Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepali life which shapes the diverse traditions and rituals followed by people. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal, and religion is not just a set of beliefs and accompanying rituals handed down from generation to generation; rather it is a complex intermingling of traditions, festivals, faiths and doctrines that have permeated every strata of Nepali society.
Religious traditions and rituals guide every important event in the life of a person from cradle to pyre. These rituals differ from community to community and different ritual experts have different roles in these rituals. A new born child undergoes Chaithi Nwaran, the naming ceremony (6thday of birth), and Annaprasan, the rice-feeding ceremony (5th or 6th months after birth depending on whether the baby is a girl or boy). The ‘coming of age’ ceremony (gufa rakhney for Newar girls at pre-puberty stage or gifting of Guneu-cholo– a set of adult female dresses); and the Bratabandha or Upanayana ceremony for boys is performed before he reaches teenage when his head is shaved and given the ceremonial loin-cloth and sacred thread to wear. Marriage ceremony contains very elaborate rituals that go on for more than a day. On the death of a person, funeral rites are performed by the family.
Nepali Bride-Groom
Photo Source URL: http://globalpressinstitute.org/sites/default/files/styles/520×265/public/GPINews_Nepal_YKK_Early%20Marriage%201.jpg
http://nepal.saarctourism.org/nepal-culture.html
Sharma, Rashmi. Nepal and SAARC. New Delhi: Regal Publications, 2007.
Cultural Treasures of Nepal. Nepal Tourism Board.2009.
For more information: http://www.npr.org/blogs/pictureshow/2013/02/26/172983863/in-hindu-ritual-nepali-women-are-banished-once-a-month
http://chhayakhanal.com/culture/hindu-funeral-cremation-death-rituals/
