Nepal

nepal

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The Panoramic view of Boudhananth Stupa in Kathmandu Nepal.

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Digital publication of student document for private circulation only.

PGDPD Lifestyle Accessory Design National Institute of Design, India Text @ Mehak Sharma & Vinay Kumar National Institute of Design Photographs @ Mehak Sharma and Vinay Kumar Source: Mentioned under the photograph unless otherwise stated.

All rights reserved under international copyright convention.

No part of this document may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any other information storage and retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publisher.

KMC No. Edited by: Mehak Sharma and Vinay Kumar Designed by: Mehak Sharma and Vinay Kumar Processed at National institute of design

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nEPAL

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MYSTIC AND SPIRITUAL CARVINGS OF THE EXOCTIC NEPAL

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Guided by Shimul Mehta Vyas Associate Senior Faculty

Designed and Edited by Mehak Sharma Vinay Kumar

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MYSTIC AND SPIRITUAL CARVINGS OF THE EXOCTIC NEPAL

nEPAL 8

PREFACE National Institute of Design (NID) is internationally acclaimed as one of the foremost multi-disciplinary institutions in the field of design education and research. The institute functions as an autonomous body under the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Ministry of Commerce and Industry,Government of India. NID is recognised by the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) under Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, as a scientific and industrial design research organisation.NID has been a pioneer in industrial design education after Bauhaus and Ulm School of Design in Germany and is known for its pursuit of design excellence. NID’s graduates have made a mark in key sectors of commerce,industry and social development by taking the role of catalysts and through thought leadership. Business Week has listed NID as one of the top 25 European and Asian programmes in the world.

The basic aim underlying setting up the National Institute of Design in 1961 is to serve as an aid to small scale industry.

Craft sector during post independence evolved as a major small scale industry supporting the existing economy of India.

Hence, NID recognized craft in India as a vast repository which should be supported as there are challenging and interesting work opportunities for the professionally trained designers.

Craft sector in India is a vast one with its own rich tradition, values and culture, which is evident in the forms, color, texture and techniques. Craft sector achieved appreciation and identification over a long period through its distinct style and techniques of production in particular region along with their function and utility.But this sector of India is languishing, perhaps dying. People are unaware of their own cultural heritage byway of different crafts and their origin. There is a need for people to know about the different crafts of Nepal,because they directly talk about Nepal and its culture, and also because they are a repository of our traditionsand way of life.

Craft documentation enables us to understand, analyze, and, relate to things in a better way. Along with this, also imbibes in us a sense of appreciating art and culture of our country. It actually makes us go through an entire process of how a design originates to how it is sold in the market. You can say that it actually teaches us management of how an industry functions. Right from procurement to the final delivery.

Being design students at NID we got an opportunity to understand it and interpret it as a document in ourown way. This journey has helped us to decipher the craft as an interpretation of culture, values, environment,and experiences along with how also traditions are becoming modernized.

The document beholds a craft of wooden carvings, carved by the skilled craftsmen of Kathmandu valley in Nepal.

The craft has importance for a few potential buyers, who appreciate art, but somewhere down the line, the essence of wood carving and mask making is being lost because of the craft getting commercialized

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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS We would like to express our gratitude to all those who made this documentary possible. We would like to thank National Institute of Design for giving us this wonderful opportunity to delve below the surface of the craft and to bring forth the opportunity of intervention in this craft.

We offer our sincere thanks to all the craftsmen involved with the wooden carvings, who willingly shared their knowledge and time with a smiling face We would like to convey our special thanks to Shimul Meha Vyas (Co-ordinator - Lifestyle Accessory Design), who gave us this wonderful opportunity to work on documenting the craft,for guiding us and giving us valuable inputs in going about,putting together and writing the craft documentation.We would also like to thank her for having included craft documentation in our curiculum and giving us this a wonderful oppurtunity to work on craft and its documentation.

We would also like to thank our fellow student Hena Parveen (Apparel Design, NID) who hails from Nepal, and whose hospitality helped make our journey comfortable and convenient.

Last but not the least, we would like to thank and convey our heartiest regards to our parents and Almighty for their blessings.

July 2012 Mehak Sharma and Vinay Kumar

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CONTENTS 1. Introduction to Nepal 1.1 History of Nepal 1.2 A brief History of Dynasties 1. Kiratis and Buddhist beginnings 2. Licchavis 3. Mallas 4. Shahs 5. War with the British 1.3 Geographical Location 1.4 Climate and temperature 1.5 Flora and Fauna 1.6 The Diverse People 1.7 A Living Cultural Heritage 1.8 World Heritage Sites 1.9 Language 1.10 The Religious way of Life 1. Hinduism 2. Buddhism 3. Tantrism 4. Islam and Christianity 1.11 Dance and Music Festivals FOOD ECONOMY TRANSPORT AND INFRASTRUCTURE TOURISM 2. Introducing around the Kathmandu Valley 1. The city of Wood - Kathmandu Important and Historic sites 2. The city of Beauty - Patan¬Important and Historic sites 3. The city of Crafts - Bhaktapur Important and Historic sites 4.The City of Stupas – Boudnath 3. Crafts of Nepal Thangka Paintings Lokta Paper Products Stone Crafts

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Handcrafted Masks Ceramic Crafts Silver jewellery,Metal Statuettes,singing bowls, felt and hemp products 4. Introduction to Craft: Masks and Wooden Crafts History of Wood Craving Impressions of Wood on Stories, Myths and Dance Introduction to Wooden Masks 5. Process and Making 6. Tools 8. Product Range 9. Work Environment 10. Market and Product 11. Craft Persons Profile 12. Threat to the Craft 13. Conclusion 14. Experience 15. Contact List 16. Glossary 17. Bibliography 18. Photo credits

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INTRODUCTION TO

NePAL

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Mystic, spiritual, exquisite and exotic. These are some of the words resonate in the mind, when one thinks of the beautiful country of Nepal. A country of Snow covered mountains inhabited by the Gods. A land of snow peaks and Sherpas, yaks and yetis, monasteries and mantras.

Nepal is a treasure trove of spectacular scenery and natural won¬ders. Nestled between India and China, it encompasses 8 of the world’s 14 highest mountains and a huge assortment of Buddhist and Hindu temples as well as shrines. One can say that Nepal is as old as the Himalayas, when a great lake filled the Kathmandu Valley.

The History of Nepal is encompassed in Legends. One of the many legends holds that this lake was drained by a thunderbolt thrown against the walls of the Valley by the Hindu god Krishna. Another claims it was drained by the patriarch Manjushree as he wanted to get a closer look at a Swayambhu or Adhi-buddha, the beautiful lotus flower resting on the lake.

Nepal, home to Mount Everest, is dominated by the world’s most imposing mountains. Local names for Mount Everest include Chomolungma in Tibetan (which means “Goddess mother of the world”) and Sagarmatha in Sanskrit (which means “Ocean mother.”) Although the country is relatively small, 80 percent of its territory is occupied by the dramatic peaks of the Himalayas. Nepal was closed to foreign visitors until 1951, a situation which contributed greatly to its mystique in the west.

Nepal has very rich and unique cultural heritage.As the birthplace of the historical Buddha, Nepal is one of the main centers of Mahayana Buddhism.

Over a long period of time it has been a meeting place for Buddhist teachers and scholars. The Emperor Ashoka is said to have visited Nepal and have constructed several stupas in Patan and Lumbini.

Nepal played an important part in the expansion of Buddhism and in the preservation of various ancient Buddhist traditions and texts. Many manuscripts relating to Buddhist philosophy, sutras, rituals, art and architecture are still kept in National Archives in Kathmandu and various monastic libraries.

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This small, hospitable country has since become an exceptionally popular destination for travelers, whether they are in search of climbing challenges or spiritual enlightenment. This small trap¬ezoidal country is home to a rich Craft history and many diverse cultures.

Nepal is never static...ever changing yet frozen in time. This country has a tendency to never leave your mind again!

National Language : Nepali (Gorkhali) National Symbol : The coat of arms of Nepal was changed during the reconciliation period following the Nepalese Civil War. On 30 December 2006, a new coat of arms was introduced. It contains the flag of Nepal, Mount Everest, green hills symbolising the hilly regions of Nepal and yellow colour symbolising the fertile Terai region, male and female hands joining to symbolise gender equality, and a garland of rhododendrons (the national flower). Atop this is a white silhouette in the shape of Nepal.

National Flag : The national flag of Nepal is the world’s only non-quadrilateral national flag. The flag is a simplified combination of two single pennons, the vexillological word for a pennant. Its crimson red is the colour of the rhododendron, the country’s national flower. Red is also the sign of victory in war. The blue border is the colour of peace. Until 1962, the flag’s emblems, the sun and the crescent moon, had human faces.

They were removed to modernize the flag.

National Animal : Cow National Bird : Himalayan Monal National Flower : Rhododendron National Color : Crimson

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HISTORY of Nepal

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HISTORY of Nepal Wedged between the high wall of the Himalaya, the steamy jungles of the Indian plains, squeezed between the Tibetan plateau and the plains of the subcontinent - the modern-day giant’s China and India - Nepal has long prospered from its location as a resting place for traders, travelers and pilgrims. A cultural mixing pot, it has bridged cultures and absorbed elements of its neighbors, yet retained a unique character.

The name "Nepal" is derived from the Sanskrit nipalaya, which means "at the foot of the mountains" or "abode at the foot", a reference to its location in relation to the Himalayas.

The history of Nepal began in the Kathmandu Valley. The Kathmandu Valley has been Nepal’s Central Point. Over the centuries Nepal's boundaries have extended to include huge tracts of neighboring India, and contracted to little more than the Kathmandu Valley and a handful of nearby city-states.

