Page 34 - 07_Social Studies and Population Education Book 7_2078 Revised and Updated Edition

significantly different in terms of caste, ethnicity, religion and social norms.
However, there is common understanding among them. Present Constitution of
Nepal has guaranteed the ‘Right to freedom of religion’. It has stated in the
provision that:

Every person who has faith in religion shall have the freedom to profess,
practice and protect his or her religion according to his or her conviction.
Every religious denomination shall have the right to operate and protect
its religious sites and religious Guthi (trusts). Provided that nothing shall

be deemed to prevent the regulation, by making law, of the operation and
protection of religious sites and religious trusts and management of trust
properties and lands.
No person shall, in the exercise of the right conferred by this Article, do, or

cause to be done, any act which may be contrary to public health, decency and
morality or breach public peace, or convert another person from one religion
to another or any act or conduct that may jeopardize other's religion and such
act shall be punishable by law.

This legal provision has supported the existence of social traditions and rituals
of all in our country.

Besides the diversity of culture,
religion, ritual and tradition, there
is a good understanding amongst
the people of different backgrounds.
People take part and respect each
others’ traditions and rituals. “Unity

in Diversity” and tolerance are the
unique features of Nepalese society
and culture. It is our duty to protect Cultural Diversity of Nepal
and promote such identity. There are quite a few customs and traditions that
are bad and some rituals are considered to be evil or superstitious. Social evils
like untouchability, gender discrimination, dowry, etc are related to ritual and
traditions. Similarly, there are problems in our society that are related to rituals

like unnecessary feasts and celebrations, extravagant expenditures, animal
sacrifice, use of alcoholic beverages, etc. These evils and problems should be
abolished as they harm peace, development and the prosperity of our society.
34 SOCIAL STUDIES AND POPULATION EDUCATION - BOOK 7