Nepal is the outcome of several migrations, conquests, trades, and the influences of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Mongolian. That said, the country, evidently, becomes the home for vibrant and vivacious cultures and rituals. Major religions that are practiced here are Hinduism and Buddhism, which further contribute to this multi-dimensional cultural heritage. The importance of culture for Nepal can be entertained in the nation’s music, dance, art, folks, literature, languages, religions, festivals, and cuisine. Culture and religion have shaped the civilization of this country and endowed some of the most enticing heritage sites for the tourists.
Moreover, tribal and caste system in this country is quite complicated, as a result, many taboos and customs become utterly important for people residing in this country. Not only the residents but also the tourists are required to be informed of these customs to keep subtlety, respect, and courtesy at its best while wandering across this territory. Some of those customs are dictated below, which every international tourist must take as tips to be followed while on Nepal tour.
Greeting Etiquette
Greeting manners in this nation are just like some divine rituals, wherein people are instigated to say ‘Namaste’ to someone they want to greet. ‘Namaste’ is accompanied by a gentle pressing of palms against each other, which is a symbol of respect that translates to “My spirit salutes the spirit within you.”.
Food Etiquette
Untouchability and upper and lower caste system are severally followed in this country. It is common to observe that someone belonging to the upper caste refusing to be served with food prepared or even touched by anyone belonging to the lower caste. Hence, you must avoid touching anything if you are not sure about purchasing it for you never know what locals might think of you.
Gift Tradition
The gift-giving tradition in Nepal is immensely influenced by religion and customs. Whether it is a guest gift or a farewell gift, the locals residing in this country will not let you leave home empty-handed, no matter what. As a guest gift and part of greeting etiquette, people serve food and drinks to their guests, which range from a hot cup of ginger tea to Rakshi, Tsampa, and other succulent and traditional dishes. You need to go slow while sipping the tea if you don’t like it and don’t want to disrespect the host as that cup gets re-filled instantly whether you like it or not. Just like the host families are very accustomed to the greeting gift ritual, they follow the farewell gift tradition. As part of their fond adieu to the guests, the hosts offer Khata, an auspicious white scarf with imprinted patterns, and ‘Namaste’ or ‘Tashi Delek’, which is duly returned by the guests. Khata holds religious importance and must not be thrown on the ground or gotten dirty. So, if you don’t want to take the scarf with you, you can simply tie it on one of many trees or bridges falling on your way back home in this country.
Sacred Objects
A clockwise custom is followed when walking alongside the sacred objects or stones in this country. The objects can range from a cluster of smaller rocks forming a giant rock with Matras painted or carved on it, posts with colorful flags attached to them, and stupas to a line of small prayer wheels or just one large prayer wheel.
Holy Places
Divine places like Gompas or simply small temples must be entered barefoot. Also, taking photographs inside the shrines isn’t permitted, but some people still ask the senior monks if they can take one or two snaps for a record. While leaving the temple also, it is customary to drop by the donation box for a contribution, which is, sometimes, complemented by signing the visitors’ book.
These customs are the banner of peace and respect for which this country is renowned. Don’t worry even if you forget one of these general tips for the Nepalese code of conduct is very calm and forgiving and allows people to acknowledge and correct their errors.