Though it has ancient roots, the modern state of Nepal emerged only in the 18th century. References to Nepal in famous Hindu epics such as the Mahabharata, Puranas and also Buddhist and Jain scriptures, establish the country's antiquity as an independent political and territorial entity. The Vamshavalis or chronicles, the oldest of which was written during the 14th century, are the only fairly reliable basis for Nepal's ancient history. The Vamshavalis mention the rule of several dynasties the Gopalas, the Abhiras and the Kiratas -- over a stretch of centuries. However, no extant historical evidence has yet authenticated the rule of these legendary dynasties. The documented history of Nepal begins with the Changu Narayan temple inscription of King Manadeva I (C 464-505 A.D.) of the Lichavi dynasty.

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A Brief history of Dynasties: 1.Kiratis and Buddhist Beginnings Nepal's recorded history starts with the Hindu Kiratis. Arriving from the east around the 7th or 8th century BC, these Mongoloid people are the first known rulers of the Kathmandu Valley. King Yalambar (the first of their 29 kings) is mentioned in the Mahabharata, the Hindu epic, but little more is known about them.

It appears that people who were probably of Kirat ethnicity lived in Nepal more than 2,500 years ago. The Kirat are aboriginal tribe of Nepal who lived in the north.

The epic Mahabharata mentions the Kiratas among the inhabitants of Nepal. Kirati king Yalambar had the dubious honor of being slain in the battle of the Mahabharata, in which gods and mortals fought alongside each other. Legend credits him with meeting Indra, the lord of heaven, who ventured into the Valley in human guise. It is said that during the battle of Mahabharata, Yalamber went to witness the battle with a view to take the side of the losing party. Lord Krishna, knowing the intention of Yalamber and the strength and unity of the Kiratas, thought that the war would unnecessarily be prolonged if Yalamber sided with the Kauravas. So, by a clever stroke of diplomacy, Lord Krishna cut off Yalamber's head.

In the 6th century BC, Prince Siddhartha Gautama was born into the Sakya royal family of Kapilavastu, near Lumbini, later embarking on a path of meditation and thought that led him to enlightenment as the Buddha. The religion that grew up around him continues to shape the face of Asia.

Around the 2nd century BC, the great Indian Buddhist emperor Asoka (c 272-236 BC) visited Lumbini and erected a pillar at the birthplace of the Buddha. Popular legend recounts how he then visited the Kathmandu Valley and erected four stupas (pagodas) around Patan, but there is no evidence that he actually made it there in person. In either event, his Mauryan Empire (321-184 BC) played a major role in popularizing Buddhism in the region but over the centuries Buddhism gradually lost ground to a resurgent Hinduism.

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2. Licchavies : Buddhism faded and Hinduism reasserted itself with the arrival from northern India of the Licchavis. The Licchavis are said to have migrated into Nepal from north India in around 250 A.D. In AD 300 they overthrew the Kiratis, who resettled in the east and are the ancestors of today's Rai and Limbu people.

Between the 4th and 8th centuries, the Licchavis ushered in a golden age of cultural brilliance. The Licchavi kings initiated friendly relations with China and their successors laid the foundations of friendship with India by entering into matrimonial alliances with the Indian royal families. The Licchavi rule was instrumental in spreading the Gospel of the Buddha in Tibet and China.

The trade route was open to Tibet.The chaityas (stupas) and monuments of this era can still be seen at the Changu Narayan Temple, north of Bhaktapur, and in the backstreets of Kathmandu's old town. Their strategic position allowed them to prosper from trade between India and China. It's believed that the original stupas at Chabahil, Bodhnath and Swayambhunath date from the Licchavi era. During the 9th century a new lunar calendar was introduced, one that is still used by Newars to this day.

The Lichchhavi rule spanned over a period of about 630 years.

In Kathmandu King Pratap Malla (1641-74) oversaw that city's cultural highpoint with the construction of the Hanuman Dhoka Palace, the Rani Pokhari pond and the first of several subsequent pillars that featured a statue of the king facing the protective Temple of Taleju, who the Mallas had by that point adopted as their protective deity. The mid-17th century also saw a highpoint of building in Patan.

Around 1750 King Jaya Prakash Malla built Kathmandu's Kumari Temple. Not long afterwards came the Nyatapola Temple in Bhakatapur, the literal highpoint of pagoda-style architecture in Nepal.

The Malla era shaped the religious as well as artistic landscape, introducing the dramatic chariot festivals of Indra Jatra and Machhendranath. The Malla kings shored up their position by claiming to be reincarnations of the Hindu god Vishnu and establishing the cult of the kumari, a living goddess whose role it was to bless the Malla's rule during an annual celebration.

The cosmopolitan Mallas also absorbed foreign influences. The Indian Mughal court influenced Malla dress and painting, presented the Nepalis with firearms and introduced the system of land grants for military service, a system which would have a profound effect in later years. Persian terminology was introduced to the court administration and in 1729 the three kingdoms sent presents to the Qing court in Beijing, which from then on viewed Nepal as a tributary state. In the early 18th century Capuchin missionaries passed through Nepal to Tibet, giving the West its first descriptions of exotic Kathmandu.

3. Mallas : Malla years (1220-1482) were largely stable, reaching a high point under the third Malla dynasty of Jayashithi Malla (1382-1395), who united the valley and codified its laws, including the caste system.

In around 1482, the Kathmandu Valley was divided up among the succeeding Kings into the three kingdoms of Bhaktapur (Bhadgaon), Kathmandu (Kantipur) and Patan (Lalitpur). They proceeded to fight with each other over the right to control the rich trading routes with Tibet.

The rivalry between the three kingdoms of the Kathmandu Valley found its expression in the arts and culture, which flourished in the competitive climate. The outstanding collections of exquisite temples and buildings in each city's Durbar Square are testament to the huge amounts of money spent by the rulers to outdo each other.

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4.Shahs

5.The War with British

Prithvi Narayan Shah (c 1769-1775), with whom we move into the modern period of Nepal’s history, was the founder of the ruling house of Gorkha. He foresaw the need for unifying the small principalities as an urgent condition for survival in the future and set himself to the task accordingly.

King Prithvi Narayan Shah was successful in bringing together diverse religious-ethnic groups under one national. He was a true nationalist in his outlook and was in favor of adopting a closed-door policy with regard to the British. His social and economic views guided the country’s socio-economic course for a long time.

The Nepalese had differences of opinion with the East India Company regarding the ownership of the land strip of the western Terai, particularly Butwal and Seoraj. The outcome of the conflict was a war with the British. The British launched their attack on the Nepali forces at Nalapani, the western most point of Nepal’s frontier at the close of 1814.

Though the Nepalese were able to inflict heavy losses to the British army on various fronts, the larger army and the superior weapons of the British proved too strong. The Nepali army evacuated the areas west of the Mahakali river and ultimately the treaty of Sugauli was signed with the British in 1816. Among other

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Geographical Location: Nepal is a sovereign independent kingdom situated on the southern slopes of the mid-Himalayas, the formidable range of eternal shows.

It is located between 26o22' and 30o27' north latitude and 80o4' and 80o12' east longitude.

Total land area is 147,181 square kilometers, and its borders are contiguous with the Indian border in the west, south and east and with Tibetan autonomous region of the People's Republic of China in the north.

The major part of the country is of high mountains and rolling hills. It accounts for about 83% of the total land and the plain of Terai occupies the remaining 17%. Altitude varies from 152 meters above the sea level in the Terai in the south to 8848 meters in the north Himalayas.

Climate, Rainfall and Temperature 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 varies 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 valley’s 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. On an average, about 80% of the precipitation is confined to the monsoon period (June-September).

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Nepal's flora and fauna 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 Nepals geographical extremes, we can find every vegetation type, from the treeless steppes of the TransHimalayan 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 Wildlife/Fauna : This country harbors one of the world’s best habitat for One horned rhino, Royal Bengal tiger, Show-Leopard, CloudedLeopard, Red panda, Blue-sheep and long snouted fish eating Gharial. Other wildlife includes wild elephant, buffaloes, bisons, blue bell, Brown, bear, Sloth bear, Leopard, crocodiles and many varieties of cat, dog, deer and antelope families. And 840 different species of wetland, migratory and residential birds.

The Himalayan Monal,also known as the Impeyan Monal, Impeyan Pheasant, and Danphe, is a bird in the pheasant family, Phasianidae. It is the national bird of Nepal, where it is known as the Danfe.

The Cow is the National Animal of Nepal.It has Religious and Sacred value in Nepalese Culture.

Rhododendron arboreum (Tree Rhododendron), also known as burans or gurans, is an evergreen shrub or small tree with a showy display of bright red flowers.. Rhododendron arboreum is the national flower of Nepal. It is also found in Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Thailand.

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The Diverse People Nepal is a melting pot of many races and tribes. She has population of around twenty-two million, made up of an assortment of races and tribes, living in different regions, wearing different costumes and speaking different languages and dialects. They live under quite diverse environmental conditions from the low, nearly sea level plains at the border of India, northward through the middle hills and valleys and up to the flanks of the great Himalayan range where there are settlements at altitude of up to 4,800m. Farming practices are therefore equally diverse along with life styles and social customs.

The high Himalayan settlements of Tibetan speaking people are found perched precariously on mountain ledges and slopes. Life here is delicate balance of hard work and social merrymaking, tempered by a culture deeply steeped in ancient religious traditions. The best known of the high mountain peoples are the Sherpas who inhabit the central and eastern regions of Nepal.

The Sherpas have easy access to Tibet for trade and social intercourse and therefore Tibetan influence on their culture and civilization remains distinct. The midlands are inhabited by various Tibeto-Burman and Indo-Aryan speaking hill and valley people, for example the Brahmins, Chettris, and Newars. While the Brahmins and Chettris are widely distribute throughout the country, the Newars are mainly concentrated in the Katmandu Valley and other towns.

