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Geography:-
:-:-
 
A landlocked country the
size of Arkansas, lying between India and the Tibetan
Autonomous Region of China, Nepal contains Mount Everest
(29,035 ft; 8,850 m), the tallest mountain in the world.
Along its southern border, Nepal has a strip of level
land that is partly forested, partly cultivated. North
of that is the slope of the main section of the
Himalayan range, including Everest and many other peaks
higher than 8,000 m. Top
INTRODUCTION:-
Nepal, officially known,
according to its Interim Constitution, as the State of
Nepal (previously known as Kingdom of Nepal) is a
landlocked Himalayan country in South Asia. It is
bordered by China (Tibet) to the north and by India
(Bihar, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand) to the
south, east and west.For a small territory,
the Nepali landscape is uncommonly diverse, ranging from
the humid Terai in the south to the lofty Himalayas in
the north. Eight of the world's ten highest mountains
are in Nepal, including Mount Everest. The country is
famous for: tourism, trekking, hiking, camping, mountain
biking, national wildlife parks, jungle safaris, river
rafting, sport fishing, and its many beautiful temples
and places of worship.
Kathmandu is the capital
and largest city. Other main cities include Dharan,
Thimi, Pokhara, Biratnagar, Lalitpur (Patan), Bhaktapur.
other main towns includes Birendranagar, Bharatpur,
Nepal, Siddhartanagar (Bhairahawa), Birganj (Birgunj),
Butwal, Janakpur, Nepalganj (Nepalgunj), Hetauda, Damak,
Dhangadhi, and Mahendranagar.
After a long and rich
history, during which the region splintered and
coalesced under a variety of absolute rulers, Nepal
became a constitutional monarchy in 1990. However, the
monarchy retained many important and ill-defined powers.
This arrangement was marked by increasing instability,
both in the parliament and, since 1996, in large swathes
of the country that have been fought over by Maoist
insurgents. The Maoists, alienated from mainstream
political parties, went underground and started a
guerrilla war against both monarchy and mainstream
political parties. They have sought to overthrow feudal
institutions, including the monarchy, and establish a
Maoist state.
This led to the Nepalese
Civil War in which more than 15,000 people have died.
After the intra-party conflict within the ruling Nepali
Congress (NC) on the issue of continuation of state of
emergency to deal with Maoist insurgents, then prime
minister Sher Bahadur Deuba recommended the king for the
dissolution of lower house seeking a fresh mandate in
2002. The king accepted his recommendation and dissolved
the house as per the constitution. Later on, Deuba
recommended the king for the postponement of the
parliamentary election on the pretext of insecurity due
to the Maoist insurgency. Then the king sacked Deuba in
2002 on the grounds of not able to hold elections and
started ruling through prime ministers appointed by him.
He then unilaterally declared a state of emergency early
in 2005 and assumed all executive powers.Following the 2006
democracy movement, the king agreed to relinquish the
sovereign power back to the people and reinstated the
dissolved House of Representatives on April 24, 2006.
Using its newly acquired sovereign authority, on May 18,
2006, the newly resumed House of Representatives
unanimously passed a motion to curtail the power of the
king and declared Nepal a secular state. As of
September, 2006, a complete rewrite of the constitution
was still expected to happen in the near future.
As of July 2007, many of
Nepal's new political leaders, including the former
Maoist rebels, now want the monarchy abolished. The
former king has already lost his powers as head of state
and head of the army and the government has decided to
stop paying all allowances. Multi partysystem prevails
in Nepal. Top
History:-
 The first civilizations
in Nepal, which flourished around the 6th century B.C.,
were confined to the fertile Kathmandu Valley where the
present-day capital of the same name is located. It was
in this region that Prince Siddhartha Gautam was born
c. 563 B.C. Gautam achieved enlightenment as Buddha and
spawned Buddhist belief.
Nepali rulers' early
patronage of Buddhism largely gave way to Hinduism,
reflecting the increased influence of India, around the
12th century. Though the successive dynasties of the
Gopalas, the Kiratis, and the Licchavis expanded their
rule, it was not until the reign of the Malla kings from
1200–1769 that Nepal assumed the approximate
dimensions of the modern state.
The kingdom of Nepal was
unified in 1768 by King Prithvi Narayan Shah, who had
fled India following the Moghul conquests of the
subcontinent. Under Shah and his successors Nepal's
borders expanded as far west as Kashmir and as far east
as Sikkim (now part of India). A commercial treaty was
signed with Britain in 1792 and again in 1816 after more
than a year of hostilities with the British East India
Company.
In 1923, Britain
recognized the absolute independence of Nepal. Between
1846 and 1951, the country was ruled by the Rana family,
which always held the office of prime minister. In 1951,
however, the king took over all power and proclaimed a
constitutional monarchy. Mahendra Bir Bikram Shah became
king in 1955. After Mahendra died of a heart attack in
1972, Prince Birendra, at 26, succeeded to the throne.
In 1990, a pro-democracy
movement forced King Birendra to lift the ban on
political parties. The first free election in three
decades provided a victory for the liberal Nepali
Congress Party in 1991, although the Communists made a
strong showing. A small but growing Maoist guerrilla
movement, seeking to overthrow the constitutional
monarchy and install a Communist government, began
operating in the countryside in 1996.
On June 1, 2001, King
Birendra was shot and killed by his son, Crown Prince
Dipendra. Angered by his family's disapproval of his
choice of a bride, he also killed his mother and several
other members of the royal family before shooting
himself. Prince Gyanendra, the younger brother of King
Birendra, was then crowned king.
King Gyanendra dismissed
the government in October 2002, calling it corrupt and
ineffective. He declared a state of emergency in
November and ordered the army to crack down on the
Maoist guerrillas. The rebels intensified their
campaign, and the government responded with equal
intensity, killing hundreds of Maoists, the largest toll
since the insurgency began in 1996. In Aug. 2003, the
Maoist rebels withdrew from peace talks with the
government and ended a cease-fire that had been signed
in Jan. 2003. The following August, the rebels blockaded
Kathmandu for a week, cutting off shipments of food and
fuel to the capital.
King Gyanendra fired the
entire government in Feb. 2005 and assumed direct power.
Many of the country's politicians were placed under
house arrest, and severe restriction on civil liberties
were instituted. In Sept. 2005, the Maoist rebels
declared a unilateral cease-fire, which ended in Jan.
2006. In April, massive pro-democracy protests organized
by seven opposition parties and supported by the Maoists
took place. They rejected King Gyanendra's offer to hand
over executive power to a prime minister, saying he
failed to address their main demands: the restoration of
parliament and a referendum to redraft the constitution.
Days later, as pressure mounted and the protests
intensified, King Gyanendra agreed to reinstate
parliament. The new parliament quickly moved to diminish
the king's powers. In May, it voted unanimously to
declare Nepal a secular nation and strip the king of his
authority over the military.
The Maoist rebels and the
government signed a landmark peace agreement in November
2006, ending the guerrillas 10-year insurgency that
claimed some 12,000 people. In March 2007, the Maoists
achieved another milestone when they joined the interim
government.
