However, especially in capital city of Kathmandu, you may notice that even some of the more stringent observances have been brushed aside with the growing interest in western life style and culture.
If you should have the honor of being treated to Nepali hospitality your preparations should begin in advance of your arrival. Nepali social functions usually begin with an extended period of drinking and conversing and the meal will be served quite late in the evening. Better have a snack before going especially if indulging in liquor. If invited into a home be sure to remove your shoes before entering. Take care that the sole of the shoe doesn't face upwards -a very bad sign.
The males and females will be separated into distinct areas. A foreigner is permitted to mix rather freely but avoid touching females, including children. Newari girls are taught from childhood not to be forward or assertive. It's even quite difficult to capture the direct gaze of a Nepali woman through this unwritten rule seems to be slowly changing. While on the subject, married women may be recognized by a red line of vermilion powder which runs along the part of the hair.
Discretion should be used in taking photos, particularly in the rural. Many believe in the advice to be a spirit-capturing form of the world-renowned "evil eye" which can cause a great deal of trouble. Some shy ones will run in fear.
Some of the strongest customs surround the partaking and preparation of food and drink as a result of the caste system. Don't attempt to serve yourself, for if you should touch the food the entire content will be considered "jutho" or contaminated. It's customary to wash before and after eating especially wince most Nepalis eat with their hands - the right hand only, by the way. A request for knife and fork is not out of line. Once you've been served do not offer food or drink from your portion as this can be a real humiliation. Likewise, be careful not to touch the utensils of others, although, a husband may offer bites from his plate to his wife or children. When your meal is completed don't attempt to be over-helpful by offering to clear the table. In many homes only the selected cook is allowed to enter the kitchen area. Also be cautious where you place your dirtied plates as it can cause serious contamination. Generally they are placed discreetly under the table or on the ground. In certain places you may observe some trying to circumvent the contaminating of utensils by pouring a drink straight down the throat without touching the pot to their lips. This is acceptable in some areas but frowned on in the Terai. Do not give or accept food or drink across the threshold of a doorway. When the dining is finished, guests are expected to politely excuse themselves as this marks the end of the evening.
If you should enter a room where one is preparing to take meal he will profusely insist that you share it with him. The reason being that if your glance at the food had perhaps been motivated by a desire for it, the food may become tainted by the evil eye and could make the partaker quite ill. This can be remedied if you share in even a small portion of it. If you decline, the food may well be put aside and disposed of later.
If you should invite a Nepali to join you for dinner, don't be surprised if he politely refuses especially if he is of a very high caste. Brahmans may also not consume liquor. There is an involved list of foods which may or may not be eaten depending upon caste or religion. Also it is improper to probe adult one's caste or religion.
Be careful not to step over a person under you. For this reason Nepali stairways are divided into short flights which are side-by-side.
To avoid walking above another's head many Nepalese people shout a warning when ascending or descending. Do not walk counter-clockwise around temples or shrines. Some will be marked to remind you. Do not blow out a lamp with your breath nor light a cigarette from one - it is most disrespectful to the lamp. Do not whistle in the house. this is done only by thieves.
Do not ask a wife the name of her husband as she does not like to pronounce it. Do not clean house after sundown nor sweep a house from the top floor downwards. This is done only on the day of a death. If you are pregnant, or recently gave birth, do not touch other children as it is believed it will make them irritable and cranky. Also do not walk on the shadow of others.
Remember that the cow is most sacred. Numerous other animals are revered and worshiped at certain festivals, including elephants, rats, snakes and dogs.
Fortune telling, astrology, and horoscopes have great influence on the major events of life.
The customs and beliefs of your hosts can help you to enjoy your stay more and help you to enjoy your stay more and help yo understand a bit more of the mystery that wraps up Nepal.
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