Nepal is one small country that has gained more famed through the highest peak of the world, Everest, and the birthplace of lord buddha, Lumbini. Besides these attractive factors, there is one more thing that distinguishes Nepal from other countries, its unique culture.
It definitely is unique for the foreigners but is the antique practice for the Nepalese.
There are some rituals that are common in few communities yet you can find more than a hundred distinguished cultures over here. Do you know what does it mean?
It means different cultures, different rules, and different customs.
Note-Nepalese people are so sensitive about their culture and customs.
1. Never enter anyone’s home, temples, and monasteries with your shoes on
Most of the Nepalese people do not wear shoes inside their houses, especially in Kitchen and so if you are ever invited to a local’s home, do not walk inside with your shoes on. And, while visiting the temples and monasteries also, you need to take your shoes off.
Since wearing shoes inside the house or a religious premise is assumed as an act of disrespect and sin respectively. So, if you don’t want to disrespect the Nepalese culture, their values, and norms then you need to take care of these things while you visit Nepal.
Moreover, some temples in Nepal only allow Hindus to enter so it would be better if you make sure about these permissions before entering any Hindu temples.
2. Donot show affection in public
Many of the foreigners might have no idea about this, but yes, the Nepalese do not accept nor appreciate the public display of affection.
Openly kissing and hugging each other on the streets, you should avoid acts like this in public areas. Although there is nothing wrong in doing that and is even accepted in town areas, yet, especially in rural areas, people surely do not appreciate it.
So public display of affection, you should not do in Nepal (especially if it is between opposite gender).
3. Donot wear exposing wears
Most of the Nepalese people don’t wear garments that reveal their skin. They simply like to wear comfortable and conservative clothes as it is practiced here for so long. And, if you dressed up even slightly weirdly, people will start staring at you which I feel is not so comfortable feeling.
So be mindful of what you should wear. There is no issue with wearing any type of modern garments while traveling. But, if you tend to visit any temples or monasteries, then you have to think twice about what to put on.
Too much skin showing clothes or shorts may not be appropriate attire for these kinds of sites. There is no rule in Nepal like you should wear this and that while visiting the temple, it’s just a matter of being considerate about other cultures.
Thus, wearing a simple dress could be more helpful for you to mix up with the Nepalese society.
4. Avoid talking loudly
Well, talking loudly is considered a very bad manner in Nepalese Society. Wherever you stand or sit, you should either talk in a small voice, more politely, or do not talk. This condition applies only when you stand in front of the head of the family. (if you are engaged with a family)
It is believed that shouting loud would trace out the gods and goddesses from the house, in the Nepalese culture. And that is definitely not a piece of good news for those who believed in these things.
However, talking loudly in public is also not considered a good manner in Nepal.
5. Avoid using the left hand
Using the left hand is considered quite rude in Nepal while eating or holding or giving something to others.
And, these things again are considerate for the older generations of Nepal who assume left hand as substandard. It is like a rule to eat, worship, and give from the right hand in Nepal.
6. Ask before you photograph, if you are going to click images of people
There are different sacred temples in Nepal where photography is not allowed. Well, most of them have has notice regarding the Photography restrictions but some might not have such notice as well as the restrictions.
However, it would be better if you ask once the nearby people before clicking the photographs. The same goes for the portraits of people too.
7. Never ask for beef
Cow in Nepal is worshipped as the representative of Goddess Laxmi, the goddess of wealth. Each year, on the third day of tihar, people worship cows as Laxmi. And the day is called Laxmi Puja.
The cow is also a national animal of Nepal.
Therefore, never ask for beef in any local shop in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu Valley.
(Somewhere in the Himalayan region, people do eat beef in Nepal, though)