THE RELIGIOUS WAY OF LIFE
Religious is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepal life. Temples, images, secred painting are to be seen every where. Nepal is the only country in the world where the state religion is Hinduism. Nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are so closely connected in Nepal that it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life. Hindus and Buddhists alike worship all deities, and feasts and festivals are shared. For centuries both have chorused mutual regards and respect for one another's tradition. The following are some hints regarding religious matters.
Visitors to a Hindu temple or a Buddhist shrine are expected to be unshod as a mark of respect. Infect, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas.It is better not to touch offering or persons when they are on way to shrines. Beef is prohibited among both the Hindus and Buddhists. No female animal is killed for food.
You may not be allowed entry to the inner sanctuaries of temple and stupas. You may be interested to take snaps of temples, stupas and monuments. Generally temples, Stupas and monuments are permitted to be photographed, but it is better to have permission before using your cameras.
TRADITIONAL
Since the majority of our people live in rural areas, they have an outlook of life that is simple and traditional. In fact, they take special delight in the company of foreign visitors. But there are certain things that are alien or embarrassing to our people. Here then are a few things to keep in Mind:
It is best to be decent clad when visiting any place. Sun and beachwear is not the ideal, when roaming around the city or village. briefs, shorts, bare shoulder and back may not be appreciated. You need not to be stiff and overdressed, but just comfortable and decently covered. Do not take seriously if a Nepali lady hesitates to shake hands with you. In Nepal, people and specially the ladies, do not normally shake hands when they greet one another, but instead press the palms together in a prayer-like gesture known as "Namaste" Public display of affection between man and woman are frowned upon. do not do something that is totally alien to our environment. We are hard on drug abuse; Trafficking in and possession of drugs are taken as serious offences.
BEGGARS
Cheap charity breeds beggars but does not solve their basic problem. Therefore do not encourage beggary by being benevolent.
SOME OTHER IMPORTANT HINTS
Beware of touts who claim to be representatives of companies and offer to take you bargain hunting.
Use hotel safety boxes for your valuables. Do not leave cash and other valuable things around in the room.
Table manners in Nepal are quite different from those at home. In typical and traditional Nepali houses, plates, knives, forks and spoons may be absent from the dinner table. While eating Nepalese people use their right hand, but this does not mean however that the guests are not use fork, knives and spoons.
Any food or utensil touched by the used knife or spoon or fingers, or by lips or into which spittle has fallen is considered "jutho" which means contaminated. It would humiliate a person if such food were offered to him. Nor should the dish containing such food be used again without its being properly washed.
If you want to give a present to your host or hostess, please do not be surprised if they lay it aside unopened. In Nepal, to open a parcel in the presence of the guests in not supposed to be a good manner.