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General Information:-
Nepal
Land area: 52,819 sq mi
(136,801 sq km); total area: 54,363 sq mi (140,800 sq
km)
Population (2006 est.):
28,287,147 (growth rate: 2.2%); birth rate: 31.0/1000;
infant mortality rate: 65.3/1000; life expectancy: 60.2;
density per sq mi: 536
Capital and
largest city (2003 est.):
Kathmandu, 1,203,100 (metro. area), 729,000 (city
proper)
Other large cities:
Biratnagar, 174,600; Lalitpur, 169,100
Monetary unit: Nepalese
rupee
Languages:
Nepali
48% (official), Maithali 12%, Bhojpuri 7%, Tharu 6%,
Tamang 5%, others. English spoken by many in government
and business (2001)
Ethnicity/race:
Brahman-Hill 12.5%, Chetri 15.5%, Magar 7%, Tharu 6.6%,
Tamang 5.5%, Newar 5.4%, Muslim 4.2%, Kami 3.9%, Yadav
3.9%, other 32.7%, unspecified 2.8% (2001)
Religions:
Hindu
81%, Buddhist 11%, Islam 4%, Kirant 4% (2001)
Literacy rate: 45% (2003
est.)
Economic summary: GDP/PPP
(2005 est.): $42.26 billion; per capita $1,500. Real
growth rate: 2.5%. Inflation: 7.8% (Oct. 2005 est.).
Unemployment: 42% (2004 est.). Arable land: 16%.
Agriculture: rice, corn, wheat, sugarcane, root crops;
milk, water buffalo meat. Labor force: 10.4 million;
note: severe lack of skilled labor (2004 est.);
agriculture 76%, industry 6%, services 18%. Industries:
tourism, carpet, textile; small rice, jute, sugar, and
oilseed mills; cigarettes, cement and brick production.
Natural resources: quartz, water, timber, hydropower,
scenic beauty, small deposits of lignite, copper,
cobalt, iron ore. Exports: $822 million f.o.b. (2005
est.), but does not include unrecorded border trade with
India: carpets, clothing, leather goods, jute goods,
grain. Imports: $2 billion f.o.b. (2005 est.): gold,
machinery and equipment, petroleum products, fertilizer.
Major trading partners: India, U.S., Germany, China, UAE,
Saudi Arabia (2004).
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Nature:-
Nepal covers a span of
147,181 sq. kilometers ranging from altitude of 70
meters to 8,848 meters. Mountains, mid hills, valleys
and plains dominate the geography of landlocked Nepal
that extends from the Himalayan range in the north to
the Indo-Gangetic lowlands in south. Mt. Everest, the
highest point of the Himalayas is in Nepal.
Physical features also
include green paddy terraces, wind-swept deserts, dense
forests and marshy grasslands. The country is well
endowed with perennial rivers, lakes and glacial lakes
that originate in the Himalayas. Twenty percent of the
land in the country is used for agriculture, where 0.49
percent is used for permanent crops, mainly rice.
Climatic conditions of
Nepal vary from one place to another in accordance with
the geographical features. In
 the north summers are cool
and winters severe, while in south summers are sub
tropical and winters mild.
The variety in Nepal's
topography provides home to wildlife like tigers,
rhinos, monkeys, bears, yaks, leopards and different
species of insects and birds. Nepal is a home to almost
10 percent of the world's bird species among which 500
species are found in the Kathmandu Valley.
The country has managed
to preserve some endangered species of Asia in its
extensive parks and protected natural habitats. The most
abundant natural resource in Nepal is water. Other
resources found here are quartz, timber, lignite,
copper, cobalt, iron ore and scenic beauty.
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Chitwan:-
 Surrounding Chitwan
National Park in southern Nepal is one of the best
planned and most intelligently developed tourist areas
in Nepal. Not only does it offer a wide variety of
resorts and lodges, it is also easy to reach - by road
or by air. Regular flights are scheduled by Nepal
Airlines and other airlines to Meghauli, Simara and
Bharatpur. Many resorts provide coach service. Local
buses offer a choice between a night ride and a day
ride. Chitwan National Park is perhaps the best park in
Nepal for seeing animals in the wild. In the earlier
part of the century, when rapid deforestation was
devastating Nepal's southern Terai belt, Government of
Nepal intervened and proclaimed the Chitwan area a
national park. The Government of Nepal declared the
Chitwan region a national park, outlawed settlement and
deforestation within its boundaries, and a campaign to
save the animals began. Projects carried out with the
help of friendly nations have revived the animals that
remained. Though the Terai is certainly not what it once
was, the preserved portion within the Chitwan National
Park is still a treat for animal lovers. Bengal tigers
roam the region; one-horned rhinos can be seen charging
through the underbrush, feeding and even courting. The
Rapti River has been dammed to form a man-made lake
called Lamital where water-birds and marsh mugger
peckers and many other birds are found in plenty in
these forests. Elephant grass, five to six feet tall,
provides excellent camouflage for animals. This grass
serves as food for the gaur (a local bison), rhino and
other herbivores. Once a year, local people are allowed
into the park area to cut grass. The grass is dried, and
used to thatch roofs or stored for food for the domestic
animals during the dry season. Access : Chitwan is
easily accessible from Kathmandu, being well connected
by a national highway to Bhadrapur and Sauraha. There
are daily flights to Meghauli airstrip just outside the
park boundry. Accomodation : Resorts and lodges are
available to suit one's travel budget; most include
elephant safaris, jungle walks, canoeing and a variety
of cultural activities in their programs. Reservations
for accommodations can be made at the Kathmandu offices
of Chitwan resorts and lodges, with selections ranging
from the most luxurious to those with simple food and
shelter. On a village tour, you can observe the culture
of the Tharu people. Tharu dance and song performances
are included in most resort and lodge entertainment. A
visit to Chitwan is a visit filled to the brim with
activities, whether you stay two days or a week
Nepal's first and most
famous national park is situated in the Chitwan Doon or
the lowlands of the Inner Terai. Covering an area of 932
sq km. the park includes hilly areas of the Siwalik
Range covered by deciduous sal forest. One fifth of the
park is made up of the floodplains of the Narayani,
Rapti, and the Reu Rivers and is covered by dense tall
elephant grass interspersed with riverine forests of
silk cotton (kapok), acacia and sisam trees. This
ecologically diverse area is the last remaining home in
Nepal for more than 300 of the endangered Asian
one-horned rhinoceros and harbors one of the largest
populations of the elusive and rare Bengal tiger.
Besides rhino and tiger, Chitwan also supports a great
variety of flora and fauna. There are four species of
deer, including the spotted chittal, leopard, sloth
bear, wild boar, rhesus monkey, grey langur monkey, wild
dog, small wild cats, the white stockinged gaur (the
world's largest wild cattle) and many other smaller
animals. The swampy areas and numerous oxbow lakes of
Chitwan provide a home for marsh crocodiles. In a
stretch of the Narayani river is found one of the few
remaining populations of the rare and endangered
fish-only eating gharial, or Gangetic crocodile. Here
also is found one of the world's four species of
freshwater dolphins. For the ornithologist and the
amateur bird-watcher the park offers excellent
possibilities with more than 450 species recorded. Some
of the resident specialities are several species of
woodpeckers, hornbills, Bengal florican, and red-headed
trogons. Winter birds such as waterfowl, Brahminy duck,
pintails and bareheaded geese, amongst many other cold
weather visitors are drawn by the sanctuary of the
park's rivers. In the summer the forest is alive with
nesting migrants such as the fabulous paradise
flycatcher, the Indian pitta and parakeets.
