bidding farewell to guests or family members . However , in Buddhist communities , you may be welcomed with Tibetan styled scarves placed around your neck . These scarves are known as khadas which are usually given to show respect . The Newari community has a different way of greeting their guests . Along with the usual practice of putting red tikas on your forehead , a red cloth that is known as kokha is put around your neck followed by an offering of Sagun - which is a a blessing consisting of boiled eggs , dried fish , lentil pancakes , and local raksi . In some parts of Nepal , especially in the highlands , a welcoming gesture includes touching of foreheads .
In special cases , five young girls known as Panchakanya welcome important guests . The girls , who represent the five most revered women in Hinduism , are meant to be virgins . They frequently drape a flower garland around the welcomed guest ’ s neck . Special visitors are greeted with cheering , horn blowing , and drumming in certain towns . In other circumstances , all it takes to receive such a reception is to be a foreigner in a hamlet that hasn ’ t seen a visitor in a long time .
Apart from the welcoming gesture , there are a lot of things that a guest should be mindful of about the Nepali hospitality . Consider this as your ultimate guide to the Pahuna ( guest ) culture of Nepal .
Mind your Head
The head is considered to be one of the highest parts of the human body , both literally and religiously . Since the upper part of the body is considered more sacred than the lower , many South Asians wear lucky charms in their shirt pockets rather than their trousers pockets . According to Riga Vedic scriptures used to support the caste system , the head of the original man gave birth to the highest castes while the feet gave birth to the lowest . Hence , it is not recommended to pat or touch anyone ’ s head without consent .
Shoes Outside , Please
Host cooks with traditional utensils . Photo by RMT .
To start off with the basics , when you enter any Nepali household make sure to take off your shoes before entering any indoor space . Nepali people value cleanliness based on the influence of their social and religious customs . Cleaning the house is a regular errand in many households . The housewives are expected to clean the house every morning as a part of a traditional belief . However , this notion seems to have changed over the years with both partners sharing equal responsibilities in the house ; especially in urban areas . Despite having such an attitude towards cleanliness , it ’ s normal to see people spitting on the streets .
www . insidehimalayas . com by Royal Mountain Travel
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