Nepal is a landlocked, mountainous country located between India and Tibet. It is well known for the impressive Himalayan range and deep valleys that shape the landscape. Nepalis have a reputation for being dependable and resilient people who can withstand difficult conditions.

Nepalis are generally deeply loyal to their citizenship and culture. They are very proud that their country has never been colonised, seeing this as a key distinguishing fact between them and India. The Gurkhas (Nepali soldiers) continue to be highly admired for their role in this regard1. Nepalis understand the worth and beauty of their land.

Dashain is the 15-day-long festival and holidays of Nepal. It is the longest and the most auspicious festival in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese Hindu people throughout the globe. Among the 10 days for which it is celebrated, the most important days are the first, seventh, eighth, ninth and the tenth, but tenth day is very important. This festival is also known for its emphasis on the family gatherings, as well as on a renewal of community ties. All government offices, educational institutions and other private offices remain closed during the festival and holidays period.

Dashain symbolizes the victory of good over evil.

Nepalis often exhibit patience and calmness, and are generally not overly dramatic people. Their tolerance has enabled many different faiths and ethnicities to coexist quite harmoniously. Much of Nepal’s culture is deeply steeped in tradition and religion.

In the 2011 Nepali census, 81.3% of the population identified as Hindu and 9% identified as Buddhist.

Tibetan prayer flags are bright and beautiful, but their colours aren't just for show. Each hue signifies an element — and the flags are always arranged in a specific order, from left to right: blue, white, red, green, yellow. Blue represents the sky, white represents the air, red symbolizes fire, green symbolizes water, and yellow symbolizes earth. All five colours together signify balance.

The mantras printed on the flags are carried on the wind and believed to spread goodwill and positive energy wherever they go.

There is a strong emphasis on cleanliness in Nepal, influenced by social and religious customs. Certain actions, objects and body parts are considered particularly pure or impure. For example, the head is understood to be the purest part of the body, whilst the feet are the dirtiest. ‘Jutho’ (impurity) refers to food or objects that are ritually polluted or excluded and are therefore inedible. ​​​​​​​

Elders are always shown a heightened amount of respect and are treated more formally.

Objects should be passed, offered and received with the right hand only or both hands together. The left hand is considered ‘unclean’ and is reserved for performing unhygienic activities, like cleaning. It is considered disrespectful to use your left hand when communicating with somebody; all gestures should also be made with the right hand primarily.

It is considered deeply disrespectful to step over any kind of representation of a god or deity, or any item used for worship.

Avoid stepping over someone’s outstretched legs.

Do not take another person’s hat (topi) off their head, even playfully. It is rude to touch other people’s heads.

Nepali hat is regarded as the symbol of Gorkhali pride (Sons of the Soil, Pride of the Nation).

 Some Nepalese consider hat as the symbol of Mt Everest , the highest peak of the world( roof of the world ) the pride of Nepalese too.

Human head itself is considered as the respected and vital part of human being , when you keep something on the top of your head,  the object itself should have a greater value, hence hat in Nepal is regarded as the pride and prejudice of an individual.

The flag's shape is believed to symbolize a Nepalese pagoda as observed by the local Nepalese. Placing a mirror at the hoist side can generate an image of a pagoda. It symbolizes that as long as the sun and moon exists, there will be the existence of Nepal and its Nepalese people.

Dal Bhat - The Famous Staple Food of Nepal

The staple food of each Nepali household, Dal Bhat is mainly rice served along with lentil soup and vegetable curry or chicken (or meat). This meal is the most beloved one amongst Nepali people as it's wholesome and provides with the needed nutrition.

If you are the guest, expect to be asked to eat first.

Try and eat less on your first serving so that you can ask for a second serving. This is a great compliment to the host.

People usually eat with their hands, scooping and serving themselves with the right hand.

Courtship in Nepal often lasts several years. It can take a long time for a couple to solidify the engagement and for families to agree and give their blessing. Both arranged marriages and ‘love’ marriages are common. Traditionally, a potential groom and his parents will come and visit a girl’s home and discuss possible arrangements with her parents. Marriage ceremonies are generally very lavish, lasting many days with hundreds of guests.

There is a traditional idolisation of female purity and power in Nepal. Women are often religiously depicted as strong goddesses, with emphasis on their virtue (cleanliness and virginity). However, while many women are respected for their power and prestige, their domestic role remains predominantly traditional throughout most of the country.

3 - Three is considered to be an unlucky number and may be avoided. For example, if three people have to depart somewhere, one may stay behind and leave after the two others.

Some Nepalis hang a slipper off their car. This is believed to ward off evil from causing the vehicle to have accidents.

After any rituals, people apply red powder in the forehead as symbol of good luck and mark of celebration. As Guests are regarded god in Nepal, the visitors are often welcomed in the house putting red dot in the forehead. The vermillion is an essential thing in any rituals.

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