The Rais, Limbus, Tamangs, Magars, Sunwars, Jirels, Gurungs, Thakalis, and Chepangs are other Tibeto-Burman speaking Mongoloid peole found living in the middle hills. They each have their own distinct social and cultural patterns. The Dun valleys and the lowland Terai are inhabited by people such as the Brahmins, Rajputs, Tharus, Danwars, Majhis, Darais, Rajbansis, Statars, dhimals and Dhangars. Though Nepal is a veritable mosaic of dozens of ethnic groups, they are bound together by their loyalty to the institution of Monarchy, and by the ideas of peaceful coexistence and religious tolerance to form one unified nation.

A Living Cultural Heritage: Nepal’s heritage is alive and dynamic. Shamanism, animism & Witch craft are still practiced in remote regions Temples, shrines monuments and monasteries are extremely active with devotees burning butter-lamps, singing hymns, chiming temple bells and playing drums.

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World Heritage Sites World Heritage Sites(Natural): 1. Everest National Park (1148 Sq. Kms.) 2. Royal Chitawan National Park (923 Sq. Kms.) World Heritage Site (Cultural): 1. Swayambhu 2. Bouddha 3. Bhaktapur 4. Changunarayan 5. Pashupatinath 6. Kathmandu Durbar Square 7. Patan Durbar Square 8. Lumbini National Parks: 1. Royal Barida National Park (968 sq. Kms.) 2. Langtang National Park (1710 sq. Kms.) 3. Shey-Phoksundo National Park (355 sq. Kms.) 4. Rara National Park (106 sq. Kms.) 5. Khapted National Park (225 sq. Kms.) 6. Makalu-Barun National Park (2330 sq. Kms.) Wildlife Reserve: 1. Sukla Phanta Reserve (305 sq. Kms.) 2. Parsa Reserve (499 sq. Kms.) 3. Koshi-Tappu Reserve (175 sq. Kms.) Conservation Areas: 1. Annapurna (2600 sq. Kms.) 2. Makalu-Barun (2330 sq. Kms.) Hunting Reserve: Dhorpatan (1325 sq. Kms.)

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The Religious way of Life: Religion is an integral and deep-rooted part of Nepalese life. Temples, images, sacred paintings are to be seen everywhere. Majority of the people is Hindu in Nepal, nevertheless, Buddhism has also important place in this country. Hinduism and Buddhism are closely connected in Nepal and it would take a lifetime's study to understand the complexities of country's religious life. Some hints regarding religious matters.

Visitors to Hindu temple or Buddhist shrine are expected to take off their shoes before entry as a mark of respect. In fact, a pair of open sandals is more convenient and comfortable while visiting the temples and stupas. In some of the temples entrance may be prohibited for the non-Hindus.

Leather articles are prohibited to be taken inside the temple premises.

In Nepal, religion is not just a set of beliefs and accompanying rituals handed down from generation to generation; rather it is a complex intermingling of traditions, festivals, faiths and doctrines that have permeated every strata of Nepalese Society in such a way as to become the very heartbeat of the nation.

Nepal is famous, as the world's only Hindu Kingdom. However, it is an intricate and beautiful tapestry formed by the interweaving of Hinduism, Buddhism and other beliefs. Religious tolerance and harmony such as is found in Nepal, is perhaps a unique example to the world.

Religions in Nepal are: 1. Hinduism 2. Buddhishm 3. Tantrism 4. Islam and Christianity

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Hinduism: It seems that the first people to set foot in the ancient Nepal were Aryans. The Aryans' basic beliefs are recorded in the Vedas, a collection of over one thousand religious hymns that were to form the foundation of the polytheistic religion of Hinduism.

Hinduism has a basic trinity of three gods-Brahma the Creator, Vishnu the Preserver and Shiva the Destroyer.

Most Hindus, while revering Brahma, do not usually include his worship in religious ceremonies as his role in the universe is regarded to be essentially completed. Vishnu and Shiva, however, are very important to all the Nepalese Hindus.

Vishnu, whose primary duty is to assure the preservation of the world and all living forms, is believed to have visited the earth ten times as "avatars" or incarnations. He is also believed to have come to the earth as a Varaha, as Prince Rama, as the god Krishna and as Lord Gautam Buddha.

Shiva, the Destroyer, is believed to have three formsNatraj the god of artistic skill, an anthropomorphic form and the Lingam form, the latter being the most famous Lingam is situated in the north-west of Katmandu. In front of any Shiva temple, one usually sees a statue of Nandi, the divine bull that serves as Shiva's vehicle. In anthropomorphic form, Shiva is depicted with his consort Parbati and usually holds a trident and a small drum. Another popular form of Shiva is terrifying Bhairav, who himself has a number of different forms.

Two of Vishnu's other incarnations- Rama and Krishnaare especially important to the Hindus. Rama and Krishna are the heroes of the classic Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharat respectively.

Another widely venerated god is Ganesh, one of the sons of Shiva. Ganesh is revered in Nepal as the god of wisdom and the deity responsible for deciding between success and failure.

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In practice, the Nepalese Hindus may choose one particular god as a favorite deity to be worshipped daily, or more likely will give due deference to all the above-mentioned gods and goddesses, along with many other incarnations and deities. Nepal’s many Hindu festivals are dedicated to dozens of different deities and are participated by all Hindus, as well as Buddhists.

Buddhism Beliefs and practices of Buddhism in Nepal date back to the time of its founder, Prince Siddhartha Gautam who was born in Lumbini in the southern Terai region of the country in about 543 B.C. Up to the age of twenty-nine, the young prince led a very sheltered life in the royal palace of his father, completely unaware of the problems and suffering of everyday life outside of the palace walls.

One day, he convinced his charioteer to take him outside the palace and was shocked at the sight of an old man, a cripple and a corpse. The realization that there was much misery and unhappiness in the world persuaded the prince to abandon his luxurious life in the royal palace in order to search for enlightenment and the real meaning of life.

For many years, Gautam wandered from place to place looking for a solution to the problems he saw all around him. Finally, while meditating under a Pipal tree, he became spiritually enlightened. Henceforth known as Lord Buddha or the " the enlightened one," began to preach the "Four Noble Truths" to all who would listen. According to this doctrine, people suffer because of their attachment to things and people; in other words, the root of all the problems is desire. These desires and consequently, all problems and sufferings, can be totally eliminated by following the "eightfold path"-right views, right intent, right speech, right conduct, right livelihood, right effort right mindfulness an right meditation.

Buddha journeyed from place to place, teaching and converting hundreds of followers and died at the age of eighty. However, his many disciples continued spreading his teachings. At the same time Buddhism splitted into two main schools of thought: Hinayana and Mahayana. The Followers of Hinayana do not worship idols of Buddha as the enlightened prince taught against idolatory. Very few other Nepalese Buddhists have adopted the Hinayana school of thought, choosing rather to follow Mahayana teachings. One of the central beliefs of Mahayanists is that one can achieve nirvana by following the example of Bodhisattvas, Bodhi meaning enlightenment and Sattva meaning essence.

Tantrism Both Hinduism and Buddhism in Nepal have been strongly influenced by the beliefs and practices of Tantrism. " Tantra" is a Sanskrit word referring to the basic warp of threads in weaving. Difficult to define due to its varying types and forms, Trantrism is a religion of moral percepts, meditation, yoga, mantras and a philosophy that believes in interwovenness of all things.

Tantrism has greatly influenced Nepalese Buddhism by creating the path of Vajrayana, the Path of the Thunderbolt. The main object used in Vajrayana Buddhist rituals is a small thunderbolt-like sceptre that is said to represent the infinite in three dimensions. A large thunderbolt, or Vajra as it is commonly referred to, can be seen at the entrance of Swayambhu temple at Katmandu on the top of a long flight steps.

There are basically two types of Tantric gods and goddesses: Dharmapalas and Yidams. The former is often depicted with flaming red hair, several arms, legs or heads and three eyes. Yidams are tutelary deities often found depicted in thangkas; like their Dharmapala counterparts, they are ferocious deities with many hands and fiercesome weapons.

Islam and Christianity In addition to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Trantrism, a very small minority of Nepalese adheres to Islam and Christianity.

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Transportation Modes of transportation available in Nepal is mostly public transport. People commute on foot mostly due to the hilly areas. In the city areas, very few personal cars are seen. Public transport is very well connected. Buses and small trucks are used for public transport by the people. Horse carts are also favored there. Nepal has an Airport in the Katmandu Valley, which is well connected to the other parts of the world. This airport has its own chartered planes and two to three official Nepali Airlines.

The transportation of the products/handicrafts is done by hiring local transport services. Sometimes one of the workers himself goes and delivers the product. The customer himself at times takes the products in his own vehicle.

Food Nepalese cuisine refers to the food eaten in Nepal. The country's cultural and geographic diversity provides ample space for a variety of cuisines based on ethnicity and on soil and climate.Dal-bhat-tarkari is eaten throughout the country.

Dal is a soup made of lentils and spices. This is served over boiled grain, bhat—usually rice but sometimes another grain—with vegetable curry, tarkari.

Condiments are usually small amounts of extremely spicy chutney or pickle which can be fresh or fermented. The variety of these is staggering, said to number in the thousands.Other accompaniments may be sliced lemon or lime and fresh green chili, hariyo khursani.

Dhindo is tradition food of Nepal.

Much of the cuisine is variation on Indian themes. Other foods have hybrid Chinese/Tibetan and Indian origins. Momo—Tibetan types dumplings with Nepali spices—are important in Newa cuisine. They were originally filled with buffalo meat but now also with goat or chicken as well as vegetarian preparations. Special foods such as sel roti are eaten during festivals .

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Festivals A wide variety of festivals are celebrated in Nepal. Different communities and ethnic groups observe different festivals. Some of the important festivals include: Dashain: Dashain, which is celebrated during Sept-Oct., is the greatest festival of Nepal. Known as Durga Pooja, it is the national festival and it is observed especially by Hindus. The Goddess Durga is prayed for nine days during the festival.

On the tenth day of the festival, youngsters take tika and blessings from the elders. On this day, many people visit the Royal Palace to take tika from Their Majesties the King and Queen every year. It is believed that the Goddess Durga, whose steed is a ferocious lion, was able to kill a Mahisasur (buffalo). Her victory is symbolized as the defeat over evil.

