Glossary

Basant Panchami

Basant Panchami is a festival celebrated in honor of Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge, music, and arts. Observed to mark the arrival of spring, the festival involves various rituals, cultural performances, and educational activities. Devotees participate in ceremonies to seek blessings for wisdom and creativity, and the festival is often marked by the display of yellow, the color associated with Saraswati.

 

Bhawari

Bhawari is a traditional dish from the rai community, made from fermented rice. This dish is notable for its distinct flavor, which results from the fermentation process. It is typically served during special occasions and festive gatherings, reflecting the rai people’s culinary traditions and the importance of fermented foods in their diet.

Bhaklep

Bhaklep is another traditional dish from the rai community, prepared from fermented maize or millet, like hawari, bhaklep’s unique taste comes from fermentation. This dish is a staple in rai cuisine and is often enjoyed during festivals and communal events, showcasing the diversity and richness of rai food traditions.

Bhuwa

Bhuwa is a traditional drink from the rai community, made from fermented rice or millet. It is similar to beer
and is commonly consumed during festivals, social gatherings, and celebrations. Bhuwa is an important part of rai cultural practices, providing a communal beverage that enhances social interaction and festivity.

Bhauro

Bhauro refers to traditional jewelry worn by rai women, particularly during festivals and ceremonial occasions. This jewelry includes various ornaments such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, often made from intricate designs and materials. Bhauro enhances traditional attire and is an expression of cultural identity and artistry.

Bisket Jatra 

A major festival celebrated in Bhaktapur, marking the Nepali new year.

Bha

Traditional rai headwear worn during festivals and ceremonies.

 

Buddha Jayanti 

Buddha Jayanti, is a celebration of the birth, enlightenment, and death of siddhartha gautama, who became the buddha. It is observed on the full moon day in april or may, which marks the buddhist festival of vesak or vesakha. This day is significant for buddhists as it commemorates these key events in the buddha’s life and is an opportunity for followers to reflect on his teachings, practice meditation, and engage in acts of compassion and generosity. Celebrations can include visiting temples, making offerings, and participating in community events.

C

Chandi Dance

A ritual dance performed during ceremonies dedicated to the goddess chandi. It is characterized by its energetic and symbolic movements.

Chatai

Straw or reed mats used for sitting or sleeping.

 

Chandrahar

A multi-strand necklace worn by women, often paired with other jewelry.

Chhewar

A traditional coming-of-age ceremony for magar boys, marking their transition from childhood to adulthood. This important ritual involves various ceremonies and community celebrations that signify the boy’s new status in the community.

Chulo

The traditional hearth used for cooking in magar households. It is typically a clay or stone stove that serves as the central cooking area in magar home, reflecting the traditional methods of food preparation in the community.

Chandi Dance

A ritual dance performed during ceremonies dedicated to the goddess chandi. This dance is known for its energetic and symbolic movements, which are meant to invoke the goddess’s blessings and demonstrate devotion.

Chatai

Straw or reed mats used for sitting or sleeping. These mats are commonly used in various south asian cultures and provide a simple, traditional solution for bedding and seating.

Chandrahar

A multi-strand necklace worn by women, often paired with other jewelry. It is a traditional adornment that adds elegance to ceremonial outfits and is an important part of the jewelry collection in various south asian cultures.

Cholo

A traditional shirt worn by rai men, typically paired with a hat called topi. This garment is a key component of traditional rai attire and reflects the cultural identity and style of the rai community.

Chingwa

Traditional rai bread made from rice or millet. This bread is an integral part of the rai diet and is enjoyed as a staple food, often served with various accompaniments.

Chatamari

Often referred to as “Newari pizza,” it is a rice flour crepe with various toppings. This dish is a popular newari delicacy, known for its unique preparation and diverse topping options, making it a favorite at festivals and special occasions.

Chyama Puja

A ritual of atonement and purification performed by newars to seek forgiveness and blessings. This ritual is part of the newar tradition and involves ceremonies that are meant to cleanse and purify the individual and the community.

Chyura

Beaten rice, a staple in newari cuisine, often part of the samay baji set. This rice is flattened and dried, making it a versatile ingredient used in various newari dishes and snacks.

Chandeshwori Jatra

A festival celebrated in the town of banepa, dedicated to the goddess chandeshwori, featuring traditional rituals and processions.

 

Changu Narayan

An ancient temple located near bhaktapur, dedicated to lord vishnu, and a UNESCO world heritage site, showcasing newari art and architecture.

