RUKUM

 This is a district under Rapti Zone of mid-western Nepal. Predominantly inhabited by Magar community alongwith multiple communities of other ethnic groups is one of the remote districts of Nepal. Musikot is the headquarters of the district and the population of this district is 174233.

RUDRA VARNA MAHAVIHAR

 This artistic Buddhist monastery of Patan is popularly known as Okubahal. The courtyard as a whole is a treat to the onlookers. A great combination of multitude of structures, images and artifacts, the vihar and the adjoining new temple precinct gives the impression of an archaeological gallery of different bronze and stone art works, images, the main and other side-temple, chaityas along with ancient styled residential construction works. 

ROLPA

 This district is one of the midwestern districts of Nepal which lies under Rapti Zone. Major inhabitants  of this district are Magars… Liwang is the headquarters of this district which has a population of 188438. 

RISHI PANCHAMI

 Rishi Panchami, the fifteen day to Bhadra is observed mainly by ladies whose menstrual age is not yet over and that they specifically brush their teeth and wash their bodies thoroughly. With a view to absolving of the sin supposed to have incurred by them due to possible contamination to others during menstruation, they restrict to one time meal and feed the priests etc. on that day. 

REVOLUTION OF 1950

 Dictatorial and tyrannical regime of Ranas that lasted for 104 years in Nepal, came to an end by the revolutions of 2007 B.S. or 1950 A.D. Accumulation of wealth by Ranas, increasing poverty and unemployment of people, unequitable laws for different sects of people gross injustice and complete stagnation in the name of progress laid the seeds of discontentment on the minds of Nepalese. It took more than a quarter of a century stained with blood of martyrs and sufferings of political and social workers before the national revolt took place. Liberation of many Asian nations and general education had enrooted political consciousness and feeling of brotherhood among the people which enabled them to fight against the armed forces of the Rana autocracy. Late King Tribhuvan Vir Bikram Shah Dev having secret contacts with the revolutionaries, sought asylum in India Embassy Kathmandu in the month of Nov. 1950 and soon after went to New Delhi. Huge crowds of people insisting him at the airport not to go out of the country were calmly assured by him to come back soon. Ranas then enthroned his grandson Prince Gyanendra Vir Bikram Shah who was just three years old. As that was not acceptable to the people, the revolution led by the king took its shape. Armed fighting started in many border areas between the liberation forces and the government army. Spectacularly courageous fighting of the liberation army very soon demoralised the government army and, thus, in about 3 months time the former captured many strategic towns and districts compelling the Ranarchy to negotiate with the King and the political party (Nepali Congress). As a result Tribhuvan came back home from India with full power in hand and gave the interim democratic constitution to the nation as promised which assured the people all democratic rights and general election by adult suffrage. See also Democracy Day. 

RESIDENCE OF KUMARI

 Located near Durbar Square in Kathmandu, the temple of Goddess Kumari (virgin Goddess) is a place of religious significance and masterly craftsmanship. Wooden windows lavishly carved and artful decorations in the interior parts to the house deserve appreciation. This historic place is one of the attractions of the tourists and visited by the king and other dignitaries during various religious occasions. The living goddess Kumari lives here so long as she is enthroned as  the goddess and not replaced by the next one. 

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.. 

RAVANA

 The ten headed Rakshas who was the ruler of Lanka or Ceylon during the time of Ramayana. He had  abducted  Sita, the consort of Rama and was later killed by Rama himself. 

RAUTES

 The name Raute comes from the shed they fabricate. Such makeshift is called Rauti. Rautes are the most confirmed nomadic tribe of Nepal who forage for tubers and fruits and hunt animals for their living. They are indigenous of the dense forests in the districts of Dailekh, Jajarkot, Surkhet, Salyan, Achham, Jumla, Darchula and Baitadi. The national census figure show their number to be 2878, but most field researchers have estimated their number only about 900. They seldom live in one place for more than two months at the most. Therefore, they have not taken up farming yet. They speak Khamchi language of the Tibeto-Burman family, and worship nature. They intermarry within their close clans.

RATNAPANI

 He is the Bodhisatwa of Dhyani Buddha Ratna Sambhava. He is green in colour, holds the jewel in the right hand and the disc of the moon on lotus in the left hand.