Published by: Mandira
Published date: 26 Jan 2022
Our Country Nepal has different altitude and climate. The lifestyle of Nepalese people differs from Terai to the Himalayan region. Every ethnic group has their own unique costumes, speak their own languages, and follow their own religious practices. They live under different diverse geographic from the low plains to high mountains.
The Himalayan region
This Himalayan region is always covered with snow. The southern part of this region is less cold. The climate of this region is cold, dry and windy. Sherpas, Bhotias, Thakalis live here. They wear thick woolen clothes called Bhakkhu, Pangden and Knee-high thick shoes called Docha. The people in this region eat ‘Dhindo’ (a pudding- like food made from maize or millet), bread, potato, and meat. They live in a house made up of stone and clay. They also have a special type of sea which is prepared from tea leaves, salt, and ghee. The people work hard and eat a lot and they rarely fall ill. The people are quite strong and healthy. Health center and health posts are also established in some of the places.The main occupation of Himalayan people is animal husbandry. They follow Buddhism. They celebrate the Lhosar festival which falls in Magh. They visit one another’s houses during festivals.
The Hilly region
The Hilly region is situated in the central part of the country. It spreads from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west. It has high hills and rocks. The climate is moderate in this region. Rice is the main food of the people of this region. Some people also eat bread. They eat meat, eggs, milk, curd, butter, ghee, etc. which they get from domestic animals. People of various ethic groups live here. They are Rai, Limbu, Tamang, Magar, Sunwar, Gurung and Chepang groups as well as other groups live in this areas. The Brahmans, Chhetris, Newar and Thakuris and different occupational groups Kami, Damai Sarki, are spread over most parts of the country. In the village men wear Daura Suruwal, Coat, Dhaka Topi, Patuka, Bhoto and Kachhad. Women wear Guneu-cholo, Majetro, Sari, Hakupatasi and Ghalek. Most of the houses in this region are made of stone and clay, with thatched roofs. In the town areas, multi-storey buildings are also seen. The main occupation of this region is agriculture. The major festivals of this region are Dashain, Tihar, Lhosar, Udhauli, Ubhauli etc. Similarly, people of Kathmandu and pokhara celebrate various jatras throughout the Country.
The Terai region
The terai region lies in the southern part of the country. Many people live in this region due to the plain land and fertile soil. The eastern part of terai receives more rainfall than the western part. So, It is affected by floods during the rainy season. Terai has a hot climate. So, the people wear light cotton dresses. Most of the male members are seen in lungis in villages. In the town area, men wear pants and shirts and women wear saris and blouses. Rice and bread are the main food of the people of this region. The people also rear cattle which provide them with milk, cheese, ghee, eggs, and meat. People of this region speak Tharu, Maithali, Bhojpuri, Avadi, etc. The Mithila groups of terai are popular for their authentic traditional arts and paintings. The houses are made of mud and clay and have thatched roofs supported by bamboo or wooden poles. People celebrate Chhat, Holi, Maghi, Siruwa, Id etc. A large number of people of mountain and hill region are found in terai due to the better opportunity for the people.