D

Dhamari

A traditional ceremony or ritual that includes various cultural practices.

Dhol

Traditional drum used in rai music.

Dhido

Dhido is a traditional Nepalese dish made from buckwheat or millet flour. It is similar to rice but has a firmer texture and is often served with vegetables, meat, or lentils. Dhido is cooked by stirring the flour in boiling water until it becomes thick and smooth. It is a staple food in many Nepalese households and is valued for its nutritional benefits and easy preparation.

Doko

A doko is a traditional basket used by the tamang community in Nepal. Made from bamboo, it’s carried on the back with a strap. People use it to carry things like crops, firewood, and goods. The doko is practical and helps make carrying heavy loads easier, reflecting the everyday life and skills of the tamang people.

Damphu

Damphu is a traditional drum with a cylindrical shape and one head. It’s played by striking it with the hands or sticks. This drum is used in various celebrations and ceremonies to provide a strong, rhythmic sound that adds to the music. It’s known for its deep, resonant tone.

Dholak

A traditional hand drum used in tharu music and dance. It is a cylindrical drum with a distinctive sound, played with the hands and often used to accompany folk music and dance performances in the tharu community.

Damphu

A traditional hand drum used in tamang music. The damphu is a small, circular drum played with the hands and fingers, providing a rhythmic accompaniment to tamang songs and dances. It is an integral part of tamang cultural performances and celebrations.

Dhol

A traditional drum used in rai music. The dhol is a large, barrel-shaped drum played with sticks and is central to rai musical traditions. It provides a deep, resonant beat that accompanies various traditional songs and dances.

Dhido

A traditional rai dish made from buckwheat flour. Dhido is similar to rice in that it serves as a staple food, but it has a different texture and flavor due to the buckwheat. It is typically enjoyed with various side dishes and reflects the Rai community’s culinary traditions.

Doka

A traditional rai bag used for carrying goods. The doka is often worn on the back and is crafted from woven materials. It is a practical item for transporting items and is an important part of traditional rai daily life and culture.

Dhime

A traditional drum used in newari music. The dhime is a large, double-headed drum played with sticks and is essential to newar musical ensembles, especially during festivals and ceremonial events. It provides a powerful rhythm that drives the music and dance.

Dapha

Traditional newari music typically performed during religious ceremonies and festivals. Dapha involves the use of various traditional instruments such as drums, flutes, and cymbals, creating a rich and rhythmic sound that accompanies newari rituals and celebrations.

Dhau

Newari yogurt known for its rich and creamy texture. Dhau is consumed as a dessert or used in religious rituals. It is made from fermented milk and is valued for its taste and cultural significance in newari traditions.

Devi Naach

Traditional dances performed during festivals to honor various goddesses. These dances feature elaborate costumes and masks and are performed to seek blessings and celebrate the divine feminine presence in different festivals.

Daboo

A traditional newari printing method used to create designs on textiles. Daboo involves applying ink to cloth through hand-carved wooden blocks or stamps, producing intricate patterns and designs that are used in traditional newari clothing and decorations.

 

Dyah Lya Bhintuna

The newari new year, celebrated with various cultural events and festivities known for its vibrant celebrations, this festival includes traditional music, dance, rituals, and communal gatherings, marking the start of the new year in the newar calendar.

E

Ehee (Ihi)

A significant ritual in newari culture, also known as bel bibaha, where young girls are ritually married to the bel fruit (representing the god vishnu), ensuring their perpetual virginity and protection.

F

Fagu Purnima

A festival celebrated by some rai communities, similar to holi, involving the throwing of colors and celebrating spring.

G

Gunyu Cholo

Traditional women’s attire, consisting of a blouse and skirt.

Gundruk

Fermented leafy green vegetables, a staple in magar cuisine.

Gungi

A traditional dish made with snails or similar insects. It is typically prepared with various spices and ingredients, reflecting the local culinary practices of the magar community.

Gadariya

A traditional tharu term for a shepherd or pastoralist.

Guthi

Traditional social organizations that manage religious and cultural activities.

Gha

Newari term for house, reflecting traditional newari architecture and family living arrangements.

Gaju

Traditional newari jewelry, often worn by women, including ornate necklaces and earrings.

Ghyampo

Traditional newari clay pots used for cooking and storage.

Gabhali

Traditional newari chest or storage box, often ornately carved and used to store valuables and ceremonial items.

Ghantakarna

A festival celebrated to ward off evil spirits and demons, involving various rituals and the symbolic removal of the effigy of the demon ghantakarna.

