10 Amazing Facts About Nepal You didn't Know

Nepal is a country with many unique things. From its natural beauty to its tourism and having their own calendar and unique flag. Nepal has its own year Bikram Sambat(B.S), which is approximately 56 years and 8 1⁄2 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar (A.D). The only triangular flag in the world is of Nepal. There are many interesting and amazing facts about Nepal and listed here are 10 of them.

Highest Peaks in the World

Nepal’s landscapes are defined by its towering mountain ranges as it is home for 8 of the highest and majestic eight-thousander peaks out of 14 highest peaks in the world. With Mt.Everest at the top with 8,848m (29,029 ft). Here is information on the other seven peaks of the world.

The Nepali Calendar: Bikram Sambat (B.S)

While the world is living in the year 2024, Nepal is in the year 2081. Nepali calendar is a Bikram Sambat (B.S.) calendar and also known as Nepali Patro which is approximately 56 years and 8 1⁄2 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar (A.D). The Nepalese New Year falls somewhere in the middle of April. Unlike Gregorian months, the lengths of Nepali months are not predetermined, as they tend to change from year to year, varying from 29 days to 32 days.

Languages and Ethnicity

Nepal, having over 80 diverse ethnic groups residing here with harmony and peace through thousands of years, speaks more than 123 local languages and dialects. This is the reason why Nepal is called a multi-ethnic, multilingual and multi-religious country that believes in unity in diversity. Even though being a country with numerous ethnic groups and religions, not a single drop of blood has ever been shed in Nepal in the name of religious and ethnic riots. Different ethnic groups of Nepal have different cultures, traditions, and festivals that they celebrate with respect and harmony.

Unique Flag

The only flag in the world which is not rectangular or quadrilateral in shape is the Nepali flag. The nepali flag has two triangles stacked over one another with crimson red color which symbolizes the victory and braveness of gurkhas in war and also the color of it’s national flower i.e. Rhododendron. It also has a blue color on its borders which symbolizes peace. The shape of the flag represents the mountains in Nepal and the sun and moon on the flag reflects the aggressiveness of the warriors and calm and peace loving nature of Nepalese people.

Living Goddess (Kumari)

The only living goddess in the world also known as Kumari Devi isn't anywhere but in Nepal. The literal meaning of Kumari is a “Virgin girl”. In Nepal, Kumari, or “living goddesses,” are prepubertal (girls who haven't had their periods yet) girls considered to be the earthly manifestations of divine female energy. They are also considered the incarnations of the goddess known as Taleju, the Nepalese name for Durga. As long as the child is Kumari, they have to live in temples, and are carried in chariots during festivals, and are worshiped by thousands of Hindus and Buddhists. When her first menstruation begins, it is believed that the deity vacates her body. Serious illness or a major loss of blood from an injury also causes loss of deity. The kumaris retire upon hitting their puberty. 

Peaceful People

While being a country with numerous ethnic groups and religions, not a single drop of blood has ever been shed in Nepal in the name of religious and ethnic riots. Nepal is a secular state, where the Constitution provides freedom to practice any culture and religion to people, which is something for the world to learn from Nepalese people who hold their utmost respect for Unity and Patriotism. There is not a single case where there has been a clash in the name of religion in Nepal.

Weed Capital: Old Freak Street

Nepal was once named as the weed capital with the best weeds in the world at the Old Freak Street in Kathmandu. Nepal still has got a wide prospect with regards to weed. Marijuana lovers from all over the world flocked to Nepal to fire a pot. The chain broke after weed was illegalized in Nepal in 1973. Weed is illegal and is not available for buying and selling as of 1976, you can still find the growth of weeds almost everywhere, mostly in the rural area, around the roads, ditches, farm lands, mountainside and everywhere. Who would not love to fire a pot and gaze at the fine environment of Nepal. 

Land of Temples

Nepal is also known as the land of temples and shrines as it has more than 5000 temples. These temples are everywhere, every corner, from busy cities to quiet mountain towns which shows just how important Hinduism is to the people who live there. Temples are a big part of Nepal which makes Nepal more unique. Nepal has 10 UNESCO World Heritage sites, among which 8 are cultural heritage sites. Similarly, The capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu, is known as the “City of Temples” as it has one of the biggest temples “Pashupatinath temple” which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site and an important cultural heritage site. Listed here are the 8 cultural heritage sites of Nepal in UNESCO.

1. Bhaktapur Durbar Square
2. Boudhanath
3. Changu Narayan Temple
4. Kathmandu Durbar Square
5. Pashupatinath Temple
6. Patan Durbar Square
7. Swayambhunath Mahachaitya

BirthPlace of Siddhartha Gautam(Buddha)

Siddhartha Gautam also known as Gautam/Gautama Buddha. Even though the president of India once claimed that he was born in India, Buddha was actually born in Lumbini, Nepal in a royal family around 563/480 BCE. He’s also the founder of Buddhism. After his death, the people(his disciples) started following his teachings and hence the religion buddhism was formed. Lumbini in Nepal is the holiest pilgrimage site for Buddhists all over the world. Tourists from all over the world come to Lumbini to pay their respects, seek solace, and absorb the atmosphere of enlightenment that saturates the area.

Brave Gurkhas

Nepalese people are also known for their bravery around the world. The Nepalese Gurkha soldiers have been an integral part of the British Army since 1815 when the British East India Company clinched a peace agreement after which it suffered heavy casualties during an invasion of Nepal. The name Gurkha comes from Gorkha: the land of brave men from where the unification of Nepal initially started. The main motto of the Nepalese Gurkha soldiers is “Better to die than being a coward”.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

1. What makes Nepal's calendar, Bikram Sambat (B.S.), unique compared to the Gregorian calendar?

The Bikram Sambat calendar is 56 years and 8 1/2 months ahead of the Gregorian calendar, with varying month lengths.

2. Why is Nepal's flag unique?

Nepal’s flag is the world’s only non-rectangular flag, symbolizing mountains, peace, and the Nepalese spirit.

3. How many of the world's highest peaks are located in Nepal?

Nepal has 8 of the 14 highest peaks in the world, including Mount Everest.

4. Who is the Kumari, the living goddess of Nepal?

The Kumari is a pre-pubescent girl worshiped as the living goddess until she reaches puberty.

5. Why is Nepal known as the "Land of Temples"?

Nepal has over 5,000 temples, including 8 UNESCO cultural heritage sites.

6. What is the significance of Lumbini in Nepal?

Lumbini is the birthplace of Siddhartha Gautam (Buddha) and a sacred pilgrimage site.

7. Why are the Gurkhas famous?

Gurkhas are legendary soldiers known for their bravery and service in the British Army.

8. What is Old Freak Street, and why is it significant?

Old Freak Street was a hub for marijuana enthusiasts until weed was banned in 1976.

9. How many languages and ethnic groups are there in Nepal?

Nepal has over 80 ethnic groups and speaks more than 123 languages and dialects.