Entry Fee Per Person Per
Day:
For Nepalese Nationals,
Rs. 20/-
For SAARC Nationals, Rs.
200/-
For Other Foreign
Nationals, Rs. 500/-
Top
N ote:
Entrance fee not required
for children under 10 yearsPark
Entrance fees is
regulated by Department of National Parks and Wildlife
Conservation (Phone: 4220850). Entrance fees for
mountain National Parks can be paid at ACAP counter
(Phone: 4222406) at Sanchaykosh building in Thamel,
Kathmandu, or at the Park gate. For other National Parks
entrance fees are to be paid at the Park gate
Access:
Chitwan is easily
accessible from Kathmandu, being well connected by a
national highway to Bharatpur and to Sauraha. There are
daily fights from October through May to Meghauli
airstrip just outside the park boundary. Another
exciting alternative is a two to three day raft trip
down the Trishuli river to Narayanghat or directly into
the western edge of the park.
 Visitors can stay in one
of the several lodges and camps inside or outside the
park. Visitors can actively participate in exciting
stalks through the forest looking for animals signs. One
unique Chitwan experience is elephant back safaris in
search of the one-horned rhinoceros, leopard, deer,
bear, monkey and crocodile. Few visitors can ever forget
the excitement of crashing through 20 feet high elephant
grass and sightseeing wildlife. Apart from elephant
safaris, the traveller will be happily occupied for
several days with nature walks, canoe rides down the
park rivers, and land-over drives through the forest.
Royal Chitwan National
Park is home to the great one horned rhinoceros, sloth
bear, wild boar, gaur (bison), 4 species of deer, 2
species of monkeys, 2 species of crocodiles, leopard the
elusive Bengal Tiger and over 450 species of birds and
various other reptiles. It is listed in the world
heritage site. Apart from jungle safari, there are many
places which are quite interesting to visit: Elephant
Breeding Centre, Crocodile Farm etc.
Jungle Safari: One can go
for a jungle safari on elephant back so that s/he can
penetrate deep into the jungle for viewing and
photographing wildlife or for a jungle walk to
experience the abundant bird-life and the flora and
fauna of the Park. If you are lucky, you may see the
elusive Bengal Tiger.
Birdwatching: The Chitwan
National Park is a World Heritage Site that protects 932
square kilometres of dry deciduous forest, tropical
evergreen forest and riverine grasslands. A larger
number of bird species (over 480) has been recorded here
than in any other part of Nepal due to Chitwan’s
diverse habitats and tropical lowland situation.
Boat tour: to watch a
Gharial: Take a drive through the jungles followed by a
boat ride down the Narayani river where there are
excellent chances of viewing the gharial crocodiles as
well as mugger crocodiles, fresh water dolphins, otters
and varieties of water birds, or go on a nature walk.
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Climate and Rainfall
of Nepal :-
Nepal has four distinct
seasons. Spring, from March to May is warm and dusty
with rain showers. Summer, from June to August, is the
monsoon season when the hills turn lush and green.
Autumn, from September to November, is cool with clear
skies, and is the most popular trekking season. In
winter from December to February, it is cold at night
and can be foggy in the early morning but afternoons are
usually clear and pleasant, though there is occasional
snow in the mountains.
Weather condition in
Nepal vary from region to region. Summer and late spring
temperatures range from more than 40 Degrees Celsius in
the Terai to about 28 Degrees Celsius in the hilly
region of the country. In winter, average maximum and
minimum temperatures in the Terai range from a mild 23
Degrees Celsius to a brisk 7 Degrees Celsius while the
central valleys experience a chilly 12 Degrees Celsius
maximum temperature and a minimum temperature often
falling below freezing point.
Much colder temperatures
prevail at higher elevations. The Katmandu Valley
situated at an altitude of 1310m, has a seasonable but
equable climate with average summer and winter
temperatures of 27 Degrees Celsius to 19 Degrees Celsius
and 20 Degrees Celsius to 2 Degrees Celsius
respectively. The annual rainfall in Katmandu generally
exceeds 1300mm. The mean annual precipitation ranges
from more than 6000mm along the southern slopes of the
Annapurna range in central Nepal to less than the 250mm
in the north central portion near the Tibetan plateau.
Amounts varying between 1500 and 2500mm predominate over
most of the country. On an average, about 80% of the
precipitation is confined to the monsoon period
(June-September).
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Country Profile:-
Situated in the lap of
the Himalayas, Nepal is located between the latitude
26*22' to 30*27' North and longitude 80*4' E to 88*12'
East, and elevation ranges from 90 to 8848 meters. The
average length being 885 km east to west and the average
breadth is 193 km from north to south. The country is
bordering between the two most populous countries in the
world, India in the East, South, and West, and China in
the North. Nepal is a land locked country and home place
of natural beauty with traces of artifacts. The Northern
range (Himalayas) is covered with snow over the year
where the highest peak of the world, the Mount Everest,
stands. The middle range (Hill) is captured by gorgeous
mountains, high peaks, hills, valleys and lakes.
Southern range (Terai) is the gangaitic plain of
alluvial soil and consist of dense forest area, national
parks, wildlife reserves and conservation areas. The
temperature and rainfall differ from place to place. In
the geographic diversity and varied climatic conditions
23.2 million people of more than 60 caste/ethnic groups
are accommodated in the country. Nepal presents an
example of being united in diversity over the history
and has maintained it's pride as being an independent
sovereign state. There is constitutional monarchy where
people exercise right of adult franchise. The executive,
legislative and judiciary bodies function and exercise
their rights independently. There is two tier system of
legislation, the upper house, called the Rastriya Sabha,
consists of 60 members and the Lower House, called the
Pratinidhi Sabha is the house of Representatives for
which members are elected from 205 electoral
constituency distributed in 75 districts of the country.
The elected Prime Minister heads the government.
Geographically, the
country is divided in three regions; Mountain, Hill and
Terai accommodating 7.44 and 49 % of the population
respectively. Based on area of districts these regions
constitute 35, 42 and 23% of the total land area. There
are 5 development regions and 75 administrative
districts. Districts are further divided into smaller
units, called Village Development committee (VDC) and
Municipality.
Currently, there are 3914
VDCs and 58 Municipalities in the country. Each VDC is
composed of 9 wards, Municipality ward ranges from 9 to
35. Kathmandu is the capital city.There are number of
peaks, rivers and lakes in the country.
Nepal is the member of
the United Nations and has established diplomatic
relation with 113 (Jun 2001) countries of the world.
Major export commodities are paste, Pulses, oil Cake,
Catechu, Jute good Sacking, Twins, Carpets (Hand knitted
wollen), Readymade garments, handicrafts, ginger.
