The Newars are famous for their contributions to Nepal’s art, architecture, and craftsmanship. They have been indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley and have played a crucial role in shaping its unique cultural identity.
Their traditions are rooted in a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. Both of these religions have widely influenced festivals, rituals, & art forms.
To appreciate the depth of their influence on Nepali society one has to understand their history, traditions, and contributions to the overall development of Nepal socio-cultural assets. Members of this community have been skilled in metalwork, wood carving, pottery, paintings and other forms of arts.
This article explores their history, traditions, and their contributions to Nepali arts and culture.
Who are the Newars?
Newars are a community of people living in and around Kathmandu valley. Their origins are not clear, however sociologists suggest they may have originated from Tibet, India, or even Central Asia.
Kathmandu was a strategic ancient trade route between Tibet and India. This strategic placement is thought to have influenced the culture and religious practices of the Newars. Hinduism from India and Buddhism from Tibet has heavily influenced this community.
These community members were among the early traders and mediators between Tibet and Indian traders. The prosperity of their trade and commerce enabled them to contribute to the region’s prosperity and cultural exchange.
Over time, this confluence of trade, commerce, and cultural exchanges assisted in making them a community of skilled traders, artisans, and city builders.
Newars During the Licchavi Period (400–750 AD)
Newars flourished under the reign of the Licchavi kings. These rulers built many monuments, temples and structures inside the Kathmandu valley. Under the patronage of their rulers, the Newars were not only at the forefront of these scenes but also learned many art forms from Tibet and India.
Because of the confluence of Buddhism (from Tibet) and Hinduism, the Newars groomed and propounded Buddhist and Hindu art forms that would later define Nepali aesthetics. Encouraged by the Licchavi kings, the Newar community integrated beliefs of both of these religions into their daily lives, a balance that still exists today.
The Malla Period (1200–1769 AD)
Referred to as the golden era of Newar culture, this was a time of immense creativity. The Newars contributed to some of Nepal’s most iconic architectural and artistic achievements during this era.
They built many temples, palaces, and stupas that continue to draw admiration even to this day. Newar artisans perfected their skills in metalwork, wood carving, and stone sculpting during this period.
The Malla rulers were great patrons of the arts. The Newars flourished further as craftsmen, urban planners, and cultural leaders. They also deepened the integration of Hindu and Buddhist practices in their daily lives. Almost all Newari art or religious or cultural practice remains influenced by these two religious beliefs to this day.
Post-Malla Period and Modern Newars
The Newars continued to maintain their cultural identity despite political and social changes after the Shah dynasty took over political reins from the Malla kings.
Because of their craftsmanship skills, particularly in metalwork and architecture, they remained integral contributors to Nepal’s evolving cultural landscape.
Newar artisans today are celebrated not only for preserving their ancient techniques and cultures but also for adapting to modern demands and changes.
Modernization has been affecting traditional beliefs, customs, arts and all forms of life across the world. It has affected many communities in Nepal as well. But the Newars have been strategically resilient to the influence of modernization. While adopting some aspects of modernization, members of this community have been successful in passing their cultures and traditional practices to the younger generations.
Newari Traditional Practices
Religious Practices of The Newars
The Newari culture is unique. They have been able to integrate Hinduism & Buddhism in their day to day life. Both religions coexist harmoniously in their daily lives.
They practice a combined form of both these religions. The shared religious beliefs are evident in their temples, shrines, and rituals. They revere deities from both religions and follow traditions from both religions.
Festivals and Celebrations
Nepal is a nation of festivals. It has a colorful and vivid social scene. The Newar community cannot be an exception to this. The Newars celebrate a lot of festivals with full pomp and these festivals are a great time for outsiders to experience the authentic Newari belief system.
Indra Jatra, Yomari Punhi and Bisket Jatra are among the most celebrated Newari festivals in Kathmandu valley. Indra Jatra, as the name suggests, honors Indra, the hindu god of rain. The festival is organized to celebrate the end of the rainy season.
Yomari Punhi festival is celebrated as a means to show their appreciation for the rice harvest by making Yomaris. Yomaris are authentic Newari sweets primarily made of rice and jaggery. Similarly, the Bisket Jatra is celebrated by the Newars to mark the Nepali new year by organizing various rituals and chariot processions.
