Page 48 - 08_Social_Studies and Population Education Book 8_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

Lesson SOCIAL TRADITIONS AND

1 CUSTOMS OF NEPAL

A class is going on about the social tradition and customs of Nepal. In the
presence of teacher, some students are presenting their understandings about
the topic.

Teacher : Today we are going to discuss about traditions and
customs of Nepal. As we know Nepal is a multi-religious,
multi-lingual, multi-cultural and multi-ethnic country,
our customs and traditions differ from one part of Nepal
to another. Each community has its own tradition and
custom. Like wedding, birth and death rituals, etc in
Nepal vary according to ethnic groups and castes. Now
you tell about your own traditions and customs that you
know.

Srijana Shrestha : I am going to talk about ‘Guthi’ which is prevalent in

the Newar community. It is a social organization which
maintains the socio-economic order of Newar society.
It is one of the most powerful social organizations of
Newars. It has been practiced from Lichchhavi period.
Guthi plays an important role in preserving the culture,
building and renovating the religious places, cremation
of the dead, conducting funerals, etc. The members of the
Guthi are known as the Guthiyaar and the eldest member
of the Guthi is known as Thakali. The responsibilities

of the Guthi are distributed among the Guthiyaars. The
popular Guthis in the newar community are Dewali
Guthi, Sana Guthi, Si Guthi, etc.

48 SOCIAL STUDIES - GRADE 8