Nepal is one of the richest country of the world in terms of traditional arts and culture. Hence, there is a wide range of Nepali souvenirs to choose from. Folk music, sculptures, handicrafts and unique clothings are traditionally popular among tourists.
Below is a list of the most popular Nepali souvenirs:
Thangka
Khukuri
Handicrafts
Carpets
Oil and Water Color Paintings
Rice Paper Prints, Notebooks
Handmade Bags and Purses
Jewelry, Ornaments, Precious Stones
Folk Music
Stamps and Coins
Dolls and Puppets representing people and Gods
Khukuris are very popular among visitors and are also regarded as a national emblem. These are long curved knives, made famous by Gurkha soldiers in various wars fought with the British. There are different types of Khukuris, each with its own importance and function. Much older types of khukuris contain two miniature knives inside its sheath, one serving as a pen knife, the other as a flint for lighting fires. One can easily buy a khukuri in any souvenir shop in Kathmandu Valley in different shapes, designs, miniature and brooches. Even Nepal’s current Prime Minister, while on a visit to the White House, gifted President Barack Obama with one of such knifes.
This morning, I came across “U.S. grants $900,000 for renovation of historical monuments in Patan Darbar Square” at Nepali Times.
Patan Durbar Square, Lalitpur, Nepal
Acting U.S. ambassador to Nepal, Jeffrey Moon, handed over a cheque to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust on Monday. The money from the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation will be used for the restoration of rickety royal buildings, stone gates and courtyards in Patan Darbar Square.
“The most significant impacts of this restoration project include fostering increased understanding between cultures, the creation of a world-class institution, furthering knowledge of Nepali culture, local training and education, and economic development,” said Moon.
This news is very exciting. Kathmandu valley is renowned in the world for it exuberant temples, palaces and monuments; and is also known as ‘The land of temples’. The valley has three districts: Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur (Patan) which were historically separate states ruled by different kings. That is the reason why each one has its own ‘Durbar Square’ filled with majestic palaces and artistic temples. In addition, the citizens inhabiting the valley as well as the rulers themselves always respected and recognized different religions. That is why there is a huge number of Buddhist monasteries along with the Hindu temples in the valley. It is so interesting to see that most of the temples have mini-’Stupa’s (Stupa is the name for a Buddhist temple architecture) inside their premises and vice versa.
Preservation of such historically as well as culturally important assets is not only valuable but also very important. At a time when the country is all geared up towards national unity and a brand new constitution, such efforts from the international community is remarkably supportive.
There are scores of reasons to Get In Nepal. I absolutely loved this well constructed video by Nexus Nepal which talks about exploring Nepal and the things to do while in there. It gives you the perfect insight of the country nicely coupled with a good amount of information on each of the major local attractions.
Located in a unique geographical location and adorned with a mesmerizing topography, Nepal is a culturally rich and naturally blessed country. It gives you a glimpse into your soul in the solitude of the Himalayas, in a mystical land with the light of fire and faith in the adobe of Gods. Nepal is a country where the heritage and tradition runs deep and where the culture is frozen in time and space.
Swayambhunath
Nepal – The birth Place of Lord Buddha is blessed with a mystical heritage including mustard fields, paddy fields, lush green tea gardens, pristine lakes, holy land together with an amazing wealth of wild life including Royal Bengal Tiger and one horned Rhinoceros.
Natural Beauties include Mt. Everest: the Worlds’ Highest Peak, eight of the fourteen highest peaks, thirty five percent of the land covered by forest, thick tropical jungles, 848 species of birds, 319 types of exotic orchids, 500 species of butterfly, natural treasure trove and extremely varied landscape.
Cultural Mysteries include 93 ethnic group, 103 spoken languages and dialects, 3000 temples, monasteries and lamasteries, and thousands of monuments.
Grand And Ancient Architecture with as many temples as houses, as many gods as people, where religion is a way of life, more festivals than days in a year, ever smiling Nepali faces, the melting point of Hinduism and Buddhism among the others.
Artifacts par Excellence Kumari: the worlds’ only living goddess. Kathmandu city (capital of Nepal) of temples and chiming bells. Patan, city of Fine Arts. Bhaktapur, city of devotees. Pashupatinath Nepal’s most sacred hindu shrine. Janaki Temple where Lord Ram married Sita.
And all this within a very small stretch of land. Nepal is one the smallest countries in the world but does not have a boundary of the treasures it possesses. True to its cultural principles, “atithi devo bhawa”: you will find Nepal and the Nepalese people with greatest hospitality and gratitude towards you. You will discover even more once you start getting more into Nepal.
It is the time of the year to wish every one a very Happy Deepawali/ Diwali.
It is one of the biggest festival for Hindus and is also known as “festival of lights”. It is celebrated for five continuous days in Nepal. The third day is known as “Laxmi Puja” when we worship Cow, regarded as an incarnation of Goddess “Laxmi” representing Wealth. Hindus clean up their houses, yards, streets, shops and light them with electric lights and small oil-filled earthen pots called “diyo”s, as well as garlands of beautiful Sayapatri, Supari flowers.
In similar way Matt Cutt from Google (head of Google’s Webspam team) also wished a Happy Diwali.
And on the final day Hindus, especially people from Nepal exchange “tika” and blessings between brothers and sisters. The day is renowned as “Bhai-Tika / Bhai-Teeka”. On this auspicious day, sisters pray for their brothers’ prosperous long life from Yama Raj, god of death. In return brothers’ vow to always take good care of their sisters. Relatives are invited and sisters and brothers exchange gifts in return.
