Exploring Diversity In Nepal’s Culture

Like most countries, Nepal is not homogenous in its culture but uniquely defined by the altitude levels and modified by North-South latitudes. Nepal starts with 200 ft above sea level and reaches a peak of Mt. Everest at 29, 200 above sea level. At every few thousands of ascent or descent, Nepal opens up to a new geographic environment harboring a different socio-culture with their own unique fashion, faith and festivals.

Nepalese culture represents a fusion of Indo-Aryan influences and migration from the south and Tibeto-Mongolian influences and migration from the north. The indigenous Nepalese inhabit the mid-hills which make up about 36 % of the population. There are about 120 different ethnic groups with 100 different languages spread across Nepal.

Hindus make up 81 % of the population in Nepal followed by Buddhists with 9% of the population. The remaining population represent other religions such as Islam, Kiratism and Christianity.  A unique aspect of Nepalese religion is the inclusiveness and co-existence of Hinduism and Buddhism that not only share tolerance but also philosophy, temples, deities and festivals.

This multi-dimensional cultural heritage encompasses within itself the cultural diversities of various ethnic, tribal and social groups inhabiting different altitudes which manifests in various forms: languages and lifestyles; religions and rituals; foods and festivals; and arts and crafts.