Nepalis are known for their devotion and their calm, friendly manner. Even in the poorest village, simple houses are decorated with painted signs and symbols. The notes below will help you feel at ease; the best way to understand them is to come and see.
Dress
Women often wear the sari or the kurta suruwal, a long tunic over trousers. Men may wear the traditional daura suruwal and the topi, the Nepali cap. Hand-woven cloth and Tibetan dress in the mountains add to the variety.
Greetings
The usual greeting is to press the palms together and say “Namaste”. A sideways tilt of the head often means yes rather than no. Touching the feet of an elder with the forehead is the deepest sign of respect, kept for family occasions.
Among the Newars, girls go through the Ihi ceremony, a symbolic marriage to the god Vishnu represented by a bel fruit, so that they can never truly be widowed.
What to keep in mind
- Ask before entering a Hindu temple; many are open to Hindus only.
- Don't touch offerings or statues, and don't climb on monuments for photos.
- Beef is not eaten by Hindus; the cow is sacred.
- Avoid physical contact when greeting, especially with women.
- Dress modestly: shoulders and knees covered at religious sites.
- Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
- Ask before photographing people.
- Take off your shoes before entering temples and homes, and don't step over people's legs.
- Don't point your feet at people or touch things with your feet.
- Don't share food from your plate or with your used cutlery; food touched by someone else's mouth is considered impure (jutho).
- Walk clockwise around temples and stupas.