Nepal is the meeting place of two religions, Hinduism and Buddhism, two races, Caucasoid and Mongoloid and two civilizations Indic and Sinic. The population has a variety of ethnic groups each with its different identification. Polygamy is still practiced in some areas of the Nepal although government banned it in the sixties.

When you enter Nepalese homes, it is polite to Take off your shoes. While some westernized Nepalese might not be doing it, the best thing is to watch what others are doing. Many Hindu temples do not permit westerners to enter but they are allowed to watch from outside. Always walk clockwise around Buddhist stupas, chortens or mani walls. Everybody must take off their shoes and any items made from leather such as belts and bags before entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple.

Neither Public displays of affection are accepted nor swim naked in rivers or lakes. In the northern hill area, polyandry, the custom of a wife having more than one husband, was also practiced till now. On the other hand, the Gurung Ethnic group has an institution called Rodihgar intended to bring people together before they contemplate marriage. Widow re-marriage is not socially accepted in most groups. An ethnic group such as Brahmins is prohibited for drinking alcohol and sometimes follows vegetarian. The Sherpa's have a really free and easy moral code.    

Festival and Holiday

Government office hour is 10 am to 5 pm. On Saturday and Sunday in Kathmandu government offices (including Immigration) and embassies are closed. Banks are mostly open on Sundays and a few are open on Saturday mornings, even as you can always use the cash machines as they don't close, although they have habit of running out of money some times. Souvenir shopping and sight seen are possible every day.

Nepal is land of colorful festivals and these are celebrated with passion, and it is said that there is no day with out festival. Dates are generally determined by the lunar calendar so it will fall on a different day each year. The following will be of particular interest to visitors.

Dasain (Bijaya Dasami):-
This is the biggest and most widely celebrated national Hindu festival in Nepal, normally falling in early October. It begins with Ghatsthapana. Of the two full weeks of celebrations, the 8th, 9th and 10th are the most exciting and auspicious days. The main deity worshipped during Dashain is Goddess Durga. On the 9th day, thousands of devotees visit Durga temples to worship her. The tenth day is climax day. People visit to seniors for Tika (blessings).
Tihar (Deepavali/Diwali):-
This is another Hindu festival celebrated in Nepal and as well as India and some other countries. This is the festival of lights which falls late October or early November. The celebrations continue for five days. It is an annual festival celebrated in the bright blue days of autumn. The festivals and Holidays begin with the worship of crow, followed by the worshiping of dogs on the 2nd day. On the 3rd day, Laxmi (the goddess of wealth) is worshipped. On the 5th day, Sisters worship their brothers. This is called Bhai Tika, and is a great day and the grand finale to Tihar.
Mani Rimdu: -
It is one of the most fascinating High Himalayan Buddhist festivals celebrated every year, usually in November. Tengboche, the world's highest monastery located in Solu Khumbu district of Nepal, is the main point for the celebration of this festival. The main attraction of this festival is the various masked dances of religious significance.
Losar: -
It is one of the greatest festivals of major importance to the Sherpas and people of Tibetan origin. It is celebrated every year around mid February. The focus of this festival centers its celebration of the Tibetan New Year. Many fascinating rituals and celebrations are observed in Boudha and in Tibetan settlements such as the Tibetan Refugee Camp at Jawlakhel, Patan, Pokhara.
Buddha Jayanti: -
The birth of Lord Buddha celebrated in the first week of May.
Shiva Ratri: -
Shivaratri or the night of Lord Shiva is celebrated in March. It is celebrated in honor of Lord Shiva. A great religious fair takes places in the Pashupatinath Temple and thousands of people from all over Nepal and India visit the temple.

Other then these main festivals and holidays, Nepal has lot of small festivals such as New Year's Day, Matatirtha Aaunsi, Rath Yatra, Ghanta Kharna, Guru Poornima, Naga Panchami, Janai Purnia, Gaijatra, Krishna Asthami, Indra Jatra, Constitution Day, Ghode Jatra, Prithivi Jayanti, National Democracy Day etc.