Economic growth of the
country has not improved markedly over time to over take
population growth. As the country estimated population
growth is 2.3 per annum, the gain achieved by
developmental activities has been concealed by growing
population. Little over half (57%)of the population of
working age reported economically active in 1991 and
among them 81% were engaged in agricultural activities.
Contribution of non-agricultural activities are
gradually increasing in the GDP. Per capita GDP is
estimated in the order of US $ 240 (preliminary
estimate) for 2000/01. The currency is Nepalese Rupee.
* District Profile
Total Area of The Kingdom
1,47,181 Sq.Km.
Total Agricultural
Holdings (1991) 25,98,970 Ha.
Provisional Population
2001
Total 2,32,14,681
Male 1,15,87,547
Female
1,16,27,134
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POPULAR CITIES OF
NEPAL:-
 The capital city,
Kathmandu is enriched with temples more than homes and
festivals exceeding the number of days in a year. The
whole valley with its seven heritage sites has been
enlisted in cultural World Heritage Site list. The
place, which blends cultural vigor with modern
facilities possible on earth is place liked by tourists
been here. The place has more to offer and it is not
only administrative capital of the country but to the
fullest extend capital of traditional culture and
physical resources. Three Durbar Squares - Kathmandu,
Patan and Bhaktapur, Pashupatinath, Bouddhanath,
Swoyambhunath and Changunarayan are the places most
revered by the Kathmanduities and whole world.
Kathmandu is not big when
one compares it to other cities in South Asia. Kathmandu
is a fascinating old city today where pagodas, narrow
cobbled lanes, old carved windows, and stone shrines are
backdrops to the drama of life that continues
unhindered. Here the experiences are amazing, views
fascinating, and the climate charming.
There are living
Goddesses whose smiles are a benediction. There are
reincarnate Lamas who foresee the future with a roll of
dice and scriptural reference. There are walks that lead
the adventurous to legendary places where ogres once
lived. There are hidden gardens behind palaces yet
unseen and courtyards where miracles happen, and a city
the Buddha visited.
The natural beauty of
Pokhara in Midwestern Nepal is simply bewitching.
Forming the backdrop are the spectacular Annapurna
Mountains with the magnificent fish-tailed Machhapuchhre
dominating the scene. Adding to Pokhara's enchantment
are the three serene lakes of Phewa, Rupa and Begnas.
Lumbini, in the southwest, is the birthplace of Lord
Buddha and a World Heritage Site. An inscription on the
Ashoka Pillar identifies the Sacred Garden as the place
where the Buddha was born. Lumbini has a number of
artistic temples and monasteries built through
international support.
UNESCO recalls Chitwan as
one of the few remaining undisturbed vestiges of the 'Terai'
region, which formerly extended over the foothills of
India and Nepal at the foot of the Himalayas. The
Chitwan National Park has been enlisted in natural World
Heritage Site. It has a particularly rich flora and
fauna. One of the last populations of single-horned
Asiatic rhinoceros lives in the park, which is also one
of the last refuges of the Bengal tiger.
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Festivals of Nepal
·
Mata Tirtha
Snan (Mother's Day)
This is one of the widely celebrated festivals that
falls on the first month, Baisakh (April/May), of the
Nepali Year.It is also called Mata Tirtha Aunsi as it
falls on a new moon night.
·
Buddha
Jayanti
This day is celebrated to mark the birthday of the Lord
Buddha which dates back in about 543 BC.It falls on
Jestha Purnima (Full moon night-May/June).
·
Ghanta Karna
Chaturdasi
This festival celebrates the exorcism of the mythical
demon Ghantakarna.It is also called Gathemangal festival
which falls on trayodashi of the month Shrawan
(July/August).
·
Janai
Purnima,Rakshya Bandhan,Khumbeshwor Mela Patan
Janai Purnima is the festival of Sacred Thread.On this
day every Hindu ties a sacred thread on the wrist.It is
also called Rakshya Bandhan.On this day, there is a big
Mela (fair) at Khumbeshwor, Lalitpur.It is again on a
full moon night.
·
Gaijatra
The festival of "Gai Jatra" (the procession of cows)
which is one of the most popular festivals, is generally
celebrated in the Nepalese month of Bhadra (August-September).This
festival has its roots in the belief that the god of
death, Yamaraj, must be feared and hence worshipped.
·
Shree
Krishna Janmastami
Sri Krishna Janmastami marks the celebration of the
birth of Lord Sri Krishna. This festival is also known
as Krishna Jayanti or Janmashtami. Lord Krishna is
regarded as the 8th avatar or 'incarnation' of Lord
Vishnu.It falls on Saptami of Bhadra (August/September).
·
Gokarna
Aunsi (Father's Day)
The most auspicious day to honour one's father is
Gokarna Aunsi . It falls on the dark fortnight of Bhadra
or in August or in early September.It is also known as
Kuse Aunsi.
·
Teej Ko
Darkhane Din
"Teej" is the fasting festival for women. Through this
religious fasting, hindu women pray for marital bliss,
wellbeing of their spouse and children and purification
of their own body and soul. It takes place on Tritiya of
Bhadra (August/September).
·
Indrajatra(Holiday Only in Kathmandu)
This festival falls in the end of Bhadra
(August/September). Both Hindus and Buddhists unite to
celebrate the festival of Indra Jatra with great
enthusiasm.
·
Dashain
Holidays
During the month of Kartik in the Bikram Sambat calendar
(late September and early October), the Nepalese people
indulge in the biggest festival of the year, Dashain.
Dashain is the longest and the most auspicious festival
in the Nepalese annual calendar, celebrated by Nepalese
of all caste and creed throughout the country. The
fifteen days of celebration occurs during the bright
lunar fortnight ending on the day of the full moon.
·
Tihar
Holidays
Tihar, the festival of lights is one of the most
dazzling of all Hindu festivals. In this festival we
worship Goddess Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth. It heralds
the month of Kartik (October/November) starting with
Kukur Puja-Narak Chaturdashi.
·
Maghe
Sankranti
Maghe Sankranti is the beginning of the holy month of
Magh, usually the mid of January. It brings an end to
the ill-omened month of Poush (mid-december) when all
religious ceremonies are forbidden. Even if it is
considered the coldest day of the year, it marks the
coming of warmer weather and better days of health and
fortune.
·
Shree
Panchami
This festival falls in mid Magh (January/February).It is
celebrated as the birthday of Saraswati, the Goddess of
Learning. She is the lily-white daughter of Shiva and
Durga in spotless white robe and seated in a full-blown
lotus.
This day is also dedicated to the martyrs of Nepal and
hence celebrated as Martyr's Day.
·
Maha Shiva
Ratri
This day is the celebration dedicated to the Lord Shiva
which falls on the Trayodashi of the month Fagun
(February/March).
·
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.
·
Ghode Jatra
Ghode Jatra, the Horse Racing Day falls on Darhsa Shrad
Aunsi of the month Chaitra (March/April). A grand horse
parade takes place at Tundikhel, the central point of
the city reputed to have been in the former days the
largest parade ground in Asia.