Gudpak

A traditional newari sweet made from milk, sugar, and nuts, often consumed during festivals and special occasions.

H

Haku Patasi

The Haku Patasi is a traditional black sari with a red border worn by newari women, particularly during special occasions and cultural events. The sari is known for its elegant design and symbolic colors—black for its classic and formal appeal, and red for its vibrant and auspicious connotations. This attire is an important part of newari traditional dress, often paired with other traditional accessories and worn during festivals, weddings, and ceremonial gatherings.

Hadiya

Hadiya is a traditional tharu dance characterized by intricate footwork and rhythmic movements. This dance form is performed during cultural and festive events, showcasing the tharu community’s vibrant traditions. Dancers often wear traditional costumes and ornaments, and the dance is accompanied by traditional music played on instruments like the dholak. Hadiya reflects the tharu people’s rich cultural heritage and is an important expression of their artistic and ceremonial practices.

I

Indra Jatra

A significant festival celebrated with chariot processions and masked dances.

Itu

A traditional newari drink made from fermented rice, similar to rice beer, often consumed during festivals and special occasions

J

Jaanch

A traditional communal gathering or meeting, which may involve social or cultural activities among the magar community.

 

Jyapu

An agricultural newar caste known for their farming skills and cultural contributions.

K

Khaicha

Khaicha is a traditional newari rice dumpling that is often served during special occasions and festive gatherings. Made from rice flour and filled with various ingredients, such as lentils or spices, khaicha is steamed or boiled and enjoyed for its unique texture and flavor. It is an important part of newari cuisine and is typically prepared for celebrations, religious ceremonies, and communal feasts.

Kasthakala

Kasthakala refers to traditional newari wood carving, known for its intricate designs and skilled craftsmanship. This art form is often used to decorate temples, palaces, and other significant buildings in the newar community. Kasthakala includes detailed carvings of deities, mythological scenes, and geometric patterns, reflecting the artistic heritage and cultural values of the newar people.

Kanya Puja: Kanya Puja is a ritual honoring young girls, performed during various festivals, especially in hindu traditions. This ritual symbolizes purity, reverence, and devotion. During kanya puja, young girls are treated with special respect and are offered food and gifts as a way of acknowledging their divine qualities and the importance of feminine purity in religious practices.

Kholmo

Kholmo refers to traditional rai textiles or garments. These textiles are often handwoven with distinctive patterns and colors, representing rai cultural heritage. Kholmo garments include items like shirts, skirts, and shawls, which are worn during traditional events and ceremonies, reflecting the community’s craftsmanship and aesthetic values.

 

Kara

Kara is a traditional rai bracelet worn by both men and women. It is typically made from metal or beadwork and is an important accessory in rai traditional attire. The bracelet can be simple or elaborately designed, and it holds cultural significance, often symbolizing status, identity, or protection.

Kham

Kham refers to traditional dances or songs performed during festivals and celebrations in tamang communities. These performances showcase tamang music and dance heritage, featuring rhythmic movements and melodious tunes that
celebrate cultural traditions and communal events.

Kachhad

Kachhad is a traditional wrap-around skirt worn by men. This garment is typically made from woven fabrics and is part of traditional attire in various south Asian cultures. The kachhad is worn for its practicality and cultural significance during ceremonies and daily activities.

Khatwa

Khatwa refers to traditional woven mats used in homes. These mats are made from natural fibers and are used for sitting, sleeping, or decorating floors. Khatwa mats are valued for their durability and craftsmanship, and they play an important role in traditional domestic settings.

 

Khol

Khol is a traditional tharu drum used in music and ceremonies. It is a cylindrical drum played with the hands and provided a rhythmic accompaniment to tharu music and dance. The Khol drum is essential in tharu cultural performances and rituals, adding a vibrant and energetic beat to traditional events.

L

Lungi

Lungi is a wrap-around cloth worn by men, particularly in rural areas of south asia. It is a versatile garment that is often tied around the waist and can be worn casually or for various traditional and informal occasions. The Lungi is valued for its comfort and practicality in hot climates.

Lohorung

Lohorung is a dialect or variant of the magar language spoken by certain sub-groups within the magar community. It is one of the many regional variations of the magar language, reflecting the linguistic diversity within the magar people and their distinct cultural identities.

Lhosar

Lhosar is the tibetan new year festival celebrated by the tamang community, also known as sonam lhosar. This festival marks the start of the new year according to the tibetan lunar calendar and is celebrated with various cultural events, including traditional dances, music, feasting, and family gatherings.

