 rupee note along with other different 2 rupee notes, 5 rupee note, 10 rupee note, 20 rupee note, 25 rupee note, 50 rupee note, 100 rupee note, 500 rupee note and finally 1000 rupee note.
Nepalese rupee is recognized world-widely that one can get Nepalese currency in any official money exchange counter of any country of the world. It pose lesser value in terms of the currency of India, china and other western countries. One can get approximately 75 rupees though it keeps on changing according to the contemporary situation, from 1 US dollar.
There are lots of money exchange counters in existence which provides money exchange service at minimum cost rate. And this service can be found in different big financial intuitions too. They also provide one credit card facility along with travel-cheque in reasonable service charge.

Learn about the Art and Craft of Nepal

Nepal has always been an area of interest and quarries and mysteries for its visitors no matter they belong to western or orient culture. Thus hundreds of thousands visitors visit Nepal annually to solve their quarries regarding Nepal and feel Nepal lively. Its unique cultural patterns, social life style, natural resources, wide ranges of Himalayas which includes world's largest elevation, Mt. Everest (8,848 m), its fauna and flora, cultural heritage sites and well developed art craftship are some areas of interest of its non-natives. Lumbini, Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, Pokhara, Illam, Taplejung, Sarangkot, Janakpur Dham and many other cities and places attracts thousands of visitors and provides enough matter for their amusement. Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam and Christianity are some prominent cultural practices of this nation. With this article, I believe you will discover much about some of the finest forms of art and craft of this region.
About the Architecture of Nepal:
Nepal is rich and prosperous in art and architecture. One can find numbers of temples, Stupas, Pagodas erected throughout its different areas. Kathmandu valley especially Kathmandu Metropolitan city along with Bhaktapur and Lalitpur Sub-Metropolitan Cities are known as cities of temples that one can see the well craved temples everywhere of these cities. And same is the case with rest parts of Nepal that every where there are such cultural monuments of elite class patterns and decorations. Even wells, stone spouts, Chautaris, street walls are decorated with such carvings and patterns. Such patterns are mainly built by different ruler class of Nepal in some 10th to 18th centuries. These art and craft and patterns reflect a close resemblanece to that of patterns developed by Gupat Dynasty of India of some 5th and 6th centuries.
About the Painting of Nepal:
Painting are another important aspects of art, culture and architecture of Nepal. Its origin can be located to some 11 century cultural patterns of ancient Nepal. During this time painting was noticed to be very popular and were done on palm's leaves, walls. Thangkas are famous around the world and are dominant aspect of art, craft and paintings of Nepal. Buddhists produce such Thangkas. They use liquid colors and draw different cosmic figures and drawings on wall and ceilings of monasteries, stupas. They also design mandalas and images of life-cycle on such paintings and try to define it in terms of Buddhism.
About the Bronze Figures of Nepal:
Bronze figures made by different Nepali artists and craftsmen are famous around the world for their beauty and grandeur. Such bronze figures are generally alloyed with copper. Most of Nepali craftsmen produce religious deities or images and legendary figures on such metal works.
About the Pottery of Nepal:
It is an important part of art, craft an architecture of Nepal. It is also an important part of development of human civilization. Nepali porters produce different religious figures along with the traditional task of making earthenware. They produce terracotta oil lamaps, pots and different decorated images of wild lives like rhinos, rabbits, elephants, peacocks etc.

Learn about Mountain Biking in Nepal

Nepal is famous around the world for its geography, climate, ever going rivers and natural resources. Its steep hills and cliffy mountains are popular. Thus bungee jumping, rafting, paragliding, ice sliding, parachuting are some famous adventurous activities of this region. And mountain biking is one among them. It is famous worldwide as good destination for mountain bikinig. There are about 13/14 world's tallest snowy elevations. Nepal government too has in recent decades promoting it as one more alternate for its visitors who desires to feel the adventure in its cliffy and steep mountains and hills. Thus it is promoting Nepal as "Mecca for Mountain Biking". Now a visit of Nepal without mountain biking appears an incomplete task. With it one can feel the true life style of rural area of Nepal. It's cheap, easy to get bikes of high quality and efficiency in hire.