·
Shree Ram
Nawami
Ram Nawami is celebrated in the mid of Chaitra
(March/April) as Lord Ram's Birthday. It is celebrated
with much pomp at Janaki temple in Janakpur city, which
lies in southern Nepal.
·
Bagh Jatra
The Bagh Jatra of Pokhara is another cultural baggage
brought by Newars from Kathmandu, celebrated in early
august. The festival has been celebrated in Pokhara for
about 150 years. It expresses the people's joy at their
deliverance from a marauding tiger. On the first day,
people dress up like hunters and make an appearance
accompanied by musical bands. The next day is an
interlude devoted to the showing of comic programs. For
three days,the hunting party parades through different
parts of the town before "slaying" the beast to end the
festivities.
·
Bhairav Kumari Jatra
This is one of the major religious celebrations in
Dolkha, an historic town in north-eastern Nepal (133 km
from Kathmandu off the highway to Tibet). The festival
falls on early August; and consists of masked dances
that go on non-stop for five days. Escorted by musical
bands, dancers representing the deities Bhairav and
Kumari and other gods and goddesses swirl and sway
through Dolkha, visiting its many temples. On the
occasion, devotees also undergo fasting and worship
Bhairav and Kumari. The ceremony has a history going
back more than five centuries.
·
Chaite Dasain
Chaite Dasain used to be the original day of the grand
Dasain festival (which takes place exactly six months
later now), but because people got their stomachs upset
after feasting on spicy food during the warm month of
Chaitra, the grand celebration was shifted to the cooler
season. But the religious fervor is still evident in the
celebrations of the day.
·
Gaura Parva
Gaura Parva is another celebration honoring Lord
Krishna's birthday. It is celebrated in far western
Nepal with much gusto for two days (August/September).
Apart from the many ceremonies that happen during this
festival, it is the occasion for married women to put on
the sacred thread. The deuda dance is a major part of
the festivities in which participants hold hands and
form a circle as they step to traditional music.
·
Gunla
Gunla is a sacred month dedicated to Lord Buddha. This
festival commemorates the auspicious "rains retreat"
when the Buddha, over 2,500 years ago, led his close
disciples into solitary meditation and preached to them
the essence of his principles.
·
Guru Purnima
Teachers come second (after the gods) in the Hindu
hierarchy of respect. The full moon day of the month
June/July is set aside for students to pay homage to
their teachers and receive blessings from them in
return. At a place called Vyas on the Kathmandu-Pokhara
highway, special worship is performed to Maharishi Vyas,
the saint who wrote the great Hindu epic, Mahabharat.
For Buddhists, the occasion (Dilla Punhi) is sacred as
the day when the Buddha-to-be entered the womb of Queen
Mayadevi. Religious functions are held at monasteries
and temples to commemorate the event.
·
Lhosar
Lhosar is the Tibetan New Year which falls on
February/March. This festival is mast impressively
observed by all the Tibetan-speaking populations. They
organize folk songs and dances on this occasion. These
dances can be seen in Khumbu, Helambu and other northern
regions of Nepal and also at Boudhanath in Kathmandu.
·
Rato
Macchendranath Jatra
(Begins on the full moon day of Baisakh)This is the
longest as well as the most important festival of Patan.
It begins with several days of ceremonies and the
fabrication of a wooden-wheeled chariot at Pulchowk,
near the Ashoka Stupa.
·
Mani Rimdu
(Full moon of the 9th Tibetan month) Mani Rimdu is the
biggest event of the year for the Sherpas of the Khumbu
region. Sherpas from the Khumbu region congregate at
Thyangboche Gompa, the picturesque monastery situated on
a spur at 3,870 meters from where both Mt. Everest and
Ama Dablam can be seen.
·
Mata-yaa
Celebrated in mid-August Mata-yaa is one of Patan's
popular festivals. It consists of a day-long procession
of devotees going around the Buddhist courtyards of the
town and offering worship at the shrines there. Carrying
lighted tapers and joss sticks in their hands, Mata-yaa
participants rush in a meandering file and visit the
hundreds of Buddhist sites scattered all over Patan.
They toss rice grains, flowers and coins at the shrines
as they pass by. Some devotees wear elaborate and
amusing costumes. Musicians also take part in the
parade.
·
Neel Barahi Pyakhan
Neel Barahi Pyakhan is a sacred masked dance which is
shown over four days(August/September)in different parts
of Bode. Nineteen persons representing the town's
guardian pantheon take part in the dance performance.
Music is provided by a 27-piece traditional orchestra.
The ceremony invokes peace and harmony, and is dedicated
to the deity Neel Barahi whose temple is located in a
jungle outside Bode. Bode adjoins Thimi which is 8 km
east of Kathmandu.
·
Rath Yatra
Biratnagar in south-eastern Nepal brings out a
spectacular chariot procession to mark Lord Krishna's
birthday (August/September). The parade sets out from
the Radha Krishna temple and goes around the town. The
six-meter tall chariot carries the images of Krishna and
his consort Radha and is drawn by hordes of devotees.
The annual chariot festival was started in 1932 to
commemorate the building of a temple dedicated to
Krishna.
·
Sita Vivaha
Panchami
This festival, commemorating the marriage of Sita to
Ram, is particularly celebrated in Janakpur. Each year
in Janakpur, idols of Ram and sita are brought out in
bright processions and their Hindu wedding ceremony is
enacted.
·
Tamu Dhee
Tamu Dhee (also known as Trahonte) is a Gurung holiday
(august). Ceremonies are performed to purge the
neighborhood of evil spirits and to safeguard one's farm
and farm animals from hostile elements. The festival can
be observed in Pokhara. Groups of people beating on
different kinds of drums form a colorful procession and
make house-to-house visits. Participants with their
faces smeared with soot and wearing feather headdresses
parade through the town to drive away negative
influences and ensure peace and security.
·
Tansen Jatra
The hilltop town of Tansen in central Nepal exults in a
week-long festive spree beginning with Janai Purnima,
when Hindus change their sacred threads. The next day,
Gai Jatra is marked by parading figures of cows made of
bamboo and cloth. Ropai Jatra is the rice planting
ceremony and participants perform plowing and planting
acts on the streets. During Bagh Jatra, actors dressed
up like tigers and hunters march through town. Then
there are the parades. Images of Ganesh, Bhimsen and
Narayan are placed on palanquins and carried around
Tansen. The celebrations climax on August 12 with
Bhagawati Jatra, the procession of the town's protective
goddess.
·
Taya Macha
The Taya Macha dance is shown in different parts of
Pokhara as part of the Gai Jatra observances. The five
dancers, four dressed up as angels and one as a clown,
are accompanied by a group of traditional musicians. It
is believed that the performance will bring peace to the
souls of those who have passed away during the previous
year. The festival has its roots in the Kathmandu
Valley. It was brought to Pokhara by Newars who migrated
here centuries ago.
