Cultural Hints
Namaste – said while pressing both palms together as if praying, is the standard Nepali greeting. Translated it means “I salute the god within you” . You will come across this greeting and use it yourself many times during your stay!
Forms of address – generally speaking one doesn’t use first names to address people. Didi, meaning older sister; bini, meaning younger sister; dai, meaning older brother; bhai, meaning younger brother, amma, meaning mother and buwa, meaning father are the most common forms of address. No doubt you will have come to grips with them before you leave!
Thank you – this is something you may never hear on your trip! That doesn’t mean people aren’t grateful for your service, gift or attention, it’s just that thanking someone for an “every day” occurrence doesn’t appear in the culture. For something above and beyond the call of duty, Nepalis will say dhanyabaad, the equivalent of a very heart felt thank you.
Eating - there are many taboos associated with eating depending on which caste <link to caste> the person you are with is from. In general, never eat with your left hand (unless using a utensil), never touch the shared water jug or bottle to your lips, and never eat from someone else’s plate or offer them your left overs.
Clothing – apart from young people in Kathmandu and some of the tourist spots, people are very conservative about their dress and expect you to be also. Women should keep their upper arms and legs covered (even when swimming!) and men should wear a shirt at all times. Going bare foot is frowned upon – why would anyone who could afford shoes not wear them? However, please remove your shoes before entering any Nepali home, temple and many offices.
Displays of affection – men and women do not hold hands or kiss in public, even if they are married. Displays of affection are therefore something to keep under wraps until you are alone. Holding hands with someone of the same sex is, however, acceptable, and you will see many boys walking hand in hand. Men should not shake hands with a Nepali women unless the woman offers her hand first. Shaking hands is a recent form of address and hasn’t spread to many of the villages yet. Using Namaste will work wonders!
Privacy – with so many people living in extended families and with most village houses being one or two rooms only, privacy is not a high priority in Nepal. Usually everyone in the village knows everyone else’s business. They will certainly know who you are and when you arrived before you have even introduced yourself! During your stay at Furse Khola Farmhouse we will try to ensure you do have privacy but don’t be surprised if a curious child or elder peers over the wall, or over your shoulder when you are out for a walk!
Be eco friendly – we encourage eco friendly practices on our farm and at our Farmhouse. We encourage you to do the same. Please remove any plastic, batteries or other non-biodegradables you may bring with you.
Be sensitive - as well as being aware of the environment please be aware of the fact this is a developing country. Don’t make promises you can’t keep such as offering to support a child. There are many good organisations (such as CWS!) you can donate to. Don’t raise people’s hopes unrealistically. You maybe asked for pencils or sweets from children in the street or medicines from adults. Tempting as it is, do not encourage begging amongst children by giving anything to them. If you are visiting someone’s home then it is acceptable to take a gift such as fruit for the whole family. If you are concerned about anyone’s health you can refer them to the nearest health post or health worker, explaining politely that you are not the best person to deal with their problem. If in doubt ask us or your guide.
The caste system - despite being abolished decades ago in Nepal, the caste system is very much still alive. It is a defining feature of Hinduism, and encompasses a complex ordering of social groups on the basis of ritual purity. A person is considered a member of the caste into which he or she is born and remains within that caste until death. Differences in status are traditionally justified by the religious doctrine of karma, a belief that one's place in life is determined by one's deeds in previous lifetimes “Untouchability” is reinforced by the separation of facilities within neighbourhoods. Dalits (so called lower castes) are segregated as are basic amenities such as water pumps. You will notice most of our farm employees are from the Bishwakarma caste; traditionally members of this caste would work as blacksmiths, carpenters, masons or non-skilled labour, and are Dalits. Foreigners fall outside the caste system so are usually forgiven for any overstepping of caste bound culture, such as entering the kitchen of a so-called high caste household. Dalits would not be forgiven for such an unthinkable act.
Gurung caste – around the Annapurnas, the majority of the people are Gurungs, an ethnic group from the central hills of Nepal. Recognisable by their Mongolian features, and sturdy, strong bodies, Gurungs have traditionally been recruited into the British and Indian armies, You have probably heard of the Gurkha soldiers and their famous Khukuri knives!