Some Mountain biking routes:

Kathmandu Valley Biking Tour:

This tour begins from the center city of Kathmandu and passes through different historical, cultural tourist sites. Nagarkot, Godawari, Dhulikhel, Daman fall in its route. This tour gives you a fine chance to explore this lend city lively. The panoramic view of Jugal Himalayan range, Gaurishankar Himalayan ranges makes the trip more beautiful and immemorial. You can experience the bird view of this city of temple.

Valley Rim-Long Route:

In this route of mountain biking you will be able to lively experience the outskirt areas of Kathmandu valley that it goes around the different historical sites of its surrounding sides. Grand views of Ganesh Himal, Jugal Himal, Lantang Himal along with the panoramic view of Mt. Everest will make your trip immemorial. The unique life style of the ethnic groups that fall on the route will give you another chance to understand Nepal from some close distance.

Day down-hill trip :

This route of mountain biking give you chance to explore the old villages and its unique socio-political, and cultural aspect of its habitants.

Nagarkot Mountain Biking Tour:

This mountain biking tour goes through the Shivapuri National Park, small villages of the surround areas finally to Nagarkot. And this place is famous for its locality that it provides a chance to overview the different Himalayas of Nepal. If you are lucky enough then you may encounter dense ice-fall in this area on winter season. Different high class hotels and restaurants and pubs will make your stay in Nagarkot easy and comfortable.

Some other famous mountain biking routes are:

1. Nagrakot to Namo Buddha Mountain Biking

2. Kathmandu to Nagarkot Mountain Biking

3. Pokhara to Kathmandu Mountain Biking

4. Annapurna Circuit Mountain Biking

5. Tumlingtar to Dharan Mountain Biking

Learn About Gorkha

The history of Gorkha is associated with the history of formation of contemporary Greater Nepal. It is situated on the northern hilly part of Kathmandu valley. one can simply switch to this historic place by leaving the Kathmandu-Pokhara Highway and covering a just 25 km distance northward. It is an ancient city area of Nepal which is now its one district among other 75 districts. About some 300 yrs ago it was separate kingdom alike other different kingdoms under the rule of Late King Pritivinarayan Shaha who united or let's say assimilated other small kingdoms in his single kingdom to a greater ruling territory. And his the then palace is still in existence which is situated on the top to a hill at an altitude of 1,000m. Thus all Nepali are still known as Gurkhalis as Gorkha was the center at that time in formation process of out 21st greater Nepal.

Some places to be visited while reaching Gorkha:

The Gorkha Palace

The Gorkha district includes different sites. Wide range of Manaslu Himalayan and Himchuli mountain and its panoramic view will certainly fascinate you. You can also go through ancient Gorkha Royal Palace complex which is best for its architecture and art craft, Gorakhkali Temple. Tsum valley too falls in its northern region. One can enjoy the chanting view of sunrise but for it he/she should climb the Gorkha hill early in the morning.

Birth day anniversary of Late king Prithivi Narayan Shaha Dev

This day is marked on Nepali Calendar as a national holiday. It falls on last week of January according to English Calendar. On this day various programs are organiswd by different organization to celebrate the marry birth day anniversary. Especial programs are used to be organize on this day on Gorkha Bazar.

Dashain Jamara Procession

On the greatest festival of Nepal, Dashain, Jamaras(Sacred weeds) are brought to Darbar Square of Kathmandu from this Gorkha Darbar square. And this procession is completed on the direct involvement of Nepal Arm Force who goes to the Gorkha Darbar on the seventh day of Fulpati and brings the Jamara to mark the beginning of great festival. The Jamaras are believed to be the blessing of Late king Prithivi Narayan Shaha Dev during Nepal's monarch system and it is still on existence but now people take it as blessing from their ancestors.

