Kala-Mandapa

Background

Nepal is a wondrous land nestled up against the highest mountains in the world, the Himalaya. Tucked between the great civilisations of India and China, it has incorporated their cultural and spiritual traditions creating a unique and beautiful culture. One finds here a blend of Vedic, Shaiva Shakta, Vaishnava, and shamanic traditions, as well as the practice of Buddhism and Jainism which belongs to the ancient Shramana tradition.

Nepal is a small country with about 64 ethnic and tribal groups. Among them are the Newars, the indigenous inhabitants of Nepal-Mandala, the Kathmandu Valley.

The classical arts and philosophy of the Newari people, from the architecture to the performing arts, are infused with deep religious meaning. The performing arts of Kathmandu Valley include ritual operatic dance drama, ritual dances of gods and festive rhythmic dances, as well as comical and satirical social dramas. The arts of the Kathmandu valley, both ancient and classical are highly developed artistic forms whether festive or esoteric, there is a spiritual base which plays an important role.