Vibrant Culture of Beautiful Nepal by Srimal Fernando ( Published by Daily Mirror)

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(Source :  DailyMirror Life Page C 2)

Vibrant Culture of Beautiful Nepal 

Monday, 30 January 2012 00:21

By Srimal Fernando

The Himalayan Kingdom of Nepal with its beautiful landscapes had long been known world over for its majestic Everest Mountain, the highest mountain peak on the planet, Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Gautama Buddha and for  the world renowned kukri-wielding Gorkah warriors who are reputed for winning many battles .

Nepal is famous for its extraordinary scenic beauty and salubrious climate and is known  as  “the Land of Paradise”. Nepal is a landlocked country in the Himalayan Mountains and share borders with India and China. Of the world’s fourteen high peaks, the country has eight that include Mount Everest. The countrymen call it  Sagara –Matha. It is 8850 meters above sea level. The Himalayan Mountain range in the country has more than hundred snow-laden peaks rising above seven thousand meters.

Wildlife in the country is as diverse as its landscape, ranging from the famous Royal Bengal Tigers in the Baridia, Shiva-puri national park to the one-horned Rhinoceros in Chitwan National Park and the Himalayan black bears loitering in the Himalayan foothills.

Many of the countries lakes are considered sacred and have religious significance in the social lifestyle of the communities living near them. Nepal’s cultural mosaic is marked by many different cultures, but many have lasting influence on the country’s culture. The culture of the county is composite and over centuries had assimilated the influences of the two main religions of the Indian sub continent, the Hinduism and Buddhism.

The city of Lumbini the birthplace of Lord Buddha is located in the south-western side of the country .It is another heritage attraction. It was once an extensive centre of Buddhist culture. This world heritage site is a place of pilgrimage for millions of Buddhists from all over the world.  “Hidbhudhejate Shakyamuniti” which means “Lord Gautama Buddha was born here” is mentioned in the Asoka pillar of Lumbini erected by King Asoka  . The Nepalese Government has declared 2012 as Visit Lumbini Year .

As the most populous cosmopolitan city of Nepal, Kathmandu known as the ‘City of Temples’ is situated amidst a splendid panorama in the bowl shaped Kathmandu Valley. Kathmandu is the most vibrant city in the country with number of buildings and fair assortment of other country style houses. It has a vibrant cultural life crowded with a   legacy of a rich cultural past .There is no end to the breath-taking sites visitors can see in this city. Among its highest-esteemed attractions is the Durbar Square nestled in the heart of the city.It was the ancient seat of the Nepalese Royalty. The entire palace complex named after a monkey god called Hanuman. The best-known Bouddha-nath stupa on a three tiered platform is one of the most recognizable tourist spots that attract thousands of visitors every day. Swoyambhu-nath located on a 360 steps hillock is the world’s largest Shiva temple. The Pashupati-nath temples is another  prominent land marks in the city. Shopping is undoubtedly an attraction in itself as choices and variety for items here is incalculable.