Tihar or Deepawali: Tihar is regarded as the second largest festival after Dashain in Nepal. The festival of lights is celebrated for five days in November. People pray to the Goddess Laxmi, the concert of Lord Vishnu during Tihar. The Goddess Laxmi is also considered to be the main Goddess of wealth and good fortune. On the fifth or last day of the festival, brothers take tika from sisters. The sisters also offer sweets and other food items and cloths to their brothers. It is believed that brothers become safe from death and other evils after taking tika and garlands from their sisters during Tihar. During the festival, dogs, cows and oxen and properties are also prayed.

Saraswati Pooja: The festival falls in the spring, the loveliest time of the year. Saraswati, the Goddess of learning, is worshipped at her temples in various parts of the country. In Kathmandu, His Majesty the King and other dignitaries visit the Kathmandu Durbar Square and welcome the season.People from various walk of live, especially students and teachers, offer flowers, food items and other gifts to the Goddess Saraswati.

Maha Shivaratri: The festival is celebrated to worship the Lord Shiva, who is the most popular Gods of the Hindus. It is celebrated in February. Devotees from various parts of Nepal and India visit the Lord Pashupatinath. They pray to Lord Shiva's image inside the temple. On the occasion, saints and sages, who emulate Lord Shiva, give lectures about Lord Shiva to the disciples.

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Bisk Jatra: This is an important festival celebrated in April. On this occasion, people from the old kingdom of Bhaktapur and its neighboring areas perform a drama passed on over the centuries. Images of wrathful and demonic deities are placed on chariots. The chariots are taken to various parts of the city of Bhaktapur. On this occasion, a tongue-boring ceremony is organized at Bode village of Bhaktapur. It is believed that those who can tolerate the pain of the tongue boring may reach in heaven after death Buddha Jayanti: The festival is celebrated on the day of Lord Buddha, who was born in Lumbini. On the full moon day of Baisakh (approximately May), the Lord's birth, enlightenment and salvation are applauded both in and outside the Kathmandu Valley. Preparations are made for the festival at Swayambhunath and Bouddhanath stupas in advance. Monks and devotees perform various activities like dance to celebrate the festival.

Teej: This is the festival of women. he festival is celebrated in September. Both married and unmarried women visit the shrines of Lord Shiva. They perform dances and sing fork songs. They also recall Parvati's devotion to her husband Shiva. Married women visit their parents' homes. It is believed that the married women having fasting on the day will find their husbands faithful. It is also believed that the unmarried women who fast on this day will have good luck in finding suitable husbands.

Indra Jatra: The festival is marked to extend thanks to Indra, King of Heaven and controller of the rains, for the rains. The festival is celebrated for eight days in Kathmandu Durbar Square.

There is a story related to its significance. It is said that many centuries ago, Indira's mother needed scented flowers but she was unable to find them in the gardens of heaven. One day, Indra discovered Parijat flowers in Kathmandu Valley and tried to steal them for his mother. but as he was trying to steal them, the people of Kathmandu caught him and imprisoned him. The people were appalled when they found Indra's mother coming to look for him. Then they released Indra. Since then the festival has been celebrated. The Goddess Kumari, the living Goddess, witnesses the special occasion of Indra Jatra.

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Introducing the Kathmandu Valley

The fertile, mountain-sheltered Kathmandu Valley is the historic heart of Nepal, where the Himalaya's most sophisticated kingdoms rose and fell and where Nepali art and culture were developed and refined. In many ways the Kathmandu Valley is Nepal.

The artistic richness of the valley is reflected in the six Unesco World Heritage sites that lie scattered around the valley like jeweled confetti. They include the ancient Buddhist stupas of Swayambhunath (affectionately known as the 'Monkey Temple') and Bodhnath. The Pashupatinath Temple ranks as Nepal's most important Hindu site and attracts pious pilgrims and dreadlocked sadhus (holy men) from all over the subcontinent. Newari architecture reaches its pinnacle in the breathtaking Durbar squares of Patan and Bhaktapur, the third and most traditional of the valley's three former kingdoms. Just outside Bhaktapur is the Changu Narayan Temple, an open-air museum of stone-carved masterpieces. All these sites are in proximity to Katmandu.

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The valley has a host of lesser-known, but still wonderful, temples, viewpoints and traditional Newari villages.

With a rapidly expanding population of 1.5 million the valley has certainly changed over the years, but aspects of traditional life endure. Rural life continues to move to the rhythms of the seasons and spectacular festivals, and the timeless demands of the fields, the family and the gods remain the fundamental priorities of most people's lives.

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Kathmandu Kathmandu is a melting pot of both race and religion in the heart of the Kingdom of Nepal.

It is the capital of Nepal and, with more than one million inhabitants, the largest metropolitan city of Nepal. The city is the urban core of the Kathmandu Valley in the Himalayas, which contains two sister cities: Lalitpur (Patan), to its south and Bhaktapur to its east, and a number of smaller towns.

At the centre of the City is the Hanuman Dhoka. it is a complex of structures with the Royal Palace of the Malla kings and also of the Shah dynasty. It is spread over five acres. The eastern wing with ten courtyards is the oldest part dated to the mid-16th century. It was expanded by King Pratap Malla in the 17th century with many temples. Only some of the areas are open to the Public .

The royal family lived in this palace till 1886, where after they shifted to Narayanhiti Palace. The stone inscription outside is in fifteen languages and legend states that if all the 15 are read milk would spring from the middle of stone tablet.

The Kumari Chowk is the Residence of the Kumari Goddess or also known as the Living Goddess. The tradition of worshipping young pre-pubescent girls as manifestations of the divine female energy or Devi. In Nepal the selection process for her is very rigorous. Kumari is believed to be the bodily incarnation of the goddess Taleju (the Nepalese name for Durga) until she menstruates, after which it is believed that the goddess vacates her body. Serious illness or major losses of blood from an injury are also causes for her to revert to common status.

The Small lanes and ever busy streets of Kathmandu are a realization that how much a tiny city has grown recently.

A big brick building on Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the Kumari Ghar (or Kumari Chowk) houses the living goddess of Kathmandu. Built in 1757, the temple is known for its magnificent carvings as well as its divine inhabitant.

The Kumari Ghar, or House of the Living Goddess, was built in 1757 by King Jaya Prakash Malla. Known for his paranoia and weakness, the king offended a Kumari in some way (various stories speak of an act of sexual indiscretion or not believing a particular girl to be the goddess) and was so overcome by guilt that he built a home for her as an act of atonement.

The temple was renovated in 1966.

Overlooking the south side of Durbar Square, the Kumari Ghar is a threestory brick building richly decorated with wood-carved reliefs of gods and symbols.

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There are more beautiful reliefs over the doors, on the pillars and around the windows. Photos are permitted in the courtyard, but it is strictly forbidden to photograph the Kumari.

The Living Goddess sometimes appears in one of the first-floor windows, and is said to answer devotees’ questions with the expressions on her face. She is most likely to appear in the morning or late afternoon.

The Kumari is a young girl who is believed to be the incarnation of the demon-slaying Hindu goddess Durga. Dating back at least to the Middle Ages, the cult of the Kumari is popular among both Hindus and Nepalese Buddhists - another notable example of the mingling of religious traditions in Nepal. There are about 11 kumaris across Nepal, but the Kumari Devi (or Raj Kumari - royal goddess) in Kathmandu is the most important.

The selection process for finding the Kumari Devi resembles that of the Tibetan lamas, who are believed to be reincarnations of their predecessors. She is chosen from girls aged three to five in the Buddhist Shakya clan. Elders meet with hundreds of girls, approving only those with 32 auspicious signs of divinity (mostly to do with natural perfection and symbolically significant features). The girls’ horoscopes are also checked to ensure they are compatible with those of the current king.

The small group of would-be goddesses are then placed in a darkened room with freshly severed buffalo heads and dancing men wearing demon masks. This is certainly frightening to ordinary girls under five years old, but the goddess would not be frightened. Therefore the girl who shows no fear is likely to be the incarnation of Durga. In one final test, the girl must be able to pick out the clothing of her predecessor.

Thus discovered, the Kumari moves into the Kumari Ghar and is worshipped as a living goddess. Her needs and those of her caretakers are paid in full by the Nepalese government and she spends most of her time studying and performing religious rituals. She only leaves the temple a few times a year during festivals and her feet must never touch the ground.

The Kumari’s reign comes to an end when she menstruates or bleeds for any other reason, including just a minor scratch. The girl reverts to mortal status and the search for her replacement begins. She is given a modest state pension, but may find it difficult to marry - tradition has it that a man who marries an ex-Kumari will die young.

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Patan The City of Beauty - Patan, one of the oldest royal cities is separated from Kathmandu by the Bagmati River and is the second-largest town in the valley. It has historically been known by its Sanskrit name Lalitpur (City of Beauty) and its Newari name, Yala. It is located in the south-central part of Kathmandu Valley. It is best known for its rich cultural heritage, particularly its tradition of arts and crafts. It is also called as city of festival and feast, fine ancient art, making of metallic and stone carving statue.

Patan’s Durbar Square is full of temples, with a far greater concentration of architecture per square metre than in Kathmandu or Bhaktapur. Moreover, more than 600 stupas and 185 bahals are scattered throughout the fascinating backstreets.

Patan has retained most of its character from Ancient times. Patan is the home to about Three hundred Monasteries. Today there are more than 1,000 Buddhist monuments scattered throughout the city and Durbar Square has been listed as a World Heritage Site.

Patan is one of the oldest royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal and was originally designed in the shape of the Buddhist ‘Wheel of the Law’ (dharma chakra). According to legend, when Asoka visited Nepal in 250 BC, he ordered that five stupas be constructed, one in each of the four cardinal directions and another in the centre of the city.

Important and Historic sites: Durbar Square As in Kathmandu, the ancient Royal Palace of Patan faces on to Durbar Sq and this concentrated mass of temples is undoubtedly the most visually stunning display of Newari architecture to be seen in Nepal.

