Some interesting facts about the Newar people and their culture

Here are some interesting facts about the Newar people and their culture:

The Original Inhabitants and Name of Nepal: The Newars are considered the original inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley, and it's widely believed that the very name "Nepal" is derived from the word "Newar." Historically, the Kathmandu Valley itself was often referred to as "Nepal Mandala."
Living Goddess (Kumari): This is one of the most fascinating aspects. The Newars maintain the ancient tradition of the Kumari, a pre-pubescent girl chosen from a specific Newar caste (Shakya, the goldsmith caste) to be the living embodiment of the Hindu goddess Taleju (the Newar name for Durga). She resides in a temple, is worshipped, and only relinquishes her divine status upon menstruation, after which a new Kumari is sought.
Two New Years, Two Calendars: Newars celebrate two New Years:
- Nepal Sambat: Their own unique lunar calendar, established in 879 AD. The Newar New Year (Mha Puja) is celebrated with a special ceremony of self-worship.
- Bikram Sambat: The official calendar of Nepal. This means Newars have double the new year celebrations!
The "Bel Marriage" (Ihi): Before a Newar girl reaches puberty, she undergoes a symbolic marriage to a bel fruit (wood apple), which represents Lord Vishnu. This ritual is believed to make her a perpetual "undowable" woman, meaning she can never truly be a widow in the traditional sense, as her first husband (the bel fruit) is immortal. This offers a unique form of empowerment and protection within the culture.
Architecture that Shaped the World: The famous pagoda style of architecture, found across East Asia (China, Japan, Korea), is widely believed to have originated in the Kathmandu Valley, primarily through the architectural innovations of Newar artisans. The legendary Newar architect Arniko is credited with spreading this style to Tibet and China in the 13th century.
Guthi System: A Unique Social Safety Net: The "Guthi" system is a sophisticated social and economic institution unique to the Newars. These community trusts manage communal property, land, temples, and often finance festivals, rituals, and even provide support for community members in need. They are a cornerstone of Newar social cohesion and self-governance, demonstrating an early form of community-based welfare.
Language with Ancient Scripts: Newars speak Nepal Bhasa (often called Newari), a Tibeto-Burman language with its own rich literary tradition and unique scripts like Ranjana Lipi and Prachalit Nepal Lipi. Ranjana Lipi, in particular, is highly artistic and used for religious texts and inscriptions, even influencing scripts in other parts of Asia
A Cuisine for Every Occasion: Newar cuisine is incredibly diverse and ritualistic. They have a vast array of dishes, with many served during specific festivals or life-cycle ceremonies. For example, "Samay Baji" is a platter of various dry and fried items, served on special occasions, while "Yomari" (sweet dumplings) are a festive winter treat. The use of buffalo meat is also a distinctive feature.
Masters of Craftsmanship: From the intricate wood carvings that adorn temples and traditional homes to exquisite metalwork, pottery, and vibrant paubha paintings (traditional Newar devotional art), Newars have a long and celebrated history as master artisans. Their skill is evident throughout the Kathmandu Valley.