A nation renowned for its breathtaking geography is not short in cultural diversity. The culture of Nepal is rich and distinctive in its own right. However, Buddhism and Hinduism are the two largest religions in Nepal, which explains why there are so many monasteries and temples there. Nonetheless, Christianity is still a significant part of Nepalese culture, and Christmas is observed there in the same manner as other holidays like Dashain, Fagun Purnima or Holi, Buddha Jayanti, Tihar, and Lhosar. In Nepal, “X-Mass” is observed according to local customs. Nepali Christians are occupied visiting churches, visiting with loved ones, and exchanging presents and feasts. In Nepal, Christmas Day is a recognized holiday. Every year on December 25, people celebrate Christmas.
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History of Christianity in Nepal
Protestant Christians mostly arrived in Nepal via Nepalese who were exiled from their country during and before the Rana Regime. Following the overthrow of the Ranas’ authority in Nepal in 1950, various western missionaries as well as Nepali Christians living in India entered the country. Early western mission organizations that arrived and brought Christianity to Nepal include United Mission to Nepal, International Nepal Fellowship, and others. According to government statistics, between 0.5% and 1% of Nepal’s population identify as Protestant.
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How is Christmas celebrated in Nepal?
A festival of light and snow is Christmas. Christmas is joyfully observed throughout Nepal with great enthusiasm. Nevertheless, there are fewer people who practice this religion than those who practice other religions. In Nepal, Christmas is also regarded as a national holiday. Christmas shopping starts at the beginning of December. You must go to Thamel during the Christmas season. The entire Thamel bazaar is decked out for the Christmas celebration with lights and Christmas trees all everywhere. Various events, concerts, and programs are held in Thamel throughout this festival. Christmas in Nepal is unique in that non-vegetarian cuisine is permitted. During this festival, a feast is made out of primarily roasted chicken, vegetable salad, and other Nepali cuisines in addition to turkey, pumpkin pies, and Christmas puddings. This time of year, many eateries give discounts.
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Traveling to Nepal to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s
There is a lot to do, but sometimes it’s difficult to figure it out. If you chance to be spending the holidays in Nepal, here is some assistance! First things first: be aware that historically speaking, Nepal has never observed Christmas or the “western” New Year due to its demographics. However, given the influence of tourism and its recently discovered secular ways, Nepal observes the yearly holidays. Just don’t anticipate anything very joyful. Consider stopping by a western-style bar in Thamel for authentic holiday décor. Additionally, some hotels display a few ornaments. Except for the cold, just don’t anticipate anything similar to what you’re used to. You may typically see a notice or sign regarding any type of planned party that may be taking place on December 25 or December 31 in these bars. Once they are aware of the situation, the signs are often put up a few days in advance. For a list and map of the top locations, refer to my travel guide. Therefore, Thamel in Kathmandu and Lakeside in Pokhara are the two places to go to find anything Christmassy in Nepal.
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What to do in Nepal for New Years?
The ideal location for New Year’s celebration Even in Nepal, Pokhara’s Lakeside is most likely to have a party vibe. Prior to New Years, Pokhara holds an annual outdoor event for a few days. Typically, this entails the opening of outdoor cafes providing barbecue and other restaurant-style fare. However, be aware that Lakeside may get very busy and that alcohol consumption is high. The only celebration at midnight is a public countdown. Private fireworks occasionally last around… 30 seconds! In Nepal, there are no official parades on New Year’s Day. The status quo is in place. A public holiday is a fantastic opportunity to tour the Kathmandu Valley because there will be less traffic.
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Christmas meals in Nepal
Nepalese cuisine has its own distinctive flavors and also incorporates elements of other Asian cuisines. Roti, Rice, and Dal are three major food items that are derived from Indian cuisine and are commonly eaten as a staple by Nepalese people. The type of food prepared at Christmas in Nepal has also been influenced by western cuisine. For Christmas, fusion dishes of Nepalese and Western cuisine are prepared, and cake-mixing rituals are practiced in some locations. In addition to this, there is a wide variety of mouthwatering street food to try. Sel Roti, Dal Bhat Tarkari, Thukpa, Momos, and Yomari are a few of the meals usually prepared in Nepal around Christmas.
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Where can I find Christmas presents in Nepal?
In Nepal, there are no stores that are solely for Christmas. Therefore, you’ll need to exercise some imagination. There is a tiny toy area at the larger supermarkets, such Bhatbateni. Typically, Big Mart doesn’t. Traditional fare like turkey, Christmas cake, plum pudding, and mince pies won’t be available there. In case one of the expats has decided to go baking, you could attempt the Farmers Market (at Le Sherpa) in Kathmandu on the Saturday before Christmas. If not, you might simply discover some other delicious foods there that you wouldn’t typically find in Kathmandu. Consider some unconventional gift options and keep in mind that you are in Nepal for Christmas. Pashminas and silver or gold jewelry are popular choices for travelers.