The square rose to its full glory during the Malla period (14th to 18th centuries), and particularly during the reign of King Siddhinarsingh Malla (1619-60). Patan’s major commercial district, the Mangal Bazar, runs to the southern edge of the square.

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Royal Palace of Patan Forming the whole eastern side of the Durbar Square is the Royal Palace of Patan . Parts of the Palace were built in the 14th century, but the main construction was during the 17th and 18th centuries by Siddhinarsingh Malla, Srinivasa Malla and Vishnu Malla. The Patan palace predates the palaces of Kathmandu and Bhaktapur.

It was severely damaged during the conquest of the valley by Prithvi Narayan Shah in 1768 and also by the great earthquake of 1934, but it remains one of the architectural highlights of the valley, with a series of connecting courtyards and three temples dedicated to the valley’s main deity, the goddess Taleju.

King Yoganarendra Malla’s Statue It is a tall column topped by a figure of King Yoganarendra Malla (1684-1705) and his queens. The golden figure of the kneeling king, atop a lotus bud and protected by the hood of a cobra, has been facing towards his palace since the year 1700. On top of the cobra’s head is the figure of a bird; legend has it that as long as the bird remains there the king may still return to his palace.

Accordingly, a door and window of the palace are always kept open and a hookah (a water pipe used for smoking) is kept ready for the king should he return. A rider to the legend adds that when the bird flies off, the elephants in front of the Vishwanath Temple will stroll over to the Manga Hiti for a drink! Behind the statue of the king are three smaller Vishnu temples. The small, brick and plaster shikhara-style temple was built in 1590 and is dedicated to Narsingha, Vishnu’s man-lion incarnation.

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Bhaktapur Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon (pronounced bud-gown and meaning 'City of Rice') in Nepali, or Khwopa (City of Devotees) in Newari, is the third major town of the valley. Traffic free, the traditionally intact town is also in many ways the most timeless. The cobblestone streets link a string of temples, courtyards and monumental squares, and the sidestreets are peppered with shrines, wells and water tanks.

The importance of Bhaktapur City was enhanced from the start of the medieval period because it became the royal seat of undivided Kathmandu Valley during that period. It has preserved the unique medieval arts and architecture that flourished during the reign of the Malla kings, like the other two cities of the Kathmandu Valley.

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The lack of traffic makes walking through Bhaktapur a pleasure and certainly more enjoyable than walking in Kathmandu. The town's cultural life is also vibrant, with centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship and strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Look for rice laid out to dry in the sun, people collecting water or washing under the communal taps, dyed yarns hung out to dry, children's games, fascinating shops and women pounding grain - there's plenty to see.

Perhaps most entrancing of all is Bhaktapur's effortless blending of the modern and medieval, thanks largely to the German-funded Bhaktapur Development Project, which restored buildings, paved dirt streets and established sewerage and wastewater management facilities in the 1970s.

Bhaktapur has also a royal palace with many courtyards, temples of different architectural styles dedicated to different Gods and Goddesses and architectural buildings erected during different centuries by different kings. The importance of Bhaktapur’s vast heritage of historic buildings and work of art is renowned throughout the world.

Bhaktapur is the Third ancient royal city and an ancient Newar town in the East corner of the Kathmandu Valley.It was once the Capital of Nepal during the Malla Kingdom.Bhakta pur is listed as a World Heritage Site by the UNESCO for its rich Crafts work in Metal, Stone, Wood and even richer Culture.

It is the home of traditional art and architecture, historical monuments and craft works, magnificent windows, pottery and weaving industries, excellent temples, beautiful ponds, rich local customs, culture, religion and festivals. Bhaktapur has managed to preserve its ancient Beauty.This Quaint city lay on the trade route between Tibet and India or the Silk Route. This position on the main caravan route made the town rich and prosperous.

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Durbar Square Bhaktapur's Durbar Sq is larger than Kathmandu's, much less crowded with temples than Patan's and less vibrant than either. It wasn't planned that way: Victorian-era illustrations show the square packed with temples and buildings, but the disastrous earthquake of 1934 destroyed many of them, and today empty plinths mark where temples once stood.

The square is one of the most charming architectural showpieces of the valley as it highlights the ancient arts of Nepal .Bhaktapur Durbar Square is a conglomeration of pagoda and shikhara-style temples grouped around a 55-window palace of brick and wood.. Grand golden statues of the kings perched on the top of stone monoliths, the guardian deities looking out from their sanctuaries, the wood carvings in every place — gateways and windows — all seem to form a well-orchestrated symphony of beauty and elegance. The main items of interest in the Durbar Square are: The Lion Gate:Is guarded on either sides by two huge statues of lions.

Alongside there are two stone images of Bhairab – The dreadful manifestation of Shiva and the Ugarchandi-Fearful manifestation of Shivas consort Across the square facing the high school are four shrines known as the Chaar Dhaam. They represent four important pilgrimage centres in India; devotees unable to make the massive journey south can worship here instead. The two-tiered pagoda temple is for Krishna; it has very elegant wood carvings, showing the ten incarnations of Vishnu.

Further down the square, are two large temples in very contrasting styles. Vatsaladevi Temple is made out of Sandstone. It’s in the shikhara style: large tapering upper section representing Mount Kailash flanked by nine smaller towers. Built in 1696, it is dedicated to the Goddess Durga whose fierce images can be seen around the upper sections along with idols of Bhairav.The other large temple is built of brick and timber in the Newari pagoda style. This is the Yaksheswar Mahadev Temple dedicated to Shiva and dating back to the 1450’s. It always attracts a large number of worshippers. It’s a replica of the great pilgrimage centre of Pashupatinath on the edge of Kathmandu

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Golden Gate & 55 Window Palace The Golden Gate is one of the most important piece of art in the whole valley. The gate and palace were built by King Bhupatindra Malla, .The magnificent Golden Gate, or Sun Dhoka, and the entrance to the 55 Window Palace ( M0463) adjoin the National Art Gallery.

A Garuda, the vehicle of Vishnu, tops the torana (the carved pediment above the temple door) and is shown here disposing of a number of serpents, which are the Garuda’s sworn enemies. The four-headed and 10-armed figure of the goddess Taleju Bhawani is featured directly over the door. Taleju Bhawani is the family deity of the Malla dynasty and there are temples to her in the royal palaces in Kathmandu and Patan as well as Bhaktapur.

The Golden Gate opens to the inner courtyards of the palace, but you cannot proceed further than the ornate entrance to colourful Taleju Chowk (1553). Nearby is Naga Pokhari, a 17th-century royal water tank encircled by a writhing stone cobra (naga). The nagas rise up on scaled pillars and water pours from a goat’s head that protrudes from the mouth of a makara (crocodile demon). The tank was traditionally used for the daily ritual bath of the goddess Taleju.

The “55-window palace” presents a characteristic Newari facade of brick embellished with intricately carved windows. The local clay imparts sensuous colors to Newari bricks: soft rose shading to apricot or blue. Against this field of warm, subtle color, the dark, rich brown of wooden windows and balconies stands out boldly.

The palace courtyard displays elaborately carved roof struts, characteristic of the Newars. Visitors can peek through a doorway into a 14thcentury inner courtyard, a sacred shrine accessible only to Hindus. A new wing of the palace houses the National Art Gallery, containing an excellent collection of Newari sculpture and painting. Guides can be hired who can unlock a room containing 17th-century wall paintings.

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Bodhnath (Boudha) On the eastern side of Kathmandu, just north of the airport and around 6km from Thamel, is Bodhnath ,home to one of the world's largest stupas. The village, also known as Boudha, is the religious centre for Nepal's considerable population of Tibetan exiles, and the sidestreets are full of maroon-robed Tibetan (and foreign) monks, gleaming monastery roofs and shopfronts full of Tibetan texts and yak butter. Tibetan culture is accessible, vibrant and unfettered.

Bodhnath has always been linked to Tibetan Buddhism and Lhasa. A major trade route coming from Lhasa went through Sankhu, and Bodhnath therefore lies at the Tibetan traders' entry to Kathmandu. One can easily imagine the traders giving thanks for their successful journey across the Himalaya, or praying for a safe return. People (including mountaineers and Sherpas) still come here to pray before undertaking a journey in the Himalaya.

Many of today's Tibetans are refugees who fled Tibet following the unsuccessful uprising against the Chinese Communists in 1959. They have been both energetic and successful in the intervening years, as the large houses surrounding Bodhnath testify. Apart from the local Tibetans and Nepalis there's a sizeable community of foreign Buddhist students.

Prayer services are held in the surrounding gompas and, as the sun sets, the community turns out to circumambulate the stupa - a ritual that combines religious observance with social event. The atmosphere of cultural exchange and spiritual curiosity is unrivalled.

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Crafts of Nepal Thangka Paintings/Arts The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal has a very old Thangka history. Highly skilled and capable artisans in Nepal today continue to use techniques and tools unchanged over the centuries. Clans of Newars, the “old people� of Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur & Patan, have been passing their Thangka skills from generations to generations. A surge in the involvement of youth, particularly the Tamangs and the Newars has assured that the art of traditional Thangka will survive and even grow better over time. At this time Thangka workers enjoy increased interest among Nepalese buyers as well as foreigners and turns out to be most exportable products from Himalayan kingdom of Nepal.

Lokta Paper Product Nepali Lokta Paper have been producing in Nepal from Nepalese craftsmen since from a thousand years. The people of Nepal use natural paper in their daily life for writing valuable legal documents, for making sacred or popular masks, for kites etc. The monks of Tibet have always used it for their manuscripts and for printing sacred texts. This paper is renowned for its exceptional durability and for its lively and special texture. A millennium has passed since the Tibetans introduced the still earlier Chinese technology of paper making to Nepal. The bark from Daphne cannabina or " Lokta" in the local language, is the raw material used. It is gathered at high altitudes in a way that preserves the fragile ecology of Nepalese forests. Then, it is carried to villages two or three days walk down to the mountains, where the paper-makers clean and boil the bark. Beating with wooden mallets produces a pulp which is poured into wooden frames, sun dried sheets are transported to paper factories where they are dyed, stenciled, printed and transformed in to attractive products by craftsmen. Today products like greeting cards, stationary sets, notebooks, gift wrapping paper, bags, envelopes, photo frames, paper accessories etc. are made that reflect the tradition of ancient and original Nepalese culture..

