Newari culture

Newars, who used to be almost the entire population of Kathmandu valley before the invasion of the shah dynasty in 1968, are inheritors of the rich history and culture. prior to the Gorkha conquest of the valley, the three neighboring cities of Kathmandu,Patan and Bhaktapur were the capitals of autonomous Newars kingdom and the three cities are mainly natives and traders of Newars society. Despite the small percentage numerically, they contribute significantly in the history, art, architecture and business activities in the country. They have negligible representations in the army and police services. Quite a number also have agriculture as their main occupation.

Newars speak their own language(Nepal Bhasa), which is an independent language with its own script and a rich literature. It belongs to Tibeto Burman family of languages, it seems likely that the earliest stratum of the Newars population may have come from Tibet and then over a long period evolved into its present form through the inter mingling of immigrant people, including into Aryans from the south.
The written history of the Newars is 25000 years old during which they developed their impeccable culture and arts into a great civilization Newars maintained their unique kingdom even during the various reigns of the Gopala, Kirat, Licchavi and Malla dynasties. The shahs finally amalgamated the Newar nation state in their unification drives.

The ancient Newars were predominantly Buddhist but with the political domination of Hindu rulers, the Newar religion has grown complex with new practices and beliefs. Many Newars today practice Vajrayana tradition of Buddhist but they also have strong faith in Hinduism and performs Hindu rituals of feast and fasting as well. There is no line of distinction between Hinduism and Buddhism.

They celebrate numerous feasts and festivals throughout the year. Newars have well defined occupational caste system among them selves. Though some Newars have mongoloid features, they rather represent a community of different elements mixed together. Besides their rich cultural heritage, festivals, the Newars are impeccable artist and architects.