Lyo Dance

Lyo Dance is a traditional dance performed during community gatherings and festivals. This dance typically involves group formations and rhythmic movements that are intended to celebrate cultural heritage, strengthen community bonds, and add festive energy to the occasion.

Lahu

Lahu is traditional rai jewelry, often elaborate and worn during important ceremonies. This jewelry includes various pieces such as necklaces, earrings, and bracelets, and is known for its intricate designs and craftsmanship. Lahu jewelry plays a significant role in rai ceremonial attire and cultural expression.

Lung

Lung is a traditional rai food made from fermented rice. This dish is known for its unique taste and texture resulting from the fermentation process. Lung is an important part of rai cuisine and is often enjoyed during communal meals and traditional events.

M

Mha Puja

Mha Puja is a significant ritual celebrated by the newar community of the kathmandu valley on the newari new year, known as nepal sambat. The ritual focuses on self-worship and self-renewal, where individuals perform ceremonies to honor and purify their own bodies and spirits. Mha puja is integral to the newar new year celebrations and emphasizes personal well-being and spiritual cleanliness.

Momo

Momo refers to a popular type of dumpling commonly found in nepalese and tibetan cuisine. These dumplings are typically filled with a mixture of meat (such as chicken, buffalo, or pork) or vegetables and are either steamed or fried. Momos are often served with a spicy dipping sauce and are enjoyed as a snack or part of a meal, making them a beloved dish in many south asian cultures.

Madal

The madal is a traditional drum used in various south asian musical and dance performances. It is particularly prominent in the newar and other cultural traditions of Nepal. The drum has a cylindrical shape and is played with the hands, producing rhythmic beats that are essential for accompanying folk music and dance. The madal is often used during festivals and communal celebrations.

Maghi

Maghi is a major festival celebrated by the tharu community to mark the end of the harvest season. It typically involves a variety of cultural activities, including traditional dances, feasting, and rituals that honor the end of a fruitful harvest and welcome the new season. The festival is a time for community bonding and celebrating agricultural success.

Maghe Sankranti

Maghe sankranti is a significant festival in south asia that marks the winter solstice and the beginning of the harvest season. celebrated with a range of rituals, feasting, and cultural activities, this festival signifies the end of winter and the start of longer days. It is marked by traditional foods, family gatherings, and various cultural performances, reflecting the importance of agricultural cycles and seasonal changes.

N

Naga Jatra

A festival dedicated to serpent deities, celebrated with rituals and processions, showcasing newari spirituality.

Numa

A traditional newari dish made from boiled rice and various toppings, commonly served during meals.

 

Nagtan

A traditional tamang festival or ritual celebrating specific seasonal or agricultural events.

O

Onko

Onko refers to traditional newari earthenware pots that are used for both cooking and serving food, particularly during feasts and ceremonies. These pots are crafted from clay and often feature intricate designs and patterns. They are valued for their ability to enhance the flavor of food and are an essential part of newari culinary traditions, especially during special occasions and communal gatherings.

Ong Chhewar

Ong chhewar is a significant celebration in the rai community marking the coming age of young boys. This ceremony involves a series of traditional rituals and community gatherings that symbolize the transition from childhood to adulthood. The celebration is characterized by cultural practices, rites of passage, and communal festivities, reflecting the rai community’s values and social structure.

Otho

Otho refers to traditional rai beadwork or ornaments that are an integral part of ceremonial attire. These ornaments are often handmade and feature intricate bead patterns and designs. They are worn during festivals, rituals, and special occasions, adding to the ceremonial and cultural significance of rai traditional dress.

Oma

Oma is a traditional rai dish made from fermented grains, such as rice or millet. Although it’s not as commonly used in modern culinary contexts, it remains a part of rai heritage cuisine. The fermentation process imparts a unique flavor and texture to the dish, reflecting the traditional rai method of food preparation and preservation.

Oluwa

Oluwa is a traditional tharu term for spaces or gatherings related to community events and ceremonies. These areas are designated for communal activities, rituals, and celebrations within the tharu community. Oluwa serves as a focal point for social interactions and cultural practices, reflecting the importance of communal spaces in tharu cultural life.

P

Paita (Traditional Shawl)

The paita is a traditional shawl worn by magar women, especially during ceremonies and festivals. It is often decorated with intricate designs and is an important part of their ceremonial dress.

Pechuri

Pechuri is a traditional crocheted or woven badge that is typically worn by the rai community. It is a decorative piece that is often attached to the dress or hung from the attire during festivals and ceremonial events.