Stone Crafts The Himalayan kingdom of Nepal has a very old stone carved history.Highly skilled and capable artisans in Nepal today continue to use techniques and tools unchanged over the centuries. Most of the stone carving that have survived throughout Nepal around temples and other heritage sites are from the thirteenth to eighteenth century . Mythical creatures like Garuda,half-demons,bulls ,oxes and Nymphs are carved out of stone and are seen near Temples and old wells.Mantras and Buddhist incantations are carved into plane faces of stone and sold as souvenirs.

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Handcrafted Masks Face Masks are one of the traditional crafts of nepal since from ancinet times made of clay, cotton, metal, paper with its distinctive objectives and puropses. There are colorful paper mache masks, depicting various Gods & mythical demons make unique decoration and are available in many sizes.

Puppets made of wood and clay with paper mache masks come colorfully and ethnically dressed and are a popular export items. Some dolls made from cloth and corn husk depicting various occupational and tribal ethnic groups represent the culture of Nepal.

Face mask reflects traditional and religious values as masks are prepared in accordance for ritual ceremonies of various dieties for various hows and performance. Now these face mask of clay, cotton, paper and wood has become a souvenir items for tourists which reflects rich cultural heritage of nepal.

We the NepalsCraft.com presents you a collection of various types of mask made from clay, cotton and paper that reflects fine work of art with its distinct curtural values.

Nepal is a country at the crossroads between India and Tibet and thus the forms of worship found there contain elements of Indian Vedic and Tantric Hinduism as well as Tibetan Buddhism and Tibetan Bon (animism). The diminutive Nepalese Wooden & cotton masks are small papier mache hangings meant to be placed on walls, especially above or beside doors and windows, to invoke the aid of popular Hindu deities. In the style typical of Tibetan and Nepalese tantric hagiography, they are all wearing elaborate pointed crowns and displaying their open third eyes.

Ceramic Crafts Ceramic pottery is an important craft of Nepal.Various ethnic groups have adopted it as a traditional occupation.These have great importance in their rural lives as they consist of clay utensils,water containers,eathern ware.Some of these have great importance as religious items and some of them play an important role in day yo day activities of the rural folk.Black pottery is also very important ceramic craft of Nepal crafts.Products like bricks,tiles wnd windows are also made.

Other crafts of Nepal are : Silver Jewelry (Necklaces,Bracelets,anklets,talismans) Metal Statues (Bodhisattva,Tara,Buddha,Ganesha) Singing Bowls Felt and Hemp Products (Sweaters,Gloves,hats,bags)

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IMpressions of Wood on ARCHITECTURE,Myths and Dance

IMPRESSION OF WOOD ON ARCHITECTURE ,MYTHS AND DANCE The art of wood carving has been the pride of Nepal for many centuries. Woodwork has been part of traditional architecture of Nepal and wood carvings have graced monasteries, temples, palaces and residential homes since the twelfth century.

Wood has been traditionally the main building material in the Valley and it is only natural that the heavy wooden framework, which forms the essential part of the structure, and the beams, struts, pillars forming an ingenious system of load distribution and roof support, is used for ornamentation. Consequently, all available surfaces of wood, including doors, windows, cornices, brackets and lintels are beautifully shaped and formed and lavishly carved in intricate patterns of geometrical, floral, human and animal forms.Wood Carving is an essential and Important Nepal Craft. Woodcarving in Nepal is par excellence a Newari art .

Among the Newari woodcarver clans, the Silpakars are, perhaps, the best known. The techniques used by the Newari craftsmen follow the prescriptions for wood carving contained in medieval texts, which give exact and specialized instructions for every aspect of craft. The execution of the decorative work had to be very precise so that the countless tiny component parts of a pattern fit perfectly, because no nails or glue are used.

Historic sources name a kind of wood called Dhunsi or Chasi, meaning in Newari “as strong as a tiger”. Today, mainly sal, agrath and chapa wood, available in plenty in and around the Valley is used.

The Newari language comprises a rich vocabulary of wood carving terms in which every component part of a traditional pattern and every technical detail of the craft have a name, and sometimes several names in different parts of the valley. With their talent for design and invention, the Newars have turned the window into a lavish display of the carver’s skill and imagination; instead of a rectangular hole, the window became richly decorative, exuberant and playful. Lintels and sills were horizontally extended, often framing an intricate latticed center assembled without glue or nails, and embellished with abstract and figurative images: birds, snakes, flowers, demigods. The Newars created beguiling patterns on brick walls, much as Persians, Turks and others did on carpets.

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On a grander scale, the Newari kings of each of the three cities built a Durbar (or Palace) Square, competing to fill it with the most magnificent palaces and temples.

The woodwork in Kathmandu seems independent from outside influences except for the fact that the designs of these woodworks were essentially based on Holy Scripture, stylized mythical structures, related to the paintings in different texts, or conventional designs such as curves, lotuses, flowers, and fire.

During and after the Malla period, the houses built in Kathmandu used wood as a very important constructing material. Wood was extensively used for doors, windows, pillars. The woodwork in Kathmandu is more prominent in these construction materials than in wooden idols. Sometimes faces were carved on wood and hammered on metal plate to form an image on the metal eg. the big metal image of Swet Bhairav offered by Rana Bahadur Shah near Hanuman Dhoka was produced this way.

Wood artistry can be seen in almost all traditional houses, temples, and shelter houses built with ancient architecture around the Valley.

This shows how enthusiastic and skilled people were in woodcraft. Even during the successive Shah and Rana regime, these old traditions were preserved and can still be seen today.

Wood artistry finds its impressions on religious life of Nepal. Some of the ancient wooden sculptures that are commonly found are of Jambhala – The god of Wealth,Yaksha’s and Yakshi’s – which are gnome-like fairy creatures,Statues of Gods like Ganesha,Bhairav ,Garuda etc.

These Idols are often decorated with flowers and vermillion Tilak – A sacred mark.Villagers often are seen offering flowers and fruits to these statues and seeking blessings.

Wooden masks play a very important role in the religious dances of Nepal.The nava durga dance,Mahakali dance,Lakhe dance make use of the wooden masks to depict the various gods and goddesses and their triump over the evil spirits and demons.

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Introduction to Wood Masks Wooden masks reflect the Nepalese culture of Worshipping Gods and Warding off evil spirits.Masks are compulsory in all major Hindu rituals and cultural performances as they are worn by performers in ritual dances. These masks have high traditional cultural values and are beautifully colored. They serve a very important function in the community as they are believed to bring luck and protect from demons. These religion reflecting pieces are usually made of wood or clay and can be a good for decoration usually when hung on walls or on doors.

Some of the popular masked dances of Nepal are as follows:

Mask Dances 1.Mahakali Dance This is one of the most popular masked dances of the Newars. It is based on the religious story from a Hindu Puran Called 'Mahakali Mahalaxmi'. This dance re-enacts Goddesses Mahakali, Mahalaxmi, and Kumari’s battle with demons who spread great misery and hardship among human beings. So the almighty Goddesses waged a great war with the demons and defeated them, thus stabilizing peace and order on earth. This dance shows the great joy and happiness after the great victory over the demons.This two and a half dance is performed during the Indrajatra festival (September-end) and depicts the 10 days of Dashain, the country’s biggest festival. A mix of many dances, it includes: Mahalaxmi dance, Kumari dance, and the Devi Daitya Sangram dance(The battle of Goddess and Demon) 2.Lakhey Dance This is one of the classical dance of Nepal. It is celebrated once in a year during the festival of Indrajatra which is celebrated for nearly a week during the end of September or first part of October.

According to people's belief, Lakhey are man eating demons living in the dense forest. They hunt animals and people passing through the jungle. Whenever they had a good meal they dance with joy. Previously Lakhey dancers used to select victims for human blood sacrifices. It is performed during Indrajatra and Krishna Astami festivals.

3.Monkey Dance It is performed by the teenagers wearing traditional customs and sticks in their hands. The Nepalese still pay great respect to the sacred myths and legends. According the religious epic Ramayan, the dance was performed by the monkeys to express their joy and happiness to their Lord Ram and his wife Sita after their victory over the demon king Ravan of Sri Lanka.

4.Khyak Dance Khyaks are supernatural beings. They are believed to be followers of Goods and goddess. They were visible to the people before electricity arrived. They are quite harmless. They simple used to frighten people at night. What the dancers perform is just the expression of Khyak’s naughty nature. They perform dances to entertain Gods and Goddess.

5.Kawan (Skeleton) Dance According to people’s belief, kawans are the evil spirits to be seen mostly at street-crossing and cremation-grounds. They accompany the Gods and Goddess during their adventures. Sometimes they trouble people, causing stomach pain. But one can get rid of it easily by making some offerings, following the advice of a witch doctor.

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Process and Making Wood is the infrastructure of any house built in ancient Kathmandu architecture. Kathmandu is full of houses with woodwork as the main or the only decorations in them. The beautiful pillars, windows (tikijhya and sajhya), doors, and tudals found in temples, shelter homes, palaces, etc. stand out as the models of woodcraft seen in the Kathmandu Valley. The skills of many woodworkers in Kathmandu like the Silpakars and Kasthakars have been handed down through their ancestral lineage. But, whether sculpting a big frame or carving a small showpiece, these woodworkers have to work through proper steps.

