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Religion plays a significant role in Nepali society. Temples, sacred paintings, and images can be found throughout the country. Nepal is predominantly Hindu, with Buddhism also playing an important role. The relationship between Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal is complex, and it would take a lifetime of study to fully understand it. When visiting Hindu temples or Buddhist shrines, it is customary to remove your shoes as a sign of respect. Non-Hindus may be prohibited from entering some temples. Leather articles are not allowed inside temple premises. Visitors should not touch offerings or people who are on their way to shrines. Beef is strictly forbidden among Hindus, and no female animals are killed for food. It is traditional to walk clockwise around temples and Stupas. Photography is generally allowed in temples, Stupas, and monuments, but it is advisable to seek permission first. The Nepalese greet each other with the gesture of "Namaste," using both hands. Visitors should not touch women, and women should not touch men. Shoes should be removed when entering holy places and temples. Drinking vessels should not be touched with the lips. The Nepalese people are friendly and welcoming, and tourists usually have no difficulty adjusting to the rural, simple, and traditional lifestyle of the majority of Nepalese people. To make the most of your stay in this unique country with diverse ethnic groups and cultural practices, it is important to consider and respect Nepal’s cultural norms and beliefs. The following guidelines can be helpful in ensuring a delightful, homely, and rewarding experience in Nepal.
- The form of greeting in Nepal is "Namaste" is performed by joining the palms together.
- Before entering a Nepalese home, temple, and stupa remember to remove your shoes.
- Be careful not to use your spoon, fork or hands being used for your eating to touch other's food, plate, cooking utensil or the serving dish. Do not eat from other people's plate and do not drink from other people's bottle or glass. It is considered impure by the Nepalese.
- Never touch anything with your feet. This is considered an offence among Nepalese.
- While travelling dress appropriately. Women should especially avoid dressing in skimpy outfits.
- Seek permission first before entering a Hindu temple. Many Hindu temples do not allow westerners to enter.
- Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple precinct.
- Walking around temples or stupas is traditionally done clockwise.
- Take photographs only after receiving permission for the object or person being photographed.
- Public displays of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. Do not do something that is totally alien to our environment.
- Remember, many times, when a person shakes his head from left to right, he may mean "Yes".
- Develop a genuine interest to meet and talk to Nepalese people and respect their local customs
VISITING A TEMPLE
The majority of the people are Hindu in Nepal. However, Sherpas and most other mountain people are Buddhists. You are not allowed to make entry into the Pashupatinath temple if you are wearing any material that is made of leather. It is better to ask for permission before photographing religious festivals, cremation grounds, and inside the temple. If you meet the head Lama inside the Buddhist gompa, it is appropriate to present him with a white silk scarf called a Khata. It is traditional to include a little donation to the gompa inside the folded Khata. The Lama will remove the Money. He will either keeps the Khata or place it around your neck as a blessing. Place the Khata in the hands of the Lama: do not place it around his neck.
MANI WALLS AND CHORTENS
Along many trails, you will see Mani walls. There are stones covered with the Tibetan Buddhists inscription ‘Om Mani Padme Hom’ usually translated as hail to the jewel in the lotus, though its true translation is much more complex and mysterious. In village areas where Tibetan influence exists, you will see chat-dear, poles decorated with long prayer flags, and Chortens, stone monuments in the middle of the trail. You should walk to the left side of all of these as the Buddhists do.
PHOTOGRAPHING PEOPLE.
During a trek, you will have many opportunities to photograph with local people. Some might not be interested to be photographed. Therefore, it is better to ask before photographing the woman. You might encounter cases of shyness which you can overcome with a smile or joke or by using a telephoto lens, but don’t pay people for taking their picture.