Nepal is a place of world religions. Hinduism with its fascinating mysticism is dominating the traditions since the time when Nepal was the worlds only Hindu kingdom, and Hindus are still in a strong majority. However many Nepalis also confess themselves to Buddhism. It was in Lumbini, south Nepal, that Shakyamuni Buddha was born and it was in the beautiful pilgrimage area of Namobuddha that he in a former incarnation fed himself to a starving tigress and her cubs.
Both Hinduism and Buddhism are also practising and incorporation shamanism in their religions and shamanism is prevalent in almost every single one of Nepals 125 ethnic groups. The shamans, or “jhankris”, are healers who are destroying evil forces with the help of gods and deities. A shaman can removes diseases as well as other obsticles in life and have a very important role in the society still today. To meet a shaman and to see a ritual being performed is often, least to say, a memory for life.
Hinduism or Buddhism are practiced side by side harmoniously – a unique example of tolerance and understanding! Being able to photograph a Buddhist Stupa and a Hindu Temple in one shot characteristically bears witness to this. Both of these religions celebrate many festivals of religious significance with amazing enthusiasm – thus Nepal is known as a non-stop festival country and a living cultural museum of the world.
But that is not all, almost all the important religions of the world are found in Nepal. In the lowland of Nepal there is a minority of muslims (about 4% in Nepal) and in many parts of Nepal there are Christian people, consisting about 1% of Nepals population.
In the east we can also find the Kirati religion, which is now very similar to Hinduism but is still concidered a separate religion with ancient roots.
It is said that Kathmandu is the city in the world with most temples compared to inhabitants so what place could do better for a spiritual journey? Stay at Buddhist monasteries, chat with the holy Hindu men and women and see and participate in the ceremonies and rituals, or why not learn more about shamanism in Nepal!
