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NEPAL
THE BIGGEST NATURAL MUSEUM IN THE WORLD
BACKGROUND:
In 1951, the Nepalese monarch ended the century-old system of
rule by hereditary premiers and instituted a cabinet system of
government. Reforms in 1990 established a multiparty democracy
within the framework of a constitutional monarchy. A Maoist
insurgency, launched in 1996, has gained traction and is
threatening to bring down the regime. In 2001, the Crown
Prince massacred ten members of the royal family, including
the king and queen, and then took his own life. In October
2002, the new king dismissed the prime minister and his
cabinet for "incompetence" after they dissolved the
parliament and were subsequently unable to hold elections
because of the ongoing insurgency. The country is now governed
by the king and his appointed cabinet, which has negotiated a
cease-fire with the" Maoist
insurgents", until elections can be held at some unspecified
future date.
Nepal is one of the richest countries in the world in terms of
bio-diversity due to its unique geographical position and
latitudinal variation. The elevation of the country ranges
from 60m above sea level to the highest point on earth, Mt.
Everest at 8,848m, all within a distance of 150 km with
climatic conditions ranging from subtropical to artic. The
wild (this huge) variation fosters an incredible variety of ecosystems, the greatest mountain range on earth,
thick tropical jungles teeming with a wealth of wildlife,
thundering rivers, forested hills and frozen valleys. |
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| FACTS: |
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Land boundaries: |
Total: 2,926 km |
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Border countries: |
China 1,236 km, India 1,690 km |
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| Area: |
147,181 sq.km |
| Geography: |
Situated between China in the north and India in
the South |
| Capital: |
KATHMANDU |
| Population: |
22 Million |
| Currency: |
Nepalese Rupee (approximately US$ 1 equals Rs.
76.0) |
| Religion: |
Nepal enjoys the distinction of being the only
Hidnu kingdom in the world. However, there is a harmonious
blending of Hinduism and Buddhism. |
| Climate: |
Nepal has four major seasons, namely, Winter-
December- February, Spring- March-May, Summer- June- August
Autumn: September-November |
| People: |
Nepal has more than 61 ethnic groups and 70
spoken Languages |
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| FESTIVALS: |
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NAVAVARSHA : (April)
Nepali new year's day usually falls in the second week of
April. |
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BAISAKH POORNIMA : (April)
As Nepal is the birth place of Lord Buddha, the Light of Asia,
the triple anniversary of the Buddha's birth, enlighten- ment
and death is observed with many colorful ceremonies on this
day. People celebrate the occasion with great veneration
paying homage to Buddha at places like Swayambhunath,
Baudhanath and Lumbini.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/buddhajayanti.html |
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GAIJATRA (Cow Festival):
(July-August)
It is a carnival that last eight days. Dancing, singing,
comedy and anything that causes mirth and laughter are its
highlights.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/gaijatra.html |
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DASHAIN or DURGA PUJA:
(September- October)
The Dashain festival is the most important festival of the
Nepalese. The entire country is in enthusiastic holiday mood
at the time of the festival.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/dashain.html |
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TIHAR (DEPAWALI):
(October-November)
Known as the Festival of Lights, Tihar is celebrated for five
days. Houses are illuminated at night and special sweets of
different varieties are prepared.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/tihar.html |
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LOSHAR: (February)
Tibetan New year, celebrated by all Himalyan people. Songs and
dances are and on this day devotees throng Bouddhanath in
Kathmandu for celebration and worship.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/shivaratri.html |
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FAGUN PURNIMA (Holi)
The ancient Hindu festival of Holi falls on late February or
on early March. Allegedly named after the mythical demoness
Holika, it is a day when the feast of colours is celebrated.
The festival is of a week. However, it's only the last day
that is observed by all with colours.
http://www.nepalhomepage.com/society/festivals/fagupurnima.html |
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FOOD:
The national dish is daal bhaat, boiled rice (bhaat) with a
thin lentil sauce (daal), accompanied by curried vegetables (tarkaari)
and possibly a dab of pungent pickle (achaar). In rice-growing
areas daal bhaat is eaten twice a day, the first meal at
around 10:30 a.m. and the second shortly after sunset. Sweet,
milky tea and snacks like beaten or popped rice, flat bread,
or curried potatoes tide the hungry over until mealtime.
Ethnic groups have their own specialties, but basically it's
all subsistence food most Nepalese eat with the right hand,
though urban diners have adopted silverware. Metal spoons are
said to ruin the flavor of food and to make you thinner--not a
good thing. Daal bhaat is often served on a gleaming steel
platter divided into compartments; add the daal and other
condiments to the
rice in the main compartment, a little at a time, knead the
resulting mixture into mouth-sized balls with the right hand,
then push it off the fingers into your mouth with the thumb. |
Tibetan Culture
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