Pongal

Though primarily a festival celebrated by south indian communities, some rai people might participate in or observe similar harvest festivals, celebrating agricultural success.

Phaagu

A festival celebrated by newars, similar to holi, marked by colors and festivities.

Paubha

Traditional newari scroll paintings depicting religious themes, often used in worship and decoration.

R

Raksi

Traditional rai alcoholic beverage made from fermented grains like rice, millet, or barley. Raksi is typically homemade and has a strong, distinctive flavor. It is often enjoyed during festivals, ceremonies, and social gatherings. This drink is an important part of local culture and is sometimes used in rituals and as a symbol of hospitality.

Roti

Roti is a type of flatbread made from whole wheat flour and water, then rolled out into thin circles and cooked on a hot griddle called a tawa. Roti is a staple in many households and is often served with vegetables, curries, or meats. It’s known for its simple ingredients and versatility, making it a basic yet essential part of many meals.

 

Radhi Rug

The radhi rug is traditionally woven by the tamang and other ethnic communities in the eastern regions of Nepal, particularly in areas like radhi village in the taplejung district.

S

Samay Baji

A traditional set meal served during festivals and special occasions.

Sailung

A traditional rai festival celebrating the harvest and community togetherness, marked by feasts and rituals.

Silamsakma

Silamsakma is a type of traditional rai jewelry, often used in various ceremonial contexts. It can include intricate beadwork or crochet work and may be worn around the neck or as part of a headdress.

Sakela

A major rai festival also known as “Sakewa“, celebrating the new year and the harvest. It involves traditional dances, music, and rituals to honor deities and spirits of the land.

Sakela Dance

Performed during the sakela festival, this dance involves traditional movements and is accompanied by traditional music. It is a way to celebrate the harvest and the new year.

Sumnima and Purnima

Central deities in the rai religion, considered the mother and father of all creation.

Sonam Lhosar

Sonam lhosar is new Year festival celebrated by the tamang and sherpa communities. It marks the start of a new year and usually happens in february or march. People celebrate by wearing traditional clothes, making special foods like dumplings and rice doughnuts, and visiting temples. It’s a time for family gatherings, cleaning homes, and wishing for a good year ahead.

 

Sel Roti

Sel roti is a traditional sweet rice-based doughnut enjoyed by the magar community, especially during festivals like tihar. It is made from rice flour and is typically served with tea or as a snack.

T

Tihar

Tihar, also known as deepawali, is a major hindu festival celebrated by the magar community. It usually takes place in october or november and involves five days of festivities, including decorating homes with lights, performing puja (worship), and participating in community and family celebrations. The festival includes special days dedicated to honoring animals like dogs and cows.

Thangka

A thangka is a traditional buddhist painting, used for religious and decorative purposes. It usually shows images of buddha, deities, or important religious symbols. Thangkas are made with bright colors and detailed designs and are often hung in temples or homes as objects of worship and meditation. They help people focus on spiritual practices and learn about their beliefs.

Tamang Selo

Tamang selo is a type of traditional music and dance performed by the tamang community in Nepal. It features lively rhythms and catchy melodies played with traditional instruments like the damphu (a type of drum) and flute.

Thukpa

Thukpa is a traditional noodle soup from tibet and Nepal. It is made with a flavorful broth, often containing meat (like beef or chicken) or vegetables, and is served with hand-cut noodles. The soup typically includes a mix of vegetables such as onions, carrots, and greens, and is seasoned with spices and herbs. Thukpa is enjoyed for its hearty, warming qualities and is popular in both everyday meals and during special occasions.

Tapālan

Traditional shirt worn by newari men.

U

Ukur

A traditional rai garment or shawl is worn by men, particularly in ceremonial contexts.

Ukti

Traditional rai jewelry or ornamentation, though specific details may vary.

Udhauli

A major rai festival celebrated to mark the end of the harvest season. It involves feasting, rituals, and ceremonies to give thanks for the harvest and to seek blessings for future prosperity. It usually occurs in the winter season.

Ubhauli

Another important festival that marks the beginning of the planting season. It is celebrated with rituals, dances, and community gatherings to honor the deities and spirits and to pray for a good harvest. Ubhauli generally takes place in the spring.

V

Vikhu

Traditional rai garment or attire worn during festivals or special occasions.

Y

Yomari

A sweet dumpling made of rice flour and filled with molasses or sesame seeds, especially during yomari punhi festival.

 

Yamari Punhi

A festival dedicated to the preparation and consumption of yomari, celebrating the harvest and cultural heritage.