·
Yomari Punhi
Yomari Punhi is one of the popular Newar festivals
observed every year during the full moon of December. A
yomari is a confection of rice-flour (from the new
harvest)dough shaped like fig and filled with brown cane
sugar and sesame seeds, which is then steamed
Top
FLORA AND FAUNA:-
Nepal's flora and fauna
can be divided into four regions:-
1. Tropical Deciduous
Monsoon Forest:
2. Subtropical Mixed
Evergreen Forest:
3. Temperate Evergreen
Forest:
4. Subalpine and Alpine
Zone:
Ranging from the
subtropical forests of the Terai to the great peaks of
the Himalayas in the north, Nepal abounds with some of
the most spectacular sceneries in the whole of Asia,
with a variety of fauna and flora also unparalleled
elsewhere in the region. Between Nepal�s geographical
extremes, one may find every vegetational type, from the
treeless steppes of the Trans-Himalayan region in the
extreme north and the birch, silver fir, larch and
hemlock of the higher valleys to the oak, pine and
rhododendron of the intermediate altitudes and the great
sal and sissau forests of the south.
The rolling densely
forested hills and broad Dun valleys of the Terai along
with other parts of the country, were formerly, renowned
for their abundance and variety o wildlife. Though
somewhat depleted as a result of agricultural
settlements, deforestation, poaching and other causes,
Nepal can still boast richer and more varied flora and
fauna than any other area in Asia. For practical
purposes, Nepal�s
 flora and fauna can be divided into
four regions:-
1. Tropical Deciduous
Monsoon Forest:
This includes the Terai
plains and the broad flat valleys or Duns found between
successive hill ranges. The dominant tree species of
this area are Sal (Shorea Robusta), sometimes associated
with Semal (Bombax malabricum), Asna (Terminalia
termentosa), Dalbergia spp and other species, and Pinus
rosburghi occurring on the higher ridges of the Churia
hills, which in places reach an altitude of 1800m. Tall
coarse two-meter high elephant grass originally covered
much of the Dun valleys but has now been largely
replaced by agricultural settlements. The pipal (ficus
religiosa) and the �banyan� (ficus bengalensis) are
to be noticed with their specific natural
characteristics. This tropical zone is Nepal�s richest
area for wildlife, with gaurs, buffaloes, four species
of deer, tigers, leopards and other animals found in the
forest areas rhinoceros, swamp deer and hot deer found
in the valley grasslands and two species of crocodile
and the Gangetic dolphin inhabiting the rivers. The
principal birds are the peacock, jungle fowl and black
partridge, while migratory duck and geese swarm on the
ponds and lakes and big rivers of Terai. Terai forests
are full of jasmin, minosa, accecia reeds and bamboo.
2. Subtropical Mixed
Evergreen Forest:
This includes the
Mahabharat Lekh, which rises to a height of about 2400m
and comprises the outer wall of the Himalayan range.
Great rivers such as the Karnali, Narayani, and Sapta
Koshi flow through this area into the broad plains of
the Terai. This zone also includes the so-called
�middle hills� which extend northwards in a somewhat
confused maze of ridges and valleys to the foot of the
great Himalayas. Among the tree species characteristic
of this region are Castenopsis indica in association
with Schima wallichii, and other species such as Alnus
nepalensis, Acer oblongum and various species of oak and
rhododendron which cover the higher slopes where
deforestation has not yet taken place. Orchids clothe
the stems of trees and gigantic climbers smother their
heads. The variety and abundance of the flora and fauna
increase progressively with decreasing altitude and
increasing luxurance of the vegetation. This zone is
generally poor in wildlife. The only mammals, which are
at all widely distributed, are wild boar, barking deer,
serow, ghoral and bears. Different varieties of birds
are also found in this zone. Different varieties of
birds are also found in this zone.
3. Temperate Evergreen
Forest:
Northward, on the lower
slopes and spurs of the great Himalayas, oaks and pines
are the dominant species up to an altitude of about
2400m above which are found dense conifer forests
including Picea, Tusga, Larix and Abies spp. The latter
is usually confined to higher elevations with Betula
typically marking the upper limit of the tree line. At
about 3600 to 3900m, rhododendron, bamboo and maples are
commonly associated with the coniferous zone.
Composition of he forest varies considerably with
coniferous predominating in the west and eracaceous in
the east. The wildlife of this region includes the
Himalayan bear, serow, ghoral, barking deer and
wildboar, with Himalayan tahr sometimes being seen on
steep rocky faces above 2400m. The red panda is among
the more interesting of the mammals found in this zone;
it appears to be fairly distributed in suitable areas of
the forest above 1800m. The rich and varied avifauna of
this region includes several spectacular and beautiful
pheasants, including the Danfe pheasant, Nepal�s
national bird.
4. Subalpine and Alpine
Zone:
Above the tree line,
rhododendron, juniper scrub and other procumbent woody
vegetation may extend to about 4200m where it is then
succeeded by t a tundra-like association of short
grasses, sedge mosses and alpine plants wherever there
is sufficient soil. This continues up to the lower limit
of perpetual snow and ice at about 5100m. The mammalian
faun is sparse and unlikely to include any species other
than Himalayan marmots, mouse hare, tahr, musk deer,
snow leopard and occasionally blue sheep. In former
times, the wild Yak and great Tibetan sheep could also
be sighted in this region and it is possible that a few
may still be surviving in areas such as Dolpa and Humla.
The bird life at such as lammergeyer, snowcock,
snowpatridge, choughs and bunting, with redstarts and
dippers often seen along the streams and rivulets. Yaks
are the only livestock, which thrive at high altitude.
They serve both back and draught animals. The cheeses
prepared out of the milk are edible for months. The
female Yak provides milk to the Sherpas.
Of the wonderful flora
and fauna must suffice to indicate what a paradise Nepal
is to the lovers of wild animal and bird life, to the
naturalists and to the foresters.
Etymology:-
The word Nepal is
believed to be derived from Nepa: (नेपा:) Nepal Bhasa,
the language of Newars, as the old name of Kathmandu
valley was Nepa: (नेपा:). Another evidence for this is
that the term Nepal Bhasa, language of Newars was called
as Nepal Bhasa long before the unification of Nepal. The
term Nepali, national language of Nepal, was given to a
language called Khas Kura long after unification of
Nepal.
According to Skandha
Purana, a rishi called "Ne" or "Nemuni" used to live in
Himalayas [2]. According to Himwatkhanda, a Hindu
scripture, the word Nepal comes from "Ne"' (the seer)
and "pal" meaning protection.
History:-
Neolithic
tools found in the Kathmandu Valley
indicate that people have been living
in the Himalayan region for at least
nine thousand years. It appears that
people who were probably of Tibeto-Burman
ethnicity lived in Nepal two and half
thousand years ago. Indo-Aryan tribes
entered the valley around 1500 BCE.
Around 1000 BCE, small kingdoms and
confederations of clans arose. One
of the princes of the Shakya (Sakas)
confederation was Siddhartha Gautama
(563–483 BC), who renounced his royalty
to lead an ascetic life and came to
be known as the Buddha ("the
one who has awakened"). By 250
BCE, the region came under the influence
of the Mauryan empire of northern
India, and later became a puppet state
under the Gupta Dynasty in the fourth
century CE. From the late fifth century
CE, rulers called the Licchavis governed
the area. The Licchavi dynasty went
into decline in the late eighth century
CE and from 879 was followed by a
Newar era, although the extent of
their control over the entire country
is uncertain. By late eleventh century,
southern Nepal came under the influence
of the Chalukya Empire of southern
India. Under the Chalukyas, Nepal's
religious establishment changed as
the kings patronised Hinduism instead
of the Buddhism prevailing at that
time.
