Newar Community

Newar Community

kumari jatra 

Newar community is one of dominant ethnic groups of Nepal. Newar is the indigenous group of Kathmandu valley that used to make almost the entire population of the valley before the Shah invasion in 1968 BS.Before the invasion of the valley, the three cities of Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur were autonomous Newar kingdoms. Newars are found scattered in the various parts of Nepal even though they were originally from the Kathmandu Valley.

The Newars were primarily farmers and traders as the Kathmandu valley had fertile land suitable for rice cultivation and also trade between India and Tibet. During the Malla regime, the economic condition was stable and strong that gave the people to develop their skills in art, architecture and culture which is why these three cities are rich in cultural and architectural heritage.

Language:

The language used by the Newar is called Nepal Bhasa, commonly known as Newari and has its own script and a rich literature.

Caste system in Newar community:

There is also hierarchal division of caste system on the basis of occupation and their social position among the Newars which was started by a Malla king.
 The highest class is obviously the priestly classes that are Shakya and Bajracharya and the priesthood is handed down to the sons by the fathers.
Next on the status are Pradhan, Joshi, Rajbhandari, etc. who used to be recruited in government services and worked as the advisors to the King.
 Then comes the worker class which included the farmers, artisans and craft men and the lowest are on the caste list are the untouchables
who are supposed to be the cleaners and butchers.
The whole social structure of a Newar community, hence, is built on this caste system.
Although the traditional systems are changing in the society, some of the members of Newar community still follow the traditional occupational practices.

Culture and Religion:

The Newars are rich in culture and religion and the best example for that are the numerous jatras, pujas and social ceremonies they manage to conduct even in today’s fast life.
Some are ihi,barha, janku, mha puja,indrajatra.

Newari cuisine:

Newari cuisine is rich in terms of serving the traditional food items and almost all the non-veg Newari cuisines consist of he-Buffalo meat, however,
it also has some vegetarian cuisines as well.
some of the most popular are Choila, Kachila, Bara, Yomari, Lakhamari, Chatamari, etc.  Also, there are special cuisines prepared for particular festivals as well.