Social Structure and Family Life
Family is the cornerstone of Newar society. Most traditional Newar families live as join families. This includes family members up to three generations together under one roof. Such a family structure helps in sharing of wisdom and knowledge from the older generation to the younger generation. Along with that, the younger generation learn cultural values, religious traditions, and artisanal skills from their elders.
Next to the family, the Newar community is driven by Guthis. These are guilds of various types. Like separate guilds of craftsmen, caste, artists etc. The Guthis play an important role in maintaining social and religious obligations. And along with that as a platform of sharing wisdom and knowledge, these institutions also facilitate the transfer of skills to the next generation.
Artisan Traditions
The Newars have remarkable artisan traditions. Their expertise in pottery, metalwork, and wood carving has left an indelible mark on the Nepali culture and architecture scene. They have built and crafted temples, palaces, and religious artifacts that are still admired for their sophisticated craftsmanship. For the Newars art is a spiritual practice and not just a means to an end. And such philosophy is reflected in their art and craft.
Each handcrafted item made by members of this community, from singing bowls to intricate wood carvings, is seen as an offering to the divine.
Newars’ Contribution to Nepali Arts and Culture
Contributions to Architecture: Newar architects are one of the most skilled and sophisticated craftsmen. Their community members have been behind the design and construction of some of Kathmandu's most iconic landmarks.
They are behind most of the pagodas, stupas, and intricately carved woodwork that blend Hindu and Buddhist motifs.
Some of the popular masterpieces of Newar craftsmen include the Swayambhunath Stupa, Patan Durbar Square, Basantapur Durbar Square, and the Krishna Temple. All of these landmarks are recognized as World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Metalwork and Sculpture: Newars artisans have also been popular for their ability to craft statues of deities, religious artifacts, and ceremonial objects.
These objects are imbued with Hindu and Buddhist motifs and symbols and mostly featured in temples and homes. Handmade singing bowls are one of the finest examples of the metal work skills. Newari artisans have been making singing bowls since ancient times. Based on their interactions with Buddhists, they have mastered the true art of making singing bowls. Their legacy in metal work is reflected in the many bronze and copper statues that can be found in temples and monasteries throughout Nepal.
For these community members, making stone or metal sculpture is considered a sacred duty. It's not just business for them.
Painting and Mural Art
Some segments of the Newar community have mastered the art of painting and mural arts. The community’s artists are known for Paubha and thangka paintings. These cultural paintings depict religious stories, deities, and cosmic symbolism.
Created for spiritual and ritualistic purposes, these paintings reflect the deep connection between art and the divine. A motif that is central to all Newari art forms. Each paubha painting is filled with rich detail and symbolism related to Buddhist or Hindu mythology.
Thangka paintings are internationally acclaimed ethnic forms of paintings. They are recognized for their spiritual depth and exquisite craftsmanship. These paintings are considered as a means of meditation and teaching by their community members.
But for art lovers across the world, these are simple and yet complex forms of expressions.
Culinary Contributions
Discussion of any community cannot be complete, without tasting their culinary specialties. This community is rich in their culinary offerings as well and are well know across the country. Their dishes have influenced the broader Nepali food culture. Delicacies like yomari, bara, chatamari are some of the most popular dishes from their kitchen.
They are widely consumed especially during religious festivals and family gatherings. These dishes carry more than just culinary value.
Newars: Coping With Modernity
The Newar community has been coping with modernity and its impact gracefully. Its members have not only adopted and embraced modernity but have also been actively preserving their traditions and culture.
They have been preserving their traditional skills and belief systems with the help of institutions like extended families, guthis and other various cultural organizations. Family businesses, like the one represented in this article, have become the custodians of these ancient crafts.
Members of this community have been actively engaged in passing down knowledge and wisdom of their ancestors to the younger generation. They have institutionalized formal and informal organizations to act as custodians of communal knowledge and heritage.
In a rapidly modernizing world, preserving their traditions, culture and community is essential to maintaining their cultural identity. And they continue to actively work towards this end.