Process Procurement of Wood Wood is the infrastructure of any house built in ancient Kathmandu architecture. It is an important raw material for sculpture making, doors, pillars, masks etc.Kathmandu is full of houses with woodwork as the main or the only decorations in them. The beautiful pillars, windows (tikijhya and sajhya), doors, and tudals found in temples, shelter homes, palaces, etc. stand out as the models of woodcraft seen in the Kathmandu Valley. The skills of many woodworkers in Kathmandu like the Silpakars and Kasthakars have been handed down through their ancestral lineage.

Wood is procured from the nearby forests for small purposes like Mask making, carving of small wooden sculptures. The raw material for bigger pieces is procured from the government forest department depot at a subsidized rate. They pay around Nepali Rs. 600 per cubic foot for it.

Some of the commonly used woods : Sal Wood Sal is one of the most important sources of hardwood timber in Nepal, with hard, coarse-grained wood that is light in colour when freshly cut, but becomes dark brown with exposure. The wood is resinous and durable, and is sought-after for construction. The wood is especially suitable for constructing frames for doors and windows.Other varieties of wood that are used are Sal is moderate to slow growing, and can attain heights of 30 to 35 m and a trunk diameter of up to 2-2.5 m.In wetter areas, it is evergreen; in drier areas, it is dry-season deciduous, shedding most of the leaves in between February to April, leafing out again in April and May. Adina Cordifolia/Local Name: Haldu This tree occurs in the deciduous forests of India and Burma and in the sub-Himalayan tract. In Nepal it is fairly common in Terai and can be found up to about 1000 meters, sometimes a litter higher. It is usually associated with Shorea Robusta (Sal) and can be seen growing with this species.

Haldu is a large deciduous tree with a thick spreading crown. The truck is often fluted at the base and occasionally buttressed. The bark is grey or brownish in color.

Michelia Champaca/Local name: Champ This tree is found throughout the eastern sub-Himalayan region, from Nepal to Assam and Burma. In Nepal it grows between 450 and 1500 meters in altitude and favours moist localities. This tree also occurs in the inner valleys of middle hills of Nepal and frequently occurs with Shorea Robusta (Sal) on rich soils. It can often be seen around temples.

It is considered to be a good timber and is used mainly for furniture. It is also used for making doors and windows. It is good for general carpentry. It is also used for light construction. The heartwood is a light yellowish to olive brown. It is straight grained and medium-fine-textured, somewhat lustrous with smooth feel. It is beautiful in its natural color and can also be polished easily.

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Selection of Wood After the wood is obtained from chopping the tree, it is set out to dry in the Sun. Seasoning the wood is very important before one works on it.Wet wood tends to crack up later Previously, the woods were dried under the sun but nowadays the process is done in big seasoning machines. The required size is cut from the big chunks.

The Texture and Grain play a very important role too. The better the texture of the grains, the more price can be fetched for the same. So they select wood with better grain structure for bigger products.

Cutting Depending on the size of the product to be made, the size is measured using a measuring tape and marking is done on the wood.

After marking, the wooden log is clamped in a vice. Two craftsmen sit across each other and across the two sides of the log with their feet supporting against the log. Both of them hold the saw from the two ends and start cutting the piece using a hand saw. Then the two men swing into the to and fro action.

A good amount of co-ordination is required between the two craftsmen, for the saw to move in a rhythmic movement and to cut the log. The craftsmen we observed seemed to be quite deft at this skill: their timing, precision and accuracy being the result of prolonged experience gathered over years.

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Plaining After cutting the wood into desired size, the bark is removed from the chunk of wood using an axe. After the removal of the bark, if the desired product needs to be two dimesnsional or three dimensional-the carfts person planes the surface of the wood.Sitting on the ground,with the piece of wood wedged between his feet,he uses a plainer to plain both the opposite sides of wood.

Drawing Once the block of wood is ready,the artisan uses drafting paper – A thin fine white paper to draw out the the rough outlines or pattern to be translated onto the wooden piece.This paper is then stuck onto the wooden block with the help of fevicol.If the design is new or very intricate,then the paper drawing is stuck otherwise the craftsman is proficient to use his memory to start carving onto the wood directly!

Rough Cutting “Kunai na Kunai Katna” is roughly translated as “Rough Cutting” in Nepali Bhasha.After pasting, the wood block is chiseled roughly,taking the big chunks away with the help of a chisel and hammer.This is a gradual and step by step process in which you step by step go closer to the drawing.

Rough filing After rough cutting, the piece is filled using hand files for achieving a smoothened volume of thepiece. Round files and flat files both are used for filing the piece.

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Cracks Treatment If the piece has some cracks or deformation/hole in the surface,it is treated with a mixture of plaster and glue.The white paste is filled into the cracks and set aside to dry.This treatment is more popular with the wooden masks,where the final surface is not naked wood but it is cover with a layer of paint.

For the sculpture and pieces which are not painted, a small wooden piece is fitted into the cracks with the help of fevicol and chiseled off later with great care.

Fine cutting After drawing the piece is again cut, to give the final outer shape.

Fine filing After fine cutting, the final outer form of the piece is achieved which is again finely filed using flat and round files.

Carving After filing, the inner details of the piece are drawn on to the piece and then are sculpted out using various carving tools. Individual parts of the product are focused and the process of drawing and carving is repeated for all the parts and finally the product starts getting ready. Various types of carving tools are available, like ‘v’ – shaped to flat to half round of different sizes. The carving process is one of the most critical operations of the process as the intricacy and the minute details are the key points which decide the selling price of the product. Highly skilled craftsmen are required for the process of carving. After this step, you can say that the piece is almost done.

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Sanding (Final filing) After carving, the entire product is filed using emery paper (50 nos. and 100 no.).The product is almost ready now. It just requires the final finish coat.

Finishes After the carving us complete,a layer of polish/paint or finish is applied to it.In case of statues,a layer of varnish is applied.Some of the statues are left after sanding to give it a “raw� feel to it.The wooden masks are often painted.In earlier times,the paints that were used were mineral based paint.They were extracted by crushing and grinding stones and different colored plants and flowers.

Packaging After finishing, the product is packed using cartons, newspaper and a dori(rope).The packing inside the carton is done using crumpled balls of newspaper and then tied using a rassi.

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Tools The following tools are used for the different operations of the process are mentioned below: Hand Saw: A saw is a tool that uses a hard blade with an abrasive edge to cut through softer materials. The cutting edge of a saw is either a serrated blade or an abrasive. Saw is used to cut the wooden log into pieces.

Hammer: A hand tool consisting of a handle with a head of metal or other heavy rigid material that is attached at a right angle, used for striking or pounding. It is used for striking the chisels and other carving tools.

Inch tape: A tape measure or measuring tape is a flexible form of ruler. It consists of a ribbon of cloth, plastic, fiber glass, or metal strip with linear-measurement markings. It is common measuring tool. Its flexibility allows for a measure of great length to be easily carried in one’s pocket or toolkit and permits one to measure around curves or corners Mallet: Wooden mallet is a tool used to knock wooden pieces together, or to drive dowels or chisels. As shown in the figure, the carvers use a hard wood piece for striking the chisels and other carving tools. A wooden mallet will not deform the striking end of a metal tool, as most metal hammers would, but it also reduces the force available to drive the cutting edge of a chisel.

Chisel : A chisel is a tool with a characteristically shaped cutting edge (such that wood chisels have lent part of their name to a particular grind) of blade on its end, for carving or cutting a hard material such as wood, stone, or metal. The handle and blade of some types of chisel are made of metal or wood or plastic with a sharp edge in it.In use, the chisel is forced into the material to cut the material. The driving force may be manually applied or with the help using a mallet.

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Tpes of Chisels 1. Bevel chisels: They are edged chisels which are slightly undercut making them easy to push into corners.

2. Firmer chisels: They are chisels which have a blade with a rectangular cross-section. This means that they are stronger and can be used for tougher/heavier work.

3. Paring chisels: They are longer, thinner chisels which can be pushed into long joints such as housingjoints. It is used for cleaning up the joint and tomake it an accurate fit.

4. Half round chisels: They have a semi cicular edge which is used for making narrow channels.

File : A file is a metalworking and woodworking tool used to cut fine amounts of material from a work piece. It most commonly refers to the hand tool style, which takes the form of a hardened steel bar with a series of sharp, parallel ridges, called teeth.

Most files have a narrow, pointed tang at one end to which a handle can be fitted.

Files come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, cuts and tooth configurations. The cross-section of a file can be flat, round, half-round, triangular, square, knife edge or of a more specialized shape.

Types of Files 1. Round file: Round files are gradually tapered and are used for many tasks that require a round tool, such as enlarging round holes or cutting a scalloped edge. They are also called rat-tail files because it tapers like a rat’s tail.

2. Half round file : The half-round file is one of the most versatile because it has one round and one flat surface. It’s therefore useful for filing both concave and flat wood and metal surfaces. The rows may be arranged in crisscrossing diagonal lines (double cut)to remove material quickly, or as parallel diagonal lines (single cut) for smoother filing 3. Triangular file : Triangle files, also called three square files, are gradually tapered and come to a point. Used for many things, cutting angles less than90 degrees, etc.

Plier : It is a hand tool used to hold objects firmly and for removing nails out of a wooden block.

Tools maintenance The cutting and carving tools are sharpened every morning before starting work on a grit stone.

A little amount of water (which acts as a lubricant) isspread on the grit stone, the bevel side of the chisel is held flat against the stone and the chisel is pulled towards the body and lifted at the end of the stroke.

After every 3 – 4 strokes the chisel is cleaned in water and again the same process is repeated.

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Work Environment The craftsperson’s workshop is fairly a common sight to see in the lanes of Nepal. Nepal’s rich heritage is filled with crafts and their connection to the spiritual world as well as the daily lives of the Nepalese people. It is common to see the ground levels of the buildings in the bylanes of Bhaktapur and Patan to be inhabited by the “Shilpkars” or the “People of Fine things”.