Popular Trekking from Gorkha

Gorkha to Kathmandu trek route, Gorkha to Pokhara trek route, Gorkha to Luitel to Hirmantar to Tarughat to Besisahar to Ghattekhola to Gharpokhari to Rupatal to finally Pokhara , Gorkha to Tsum Valley are few available option for one to go to trekking from this point.

Jungle Safari, an Adventurous Activity in Nepal

Nepal provides full range of different interesting and exciting activities and opportunity for its visitors. It’s a land of diversity, in terms of culture, society and availability of natural resources. Trekking, hiking, rafting, canoeing, mountaineering, paragliding, ultra-light flight, boating, fishing, bungee jumping, mountain biking and cycling are some lists of options available for its visitors to engage themselves. But it is not final as one can also enter its wide and wild tropical and sub-tropical forest areas to explore the hidden part of world about its different wild species. And jungle safari is one which is Nepal's fourth popular and most desired activities by its visitors especially its external visitors. There are almost 16 forest areas officially registered and recommended and developed as best places for exploring different aspects of its wild species, its flora and fauna. Out of them nine are registered as national park areas, four are wild-life reservers and three conservation areas. One can experience the thrill of jungle safari and adventure associated with it lively by either covering the area by a ride on elephant's back or by four wheeler drive or by foot. He/she is suggested to take expert along the journey to make the adventure safe and better and immemorial. Bird watching, natural walk, rafting be complement to the journey.

National Parks in Nepal

Chitwan National Park:

Etymologically "Chitwan" means "situated in the heart of jungle". And this Chitwan National Park is the heart of all jungle areas and parks of Nepal. It is also known as Royal Chitwan National Park but the changing political scenario of Nepal has changed its name too. It situated at Chitwan District. At first it was famous places for hunting for Royal Families of Nepal. They used to slaughter and poach wild lives legally. But their such barbaric activities badly hampered the ecosystem resulting the massive decreases in numbers of rare wild lives. So the then Nepal Government body registered it Nepal's first National Park in the year 1973 and restricted such activities by forming legal rules. And later UNESCO too supported this attempt by registering it in World Heritage Site list in the year 1979. Since then it has remained as a most desired and loved forest area of Nepal by its visitors. It has stretched over 932 Sq. km area in the southern belt of Nepal. It is the fine habitat of wild species. One horned-rhino, Gangetic Dolphin, Royal Bangal Tiger, Asian Elephant, Gharial Crocodile, Gaur are some precious wild lives of this park. It contains more than 400 species of birds like Giant Hornbill, Lesser Florio, One can simply fly to the National Park area from Kathmandu and there is also an easy access of four wheeler as The National Mechi-Mahakali Highway connects it through Sauraha and Bharatpur.

Names of other National Parks of Nepal are:

1. Bardia National Park

2. Shivapuri National Park

3. Khaptad National Park

4. Langtang National Park

5. Makalu Barun National Park

6. She-Phoksundo National Park

7. Rara National Park

8. Sagarmatha National Park

Parsa Wildlife Reserve:

Because of its wild species like Asian wild elephants, wild cats, different species of bird and snake royal, bangle tigers, leopards, hog deer, monkeys and langurs this wildlife reserve is famous in the world.It is situated in the central part of Nepal which covers almost 499 sq. km area.

Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve:

This wildlife reserve is situarted in the eastern terai belt of Nepal which covers almost 100 sq. km of its total surface. It best known for the habitat of world's rare faunas especially birlds. There are more than 280 species birds recorded which includes 18 different species of duck. Between the months of October and April, it faces flocks of visitors and wild life explores, students and researchers

Names of Wildlife Reserves of Nepal are:

1. Dhorpatan Hunting Reserve

2. Shukla Phant Wildlife Reserve

Other Names of Conservation Areas of Nepal are:

1. Manaslu Conservation Area

2. Kanchenjunga Conservation Area

3. Annapurna Conservation Area