Hindu temples in Patan,
the capital of one of the three medieval kingdoms.
Hindu temples in Patan,
the capital of one of the three medieval kingdoms.
By the early thirteenth
century, leaders were emerging whose names ended with
the Sanskrit suffix malla ("wrestler"). Initially their
reign was marked by upheaval, but the kings consolidated
their power over the next two hundred years. By late
fourteenth century, much of the country began to come
under a unified rule. This unity was short-lived; in
1482 the kingdom was carved into three areas, Kathmandu,
Patan, and Bhadgaon, which engaged in petty rivalry for
centuries.
In 1765, the Gorkha ruler
Prithvi Narayan Shah set out to unify the kingdoms,
after first seeking arms and aid from Indian kings and
buying the neutrality of bordering Indian kingdoms.
After several bloody battles and sieges, he managed to
unify Nepal three years later. However, the actual war
never took place while conquering the Kathmandu Valley.
Prithivi Narayan Shah was unable to defeat the powerful
Newar kingdom of Kathmandu. In fact, it was during the
Indra Jaatra, when all the valley citizens were
celebrating the festival, Prithvi Narayan Shah with his
troops captured the valley, virtually without any
effort. This marked the birth of the modern nation of
Nepal. A dispute and subsequent war with Tibet over
control of mountain passes forced Nepal to retreat and
pay heavy repatriations to China, who came to Tibet's
rescue. Rivalry with the British East India Company over
the annexation of minor states bordering Nepal
eventually led to the brief but bloody Anglo-Nepalese
War (1815–16), in which Nepal defended its present-day
borders but lost its territories west of the Kali River,
including present day Uttarakhand state and several
Punjab Hill States of present day Himachal Pradesh. The
Treaty of Sugauli also ceded parts of the Terai and
Sikkim to the Company in exchange for Nepalese autonomy.
Nepalese royalty in the
1920s.
Factionalism among the
royal family led to instability after the war. In 1846,
a discovered plot to overthrow Jang Bahadur, a
fast-rising military leader, by the reigning queen, led
to the Kot Massacre. Armed clashes between military
personnel and administrators loyal to the queen led to
the execution of several hundred princes and chieftains
around the country. Bahadur won and founded the Rana
dynasty, leading to the Rana autocracy. The king was
made a titular figure, and the post of Prime Minister
was made powerful and hereditary. The Ranas were
staunchly pro-British, and assisted the British during
the Sepoy Rebellion in 1857, and later in both World
Wars. In 1923 the United Kingdom and Nepal formally
signed an agreement of friendship, truth, and law, in
which Nepal's independence was recognised by the UK.
In the late 1940s,
emerging pro-democracy movements and political parties
in Nepal were critical of the Rana autocracy. Meanwhile,
China regained control of Tibet in 1950, making India
keen on stability in Nepal. King Tribhuvan offered then
Indian Prime Minister accession of Nepal on the
condition that he be made President of India. Nehru
refused but sponsored KingTribhuvan as Nepal's new king
in 1951, and a new government, comprising the Nepali
Congress Party. After years of power wrangling between
the king and the government, the democratic experiment
was dissolved in 1960, and a "partyless" panchayat
system was instituted to govern Nepal. In 1990, the
"Jana Andolan" (People's) Movement forced the monarchy
to accept constitutional reforms and establish a
multiparty parliament in May 1991.[4] Krishna Prasad
Bhattarai became the Prime Minister, drafted a new
Constitution and carried out the democratic elections
for the parliament. The Nepali Congress Party won the
country's first democratic elections, with Girija Prasad
Koirala becoming prime minister.
Recent
developments:-
According to officials,
on June 1, 2001, the Heir Apparent Dipendra is believed
to have gone on a killing spree in the royal palace, in
response to his parents' rejection of his choice of
wife. His parents were killed and he died three days
later. Some people, however say it was Gyanendra's son
who was responsible for the killings. Following the
carnage, the throne was inherited by Birendra's brother
Gyanendra. In the face of unstable governments and a
Maoist siege[4] on the Kathmandu Valley in August 2004,
popular support for the monarchy waned.[5]
On February 1, 2005
Gyanendra dismissed the entire government and assumed
full executive powers in the name of combating the
Maoist movement.[4] In September 2005, the Maoists
declared a three-month unilateral ceasefire which was
not reciprocated by the royal government; the latter
vowed to defeat the rebels by force. A few weeks later,
the government stated that parliamentary elections would
be held by 2007 even after the failed municipal
elections.[6]
On January 14, 2006, the
Maoists attacked five military and paramilitary
installations throughout the Kathmandu Valley. Bombs
were detonated in two of the locations. Twelve people
died, eleven at the Thankot checkpost where multiple
blasts shook homes as far away as Matatheirtha. The
public was shocked as this was proof that the Maoists
were able to organize and plan a simultaneous attack on
multiple locations within the Valley, long considered to
be relatively safe from Maoist violence. During the
attack on the Thankot checkpost, a local toll station
was robbed, which was located less than 100 metres away
from an orphanage housing sixty-four children.
The Maoists, through
support from the seven parliamentary parties (SPA),[7]
arranged a mass uprising against the reign of King
Gyanendra. The royal government used various means to
quell the uprising. Frustrated by lack of security, jobs
and good governance, thousands of people took to the
streets to demand that the king renounce power outright,
but the royal government turned even more ferocious and
continued its suppression, including daytime curfews
amid a Maoist blockade. Food shortages took effect. Soon
there was a plan to hold a march with over one million
people into the city center and encircle the royal
palace. The security forces turned brutal. Thousands
were injured and twenty-one people died in the uprising.
Foreign pressure
continued to increase on King Gyanendra to surrender
power. On April 21, 2006, Gyanendra announced that he
was giving up absolute power and that "Power was being
returned to the People". He called on the seven party
coalitions to name a Prime Minister and that elections
would be held as soon as possible. Both the U.S. and
India immediately called on the SPA to accept this
proposal. Many Nepalese protesters, however, still
carried out rallies in numerous cities and vowed to
continue the stir until they would achieve complete
abolition of the monarchy. The SPA felt the pressure of
these protests as some took place directly outside the
deliberations of Gyanendra's offer. Finally, at midnight
on April 24, after nineteen days' tumultuous protest,
the king called for the country's parliament to
reassemble on April 28.
Parliament has since
reassembled and stripped the king of his power over the
military, abolished his title as the descendent of a
Hindu God, and required royalty to pay taxes.
Furthermore, several royal officials have been indicted,
and the Nepalese government is no longer referred to as
"His Majesty's Government", but rather as the
"Government of Nepal". Following Gyanendra's
relinquishing of absolute power, the Nepalese government
and Maoist rebels agreed on a ceasefire. In August 2006,
both parties came to an agreement on the issue of arms
accountability, agreeing to ask the United Nations to
oversee and keep track of the weapons cache of both
sides. The government and the Maoists are trying to come
to an agreement on the future of the monarchy.
