People

People of Nepal can be divided into two distinct groups, the Aryans and the Mongolians. And three are many different ethnic groups in Nepal living in different part of the country with their own unique cultures, languages and religions. The ethnic group of Magars, Rais, Sunuwars and Gurungs live in the eastern mountains observing their own culture and speaking their own culture and speaking their own mother languages. By tradition, most Gurkha soldiers come from these ethnic groups and are famous for the bravery in the battles. Sherpas, inhabitants of the Northern Himalayan region are influenced with the Tibetan culture. The Sherpas are famous in the world for mountaineering. The Newars constitutes the important ethnic group in the Kathmandu valley. The Newars are rich in culture and famous for their craftsmanship. There are many artistic pagodas, monuments and old palaces in the Kathmandu valley built by the Newars. The ethnic group of Tharus, Maithili, Bhojpuri Danuwar etc live in the Terai region. The Brahman and Chhetris also play an important role in Nepalese Society. These groups are originally from the west Nepal and now inhabit the most of all the parts of the country. Tamangs live outside the rim of the Kathmandu valley. The Thakalis inhabitant in the northwest part, upper the Kali Gandaki Rivers. The Thakalis were considered to be expert traders in the past.Apart from the above, there are still many other ethnic groups in Nepal and all of these groups are tied up together by their common ideals of peace and nationalism.

Religion

Nepal is a multi-religious and multi-cultural country with a diverse religious landscape. The majority of the population practices Hinduism, but there is also a significant presence of Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and other religious groups. Here’s a breakdown of the major religions in Nepal:

1. Hinduism

Majority Religion: Hinduism is the dominant religion in Nepal, with around 81% of the population adhering to it.
Cultural Influence: Hinduism significantly influences Nepalese culture, festivals, and daily life. Major Hindu festivals like Dashain and Tihar are widely celebrated. The country is home to many Hindu temples, including the famous Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
National Religion: Nepal was officially a Hindu kingdom until 2008, when it became a secular republic. However, Hinduism continues to have a strong presence in the country’s cultural and religious identity.

2. Buddhism

Significant Minority: Buddhism is the second-largest religion, followed by about 9% of the population.
Historical and Cultural Roots: Nepal is considered the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautama (Buddha) in Lumbini, which is a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists worldwide.
Tibetan Buddhism: The Buddhist community in Nepal, particularly in the Himalayan region, follows Tibetan Buddhism. The Bodnath Stupa in Kathmandu is one of the most important Buddhist sites in Nepal, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.

3. Islam

Minority Religion: Islam is practiced by around 4% of the population in Nepal.
Mosques: There are a number of mosques across the country, particularly in the Terai region (the southern plains) and in urban centers like Kathmandu and Pokhara. The Great Mosque of Kathmandu and other smaller mosques serve the Muslim community.

4. Christianity

Growing Community: Christians represent about 1.4% of Nepal’s population, with a growing number of followers in recent decades.
Churches and Missions: Protestant Christianity is the most widespread form in Nepal, with missionaries involved in education, healthcare, and social services. Churches are located primarily in urban areas and in some rural regions.

5. Other Religions

Indigenous Beliefs: Many ethnic communities in Nepal follow indigenous belief systems, which are often animistic or shamanistic. These include the Kirant religion followed by communities like the Rai, Limbu, and Sherpa.
Jainism and Sikhism: Though smaller in number, there are also practitioners of Jainism and Sikhism in Nepal, with temples and gurudwaras located mainly in urban areas.

Secularism in Nepal:

Secular State: Nepal officially became a secular state in 2008 when it abolished the Hindu monarchy and declared itself a republic. The constitution of Nepal, adopted in 2015, ensures freedom of religion for all its citizens and guarantees religious rights.

Religious Tolerance:

Nepal is known for its religious tolerance, and the different communities coexist peacefully, celebrating each other’s festivals and traditions. The country’s many religious festivals contribute to a vibrant and diverse cultural atmosphere.

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People and Religion in Nepal