Local traditions and culture in Kathmandu

I know that tuc tucs are a cheap and very good way of transport, specially in crowded cities like Kathmandu, but the drivers are really annoying; sometimes you´re walking along a row of them and every single driver is asking you Tuc Tuc Sir? Common sense if i say no to the first one that means that i don´t need one...at the beggining is Ok, but after hours saying no, it´s really a nightmare.

3 more images

As everybody knows Hinduist have worshiped cows since the earliest times of their civilization. Cows are sacred for some specifically reasons: Because they give milk (Kamadhenu a sacred cow gave it´s milk to Vishnu) , helps working as an excelent beast of burden, for reincarnation beliefs and maybe mostly because is the animal companion of Gods as Shiva (also some Gods reincarnations have the cows form). Anyway is funny to find these beasts wandering freely through main roads or main squares causing heavy traffic jams specially in small roads.

Locals in Nepal Cremate the bodies of their dead. Along the river you will see this being done and the air will be filled with the smoke from the fires. Its quite an experience since most western cultures practice private death ceremonies and here it is in the city centre with man people hanging around.

All the Stupa's have the prayer wheel that are meant to be spun as you are walking the circle.

If anyone has seen the movie The Golden Child, you know of this custom... "I.. I.. I.. I want da knife!"

It’s a great honor when someone ask you to come over for Dal Bhat (lunch or dinner) at his/her house. You can expect to have a huge metal plate full of rice, Dhat (bean soup), stir-fried veggie (usually potato and cauliflower “Aloo Gobi”), and some kind of red curry. Please finish all of that, or at least try your best! – It’s sometimes considered RUDE leaving your plate barely-touched or even half-full. If at all possible, try to eat with your hands; Silverwares may not be familiar in many households. (yeah! I mean for the normal local families – of course NOT those well-off, affluent ones) And the most important thing, it’s better to have your own bottle of water, or if they offer you some drinks, then let it be hot tea or coffee!!

4 more images

There is a wishing Buddha at the entrance of Swyambhunath Temple. This is the side from where you buy tickets, not the long stairs. The locals along with many others throw coins which has to land at Buddha's feet. You have to make a wish offer prayer to Lord Buddha and then throw the coin in such a manner that it lands at his feet.

Hey I was successful where as Munu & Rakhi could not land their coins at Buddha's feet. If you dont' believe it just do it for fun. It will cost you nothing only a few coins the money goes to Swyambhunath Temple development fund! You are not cheated.

4 more images

In Hindu custom cremation of body is through burning only. It is considered holi and fortunate to be burned before the feet of Lord Shiva. In India or in Nepal burning of bodies are done on the banks of the river as it is believed that the soul reaches to God through the river. In Nepal, Hinduism is followed as in its original or ancient form. Before burning of the body the relatives dips his/her feet in the river , in belief that the soul will go to the Lord directly.

The Hindus consider it fortunate to be burned before Lord Shiva. In India the custom is changing, all the rites are observed as per Hindu custom then the body is burned in a Crematorium, to conserve Firewood and to avoid air pollution.

4 more images

Nepal predominantly a Hindu country. Here you will find people are god fearing and most of the people are very honest. They offer regular prayer to the God they worship. It is customery to offer prayer to the God in the morning and in the evening. The life of the people of Kathmandu hovers araound Durbar Square. With its numerous temples in the vicinity people offer prayer whenever they get time.

We also took this opportunity to offer prayer whenever we had the opportunity.