As of 15 January 2007,
SPA and Maoists serve together in an Interim legislature
under the new Interim Constitution of Nepal awaiting
elections to take place in June 2007[8] to a Constituent
Assembly, while all the powers of the Nepali King are in
abeyance. On April 1, 2007 the SPA and the Maoist
together formed an interim government.[9] The interim
government was mandated to hold the Constituent Assembly
elections in June 2007. But, constituent assembly
election could not take place in June, 2007 because of
the lack of security and delay in the verification of
People's Liberation Army. Now, a new date, November 22,
2007, has been declared for Constituent Assembly
Election.[5] The purpose of the constituent assembly
election will be to rewrite the constitution and to
decide the fate of monarchy in Nepal. with the possible
abolition of the monarchy as part of constitutional
change[6].
The Madhesay movement in
the Terai area has recently demanded the end to
discrimination against the Madhesay people. Thousands of
Madhesay people came for the protests, in which more
than 40 people have already died in the uprising.
Recently, the government agreed to hold talks with the
representatives of Madhesay group and few rounds of talk
have also been carried out. However, there are still
many conflicts between Madhesay people representatives
and the government which need to be addressed in order
to mitigate the problems of Terai people and bring in
peace in the country.
But, it seems that
Madhesay groups are now busy to settle the scores with
maoists rather than to work to enhance the rights of
communities. Being divided in many factions and groups,
they have very diverse demands and government is unable
to fulfill them[7]. Some Madhesay Party are demanding
separate independent Madesh State[8] which seems to be
completely unacceptable to other Madhesay leaders and
Nepalese Peoplle.Fingers have been raised against India
for encouraging such movements and demands in Terai[9]
as most of the madhesay are similar to Indian people
residing in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh State of India.
India has been accused as creating instability in Nepal
at this point where Nepal is slowly trying to revert to
peace; though the allegation against India is not of a
new kind.Top
The Hills:-
 The Mahabharat range,
running closely parallel to the Chure range, separates
the Terai from the Hill region, which covers about 64%
of the total land area. This range averages 1,525 to
4,877m altitude and 16kms in breadth. Its structure is
synclinal and topography steep and jagged. Forests are
usually found on the higher elevations whereas the lower
and gentler slopes are used for terraced cultivation.
North of this range and
south of the Himalayas, lies the extensively cultivated
broad hill complex of the "Pahar" of mountain region,
the major subdued in character, this complex has a
generally salubrious climate. The fertile valleys formed
by the principal river systems, including the Katmandu
Valley, are the main settlement and cultivation areas in
the region.
Jungle Safari have a
long history in Nepal. They first started as hunting
trips for the Royal Family and big game hunters from
around the world. In Nepal's protected National Parks
you can observe the wildlife on foot, from the back of a
jeep or even atop an elephant! Some of the animals you
may come across include endangered one horned rhinos,
deer, birds, monkeys and, if you are very lucky, a royal
Bengal tiger.
We recommend a jungle
safari as the perfect way to relax, unwind and
experience the wildlife of Nepal. We offer three to five
day safari packages, with a choice of different
standards of jungle lodges and tented camps. We arrange
everything for you, from accommodation, National Park
entrance permit; elephant back safari, nature walk,
jungle drive, canoeing and even a traditional Tharu
stick dance! We can arrange safaris in Royal Chitwan
National Park, Bardia National Park and Royal Suklaphata
Wildlife Reserve, Parsa wildlife reserve.
A trip to one of Nepal's
protected National Parks or Wildlife Reserves is a
unique opportunity for students to experience some of
Nepal's native flora and fauna. We can arrange safaris
by jeep or elephant, both a great but safe way of
viewing wildlife such as the one horned rhino, deer,
monkeys, sloth bears and, if you are very lucky a royal
Bengal tiger! There are also opportunities to visit the
elephant-breeding center, see traditional Tharu dancing
and visit a typical Tharu village.
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LUMBINI:-
The birthplace of Lord
Buddha
Shakyamuni Buddha was
born in Lumbini, in southern Nepal, twenty-five hundred
years ago. Since his time, Nepal has been a sacred
ground for Buddhists as the birthplace of the Buddha.
Lumbini is a small town in the southern Terai plains of
Nepal, where the ruins of the old city can still be
seen. Shakyamuni Buddha was born to a family. Lumbini
has been a holy ground for Buddhists all over the world.
Ashok Pillar, LumbiniThe restored garden and
surroundings of Lumbini have the remains of many of the
ancient stupas and monasteries. A large stone pillar
erected by the Indian Emperor Ashoka in 250 BC bears an
inscription about the birth of the Buddha. An important
part of Lumbini is the temple of Maya Devi. It has a
stone image of Maya Devi giving birth to Lord Buddha as
she holds onto a branch. It has been well worn by the
strokes of barren women hoping for fertility. To the
south of the temple is a pool
 where Queen Maya Devi is
said to have bathed and given her son his first
purification bath. A quiet garden, shaded by the leafy
Bo tree (the type of tree under which Buddha received
enlightenment), and a newly-planted forest nearby lend
an air of tranquillity which bespeaks Buddha's
teachings. Lumbini is now being developed under the
Master Plan of the Lumbini Development Trust, a non
governmental organization dedicated to the restoration
of Lumbini and its development as a pilgrimage site. The
plan, completed in 1978 by the renowned Japanese
architect Kenzo Tange, will transform three square miles
of land into a sacred place of gardens, pools,
buildings, and groves. The development will include a
Monastic Zone, the circular sacred Garden surrounding
the Ashoka pillar and Maya Devi temple, and Lumbini
Village, where visitors will find lodges, restaurants, a
cultural center and tourist facilities. An important
archeological site near Lumbini, Kapilvastu evokes the
ancient palace where Lord Buddha spent his formative
years. Scattered foundations of the palace are abundant,
and archeologists have by now discovered 13 successive
layers of human habitation dating back to the eighth
century BC. A must for archeological and historical
buffs! Besides its religious and historical
significance, Lumbini offers cultural insights into the
village life of southern Nepal. If possible, try to
coincide your visit with the weekly Monday bazaar when
villagers come from miles around to buy grains, spices,
pottery, jewellery, saris and various other items. It
may appear as a scene out of the Arabian Nights, with
colorful merchandise spread out under the mango trees
and the air perfumed with incense. It's a chance to
bargain for souvenirs while witnessing local life in
Lumbini. Wooden ox-carts loaded with hay trundle by.
Villagers dry cow-dung for fuel, and tea stalls serve
sweet milk tea. Today, Lumbini is beginning to receive
travellers' and archaeologists' attention after
centuries of neglect. Serious preservation work has only
just been started in the latter half of this century and
Lumbini as a slice of history is worth seeing and worth
preserving. Access : Nepal Airlines and other airlines
fly regularly to Bhairahawa, near Lumbini, and bus
services are available from Pokhara and Kathmandu.
Accommodation : There are several good hotels and lodges
in Lumbini. Top
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