Newar Leaders and Icons: The Top 10 Notable Personalities

The Newar people are an ethnic group indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley and its surrounding areas in Nepal. They are known for their rich cultural heritage, traditional arts, and contributions to various fields. Here are ten popular celebrities and notable people from the Newar ethnicity:

• Sugam Pokharel: A renowned singer and musician, Sugam Pokharel is known for his soulful voice and popular songs like “Maya Laune”, “Timilai Ma”, and “Feel the Music”.
• Manjushree Thapa: A celebrated Nepali-American author, Manjushree Thapa is known for her novels “The Tutor of History”, “Seasons of Flight”, and “The Anarchy of Desire”.
• Anuradha Koirala: A prominent human rights activist, Anuradha Koirala is the founder of Maiti Nepal, a non-profit organization dedicated to combating trafficking and empowering women and girls.
• Bhimsen Das Pradhan: A legendary classical singer, Bhimsen Das Pradhan was known for his mastery of Nepalese music and his contribution to preserving traditional Nepali melodies.
• Sita Ram Kattel: A renowned comedian and actor, Sita Ram Kattel is known for his satirical skits and his role in the popular TV show “Meri Bassai”.
• Bimal Gurung: A former politician and activist, Bimal Gurung is known for his role in the Gorkhaland movement, a campaign for the creation of a separate state for the Gurkha people.
• Kunda Dixit: A prominent journalist and editor, Kunda Dixit is known for his insightful political commentary and his role in promoting freedom of expression in Nepal.
• Keshav Sthapit: A renowned architect and cultural heritage expert, Keshav Sthapit is known for his efforts to preserve and restore historical monuments in Nepal, including the Kathmandu Durbar Square.
• Narayanhiti Palace Museum: A former royal palace, Narayanhiti Palace Museum is now a museum that exhibits the history and culture of the Nepalese monarchy.
• World Peace Pagoda: A Buddhist stupa located on a hilltop in Kathmandu, the World Peace Pagoda offers panoramic views of the city and serves as a symbol of peace and harmony.

Newar Mystique: Unraveling Three Key Historical Legacies

The Newar community is an indigenous ethnic group primarily residing in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. The Newars have a rich cultural heritage that dates back centuries and encompasses a wide range of traditions and practices. Here, we explore three of the most well-known historical inheritances associated with the Newar heritage.

1. Architecture: One of the most significant contributions of the Newar community is their distinctive architectural style. Newar architecture can be seen in numerous temples, palaces, and residential buildings scattered throughout the Kathmandu Valley. The Newars are renowned for their intricate woodcarvings, metalwork, and stone masonry in architectural designs. The pagoda style, characterized by its multi-tiered temple structure, is particularly prominent in Newar architecture. The 55-windowed palace in Bhaktapur and the Krishna Mandir in Patan are exemplary structures that showcase the artistry and craftsmanship of the Newars.

• Distinctive architectural style
• Intricate woodcarvings, metalwork, and stone masonry
• Pagoda style

2. Festivals: The Newar community is known for its vibrant and colorful festivals, which bring the entire community together and showcase their rich cultural heritage. One of the most famous festivals celebrated by the Newars is the Bisket Jatra, held in Bhaktapur. During this festival, a massive chariot is pulled through the streets, and the locals engage in various cultural dances and rituals. Other notable festivals include the Indra Jatra, where a massive wooden pole (lingo) is erected in Kathmandu Durbar Square, and the Bhai Tika, a significant celebration during the Tihar festival where sisters offer tika and blessings to their brothers.

• Vibrant and colorful festivals
• Bisket Jatra
• Indra Jatra
• Bhai Tika

3. Cuisine: Newar cuisine is renowned for its unique flavors and traditional cooking methods. The Newars have their own distinct culinary traditions, characterized by a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. One of the most iconic Newar dishes is the mouthwatering Newari Bhoj, a feast-style meal that typically includes rice, lentils, a variety of meat dishes, and a range of condiments such as achar (pickles) and wo (lentil doughnuts). Chatamari, a rice flour pancake topped with minced meat and vegetables, is another popular Newar delicacy. Newar cuisine is deeply rooted in the community’s cultural practices and is a significant aspect of Newar identity.

• Unique flavors and traditional cooking methods
• Newari Bhoj
• Chatamari

The Newar community continues to preserve and promote their remarkable cultural heritage, from their distinctive architectural style to their vibrant festivals and mouthwatering cuisine. Their contributions to Nepal’s cultural landscape are invaluable and play a vital role in shaping the country’s identity and heritage.

In a striking celebration of diversity, numerous prominent individuals proudly reflect a mosaic of Musalman, Bishwokarma and Tamang roots, highlighting the intricate interplay of cultures within their heritage. From accomplished leaders to acclaimed artists, these figures embody the rich lexical semantic tapestry of ethnic backgrounds, illustrating the vibrant spectrum of human experiences.

Factsheet About Newar People

Characteristic	Data
Ethnicity	Newar
Language	Newari
Religion	Hinduism and Buddhism
Population	Approximately 1.3 million
Major Cities	Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur
Geographical Distribution	Primarily found in the Kathmandu Valley and surrounding areas in Nepal
Traditions and Culture	Rich cultural heritage, famous for unique festivals, architecture, and craftsmanship
Social Hierarchy	Newar society traditionally had a caste system with distinct social groups
Occupation	Historically involved in trade, business, agriculture, and traditional crafts

Newar Ethnicity: References and Resources

The Newar ethnic group is an indigenous community in Nepal, primarily residing in the Kathmandu Valley. They have a rich and unique culture, with their own language, traditional practices, and festivals. To learn more about the Newar ethnic group and explore their history, customs, and traditions, here are some references and resources you can dig deeper into:

• “The Newars: An Ethno-Sociological Study of a Himalayan Community” by Dor Bahadur Bista – This renowned book provides an in-depth study of the Newar community, covering various aspects such as their social structure, religion, economy, and cultural practices. It is a valuable resource for understanding the Newar society.
• Britannica – Newar – The Britannica website offers an overview of the Newar ethnic group, including information about their history, culture, religious beliefs, and social structure. It provides a brief yet informative introduction to the Newar community.
• “The Newar People of Nepal: A blend of Hindu, Buddhist and Indigenous beliefs” – This article on the Advnture website delves into the unique blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous beliefs and practices among the Newar community. It discusses their religious festivals, traditional craftsmanship, and architectural heritage, providing insights into their cultural richness.
• World Monuments Fund – Newari Architecture – The World Monuments Fund website features an article focused on Newari architecture. It explores the distinctive architectural style and craftsmanship of the Newar community, highlighting the importance of reviving and preserving their architectural heritage.
• Peoples of the World – Newar – This website provides an overview of the Newar ethnic group, including key information about their history, language, religion, and cultural practices. It also offers insights into their social organization and economic activities, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of the Newar community.

These references and resources offer a starting point for exploring the Newar ethnic group in more depth. By delving into their history, culture, and traditions, you can gain a deeper appreciation for the unique heritage of this fascinating community.

As we continue to celebrate diversity and embrace the richness of different cultures, let us honor and draw inspiration from these remarkable individuals who have shaped our world. Thank you for joining us on this captivating journey.