The Silpakars have been living in the Kathmandu Valley for hundreds of years. For many years, their home city has been known as Lalitpur, or "the City of Fine Arts," and their creations have played an important part in helping the city earn this reputation. The members of the Silpakar family have always been proud and skillful craftspeople, and the Kathmandu Valley has been a good home to them.

The Workshops are open till sun down. The Nepalese people do not prefer to work after sun down due to the cold weather and sometimes the shortage of electricity. Many craftsmen work together in a group of about 5-10 people. It is common to see different crafts taking shape in surrounding areas. The crafts persons take off their shoes before entering the workshop as a sign of respect to the workplace.

They sit on the floor and work.Men and Women often share the same place of work.The workshops are well ventilated for the sunlight to come in and protected by grills to prevent thefts.

The environment at the workshops were very lively and happy go lucky.The crafts persons were eager to interact with us and open enough to allow us to take pictures of them and their work.

There is an indirect hierarchy that is created based on the skill of the craftsmen and the kind of work allotted to them. The carver is at a higher level compared to the cutter or the filer.

End of the day the entire workplace would be full of wooden scraps lying on the floor. The entire floor is swept at the end of the day and the scrap wood that is wasted during the process is stored in one place and is burnt and used as a fuel for cooking by the craftsmen.

Marketing The craftsperson directly supplies to the main market or to different emporiums in Kathmandu, Patan and various places from where these masks are sold.

The head of the group or the owner of the group is in charge of the marketing. They also have their products selling at emporia . They have a tie up with such emporia to which they supply the articles on a monthly basis, according to demand. This makes sure that that the craftsmen never go out of work and there is continuous work happening.

They have decided on a price list based on mutual discussion and they supply the products at those rates to them.

To regular customers the products are sold at a wholesale rate. The also sell their products directly from the workshop. They have display of products and a photo album of their work for the customers to choose from.

Promotion The crafts on Nepal and wooden mask craft is well known to the world.Emorium websites are promoting such handicrafts in a big manner.

The artisans at the workshop also click photographs of their work and have a photo album made out of it, which adds to the variety of the products already on display.

Nepal Tourism sites are giving out ample information about these crafts. Also these are famous as a collectors item abroad and through word of mouth.

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product range

nandi

god mahakal

enligntened buddha 8

ganesha

ghost mask

Bharav mask

medatating buddha

garuda mask

bushman mask

Tribal mask

godess tara

Bharav mask

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Craftsman Profile Name : Saroj Lama Age :30 years Religious Background : Hindu.He belongs to a Newar family or “crafts person� family.

Family: He stays in a joint family,with his family members and cousins staying close by or in the neibouring villages.He has a wife and one son.They all help him in his work.The toddler plays inside the workshop with his toys.When he will grow up,he will go to the local school.Educationally there is a lot of freedeom to boys and girls to study.They also have vocational courses in their studies which encourages them to take up a craft.Buddhist schools also provide for holistic education and practicing craft.

Schooling : He himself as studied till college and studied Thangka painting and wood carving.He has completed studied till level 12th and is fluent in Nepalese Bhasha.He can speak some sentences in Hindi as well as English.

Dressing : He wears trousers,chappal,and a warm coat and cap.Most of the artisans have similar clothing.

His definition of craft and aspirations : For him the craft is a source of income. His future plans are to expand his business. In the next five years, he wants to have a house of his own.Currently his cousins live on separate levels of the same building.He wants his son to make his business bigger.

He is also passing on his skill to his employees.

Economic Condition: His is well of in the village. He owns his flat in the building.

He is a skilled craftsman and is self employed. He is a leader of one of the groups. He gives training to other people and forms the mode of his secondary income.

For his work he takes inspiration from existing market products, replicates them with more intricate details.

There is no slack season in this craft. The work goes on here throughout the year.

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Name : Om Krishna Shilpkar Age :40 years Religious Background : Hindu.He belongs to a Newar family or “crafts person” family.

Family: He stays in a joint family,with his family members .He has two daughter who go to school. He is the owner of Om Wood Carving at Patan Industrial Estate. . According to him, the woodcarving industry was monopolized by the men until 15 years ago. Lately, women have strongly shown their skill. Of Krishna's 22 employees, 6 are women. He claims to prefer women to men because the women tend to remain in the profession longer.

He points to Nani Maiya, who has been working with him for 22 years, and Lakshmi Shakya, with him for 20 years. So far, he has been able to train 400 to 500 prentice woodcarvers.

Dressing : He wears trousers,shoes,and a warm coat and cap.

Most of the artisans have similar clothing.

His definition of craft and aspirations : He feels an abiding love of and responsibility to his tradition. "I am proud that I have protected the wood carving industry started by my forefathers," he said. "I have been able to introduce Nepal to some 40 to 50 countries through the exports of my woodwork. This gives me great satisfaction. During my childhood, I would be thrilled when tourists visited. I still remember fondly when King Tribhuvan and Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru visited our workshop."

Of late, modern construction has threatened to usurp traditional architecture. Yet the old-style carvings still lure tourists.

In an effort to preserve existing ancient works, the Bhaktapur municipality has strictly prohibited the demolition of traditional buildings for replacement with modern ones. He says “The depletion of forests has created a shortage of sal trees, which take at least a hundred years to mature in the forest. It is not within the means of many of the craftsmen to afford the skyrocketing prices of sal wood."

Economic Condition: His is well of in the village. He owns his own business. He is a skilled craftsman and is self employed.

He gives training to other people and forms the mode of his secondary income.He pays them well.All is craftsmen are content working with him.

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Conclusion We started our journey from the capital city Delhi. From there we headed to Uttar Pradesh, from there to Raxaul (Uttar Pradesh)then to Birganj and to the last destination Nepal and Kathmandu Valley. Though being a very rich country in terms of heritage, natural beauty, natural resources and crafts, it had not progressed much.Still the country is struggling to stabilize after the democratic struggle and settle down.

Is the spirit of the craft dying in India? That is the question that struck us when we looked at the entirejourney of craft documentation. When we started off for the craft documentation, we had a completely different image of crafts and craftsmen, that it would have that essence of being Nepalese and unique having its ownidentity, flavour and charm and all the expectations just grew. We realised that the craftsmen are very modern right from their modernised working style to their lifestyles.Nepal is a perfect combination between Tradition and Modernity.

But the crafts are becoming extremely commercial. The craft products were being made purely on a commercial basis.

On one side, it was good to see that people are progressing; they have all the resources; they are using theirmanagement and marketing skills. You could call it a house hold industry. The craftsmen were modern and ambitious and wanted their children to study and make them doctors or engineers. But, at the same time, it was sad to know that the spirit of the craft was dying. The craftsmen are slowly abandoning their craft and slowly moving to more machine made products.The Nepalese spirit of tradition is slowly mixing with other cultures and the special features of the crafts are slowly dying.

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Experience Right from travelling in general bogies of trains and in local buses, to having our bath at a public bath, getting stuck at the at hilltop from 5.30 in the morning, travelling for 5 and half hours for a train journey of just 5 and half minutes, to the kachi road of villages, to the cool and sweet water delivered right from the hand pump, to taking lifts from the horse carts; the lush green fields, the paddy grains.

When we went to Kathmandu, we had a really good time. And when it started raining, the atmosphere became cold; it reminded us of the beautiful landscapes shown in Hollywood movies like Lord of The Rings, Narnia etc. It was such a beautiful place that our cameras never got any rest. The people there were very hospitable and very keen on getting their photographs clicked. We will never forget the innocent and humble people that we met there. -everything has been an eye opener.

We will cherish the memories of our peculiar visit to the places which are hardly on any map of theworld. The course was one of the most amazing experiences for us, as we collected so much of information,visually and aesthetically. We have tried to express these sentiments faithfully through this document.

Eventhis course has given us the opportunity to understand the situation of craft in Nepal beyond their socioeconomic aspects.

It taught us how to maintain relationships with people. We lived there according to their lifestyle. When we reached and met the craftsmen for the first time, we sat with them on the ground, which helped us break the ice because they thought that we would act superior and not sit with them. It was more like chatting withour friend after that. This helped us get all the information related to the craft and their lifestyle. We have developed a strong bond with them for life.

After staying for two days, we decided we also need to go and try the tools and the material. We tried our hand at it but realized that it was not easy as it seemed. They are used to working with the tools and wood, to them using the tools is as easy as applying butter on bread, but it was quite tough working with the tools.

All together, the trip was very exciting and informative. We will cherish this experience for a lifetime.

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glossary Bhadgaon-Bhaktapur Bhairav – The angry face of Shiva Cheni-Sickle Dori – Rope Hariyo khursani – chilli Ganesha -The god of wisdom and the remover of obstacles, son of Shiva and Parvati, depicted as a short fat man with an elephant’s head.

Kantipur – Kathmand Lalitpur-Patan Pujas – Worship Radha Krishna - Hindu deity. Krishna is often referred as the Lord himself and Radha is a young woman, a gopi who is Krishna’s supreme beloved Rassi – Rope Surya – Sun Sal - (Shorea robusta), a tree found in southern Asia that is an important source of hardwood Timber.

Sherpa-An authentic tribe of people from Nepal Shilpkar-Maker of beautiful things Silakar –Maker of stone things Shaman - A person regarded as having access to, and influence in, the world of good and evil spirits, especially among some peoples of northern Asia Shiva - The powerful and fascinating deity of the Hindu Trinity, who represents death and dissolution Tika – An auspicious marking on Forehead made in religious significance Terai- A belt of marshy jungle lying between the lower foothills of the Himalayas and the plains.

Tarkari – Boiled and curried vegetables Vamshavalis – Chronicles

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Bibliography A History of Nepal: John Whelpton Radiant Nepal The Antiquity of Nepalese Wood Carving: A Reassessment Nepal Wood Carving‎-www.info.com/ Nepal+Wood+Carving http://www.flickr.com/photos/peter576/ sets/72157626111945227/page3/ en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nepal‎ www.himalayanmart.com/nepalesemask/nepalesemask www.handicraftofnepal.com/mask.htm

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