RELIGION

 Religion in Nepal is in practice a blend of two main religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. Though both these religions have their separate identities, yet there are many such religious shrines, temples and monasteries where the gods of both religions are put together. Many gods, including important ones commonly adopted by both religions, seem to have tried to show the supremacy of one’s religion over the other. However, the religious tolerance and cooperation existing between devotees of these religions, worshipping Hindu gods by Buddhists and Buddhist gods by Hindu and in many cases the observance of the same rituals and festivals by the believers of both philosophies are the unique features of Nepalese religion. Broadly speaking Bramhins, Kshetriyas and other sects of Parbatiyas, people of the plains and a section of Newars are followers of Hinduism where as another section of Newars, Bhotias, Tamangs, Gurungs, Magars, Limbus, Sherpas etc. are Buddhists. However, in course of time, there have been many changes and conversions. Islam, the religion of a comparatively smaller section of Nepalese population, is the third important religion of the country having approximately three hundred thousand (3,00,000) followers. They have mosques in various parts of the kingdom. Due to the presence of mixed population from various parts of the world in diplomatic missions, other programs as well migration and freedom of choosing faith by people several other religious groups are also there in Nepal. Several catholic and Lutheran Churches, Gurudwaras or Sikhs and Jain temples are available in several parts of the country..