List of National Symbols Of Nepal

Overview

Nepal has a rich and diverse culture, history, and nature, which are reflected in its national symbols. These symbols are not just mere representations, but also expressions of my identity and values as a Nepali. In this blog post, I will share with you some of the national symbols of Nepal that are close to my heart and what they mean to me.

National Symbols of Nepal

The Flag of Nepal

The flag of Nepal is one of the most unique and beautiful flags in the world. It is the only national flag that is not rectangular or square in shape, but consists of two overlapping triangular pennons that form a stylized Nepalese map. The flag has a crimson red background, which is the color of the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Red is also a symbol of bravery and victory in war. The flag has a blue border, which represents peace and harmony.

The upper triangle of the flag contains a white crescent moon with eight rays, which symbolizes the royal lineage of Nepal and the calm temperament of its people. The lower triangle contains a white twelve-pointed sun, which symbolizes the fierce resolve of Nepal and its people. The moon and the sun also represent the hope that Nepal will last as long as these celestial bodies.

The flag of Nepal was adopted in 1962, after the removal of the human faces from the moon and the sun symbols, which were considered to be outdated and superstitious. The current design of the flag is based on a centuries-old tradition of using triangular flags to represent different regions and dynasties of Nepal.

The flag of Nepal is more than just a piece of cloth for me. It is a symbol of my pride and patriotism as a Nepali.

The Emblem of Nepal

The emblem of Nepal is the official symbol of the state and the government of Nepal. It was adopted in 2008, after the abolition of the monarchy and the establishment of a federal democratic republic. The emblem consists of several elements that reflect the diversity and unity of Nepal.

The emblem contains the national flag of Nepal on the top, Mount Everest, which is the highest peak in the world and a source of pride for Nepalis, green hills that symbolize the hilly regions of Nepal, and yellow color that symbolizes the fertile Terai region. The emblem also features two hands holding each other, which represent gender equality and social harmony. The hands are surrounded by a garland of rhododendrons, which are the national flower of Nepal and a symbol of beauty and resilience.

At the base of the emblem, there is a red scroll with the national motto in Sanskrit: जननी जन्मभूमिश्च स्वर्गादपी गरीयसी (Janani Janmabhoomishcha Swargadapi Gariyasi), which translates as “Mother and Motherland are greater than heaven”. This motto expresses the patriotic sentiment and devotion of Nepalis to their country and culture.

In 2020, the emblem was revised to include the newly issued map of Nepal, which includes Nepalese claims to the Kalapani territory and Lipulekh Pass, which are disputed with India.

The emblem of Nepal is a symbol of my identity and values as a Nepali. It shows me that I belong to a diverse and inclusive nation, where people respect each other’s differences and work together for a common goal. It also motivates me to uphold the dignity and sovereignty of my country and to protect its natural and cultural heritage.

National Language – Nepali

Nepali is the official language and de facto lingua franca of Nepal. However, according to the constitution of Nepal, all languages that were spoken as the mother tongue are the languages of Nepal. Nepali is spoken as the first language by 44.64% of the population, followed by Maithili (11.67%), Bhojpuri (5.98%), Tamang (5.77%), Tharu (5.11%), Newari (3.2%), Bajjika (2.99%), Magar (2.98%), and others (17.66%). Nepali belongs to the Indo-Aryan branch of the Indo-European language family, while many other languages of Nepal belong to the Sino-Tibetan, Dravidian, or Austroasiatic families

National Color of Nepal – Crimson

Nepal’s national color is crimson, a strong, bright, deep reddish-purple color. Crimson is the color of the rhododendron, the national flower of Nepal. Crimson also represents the blood of the martyrs who fought for the country’s independence and unity. Crimson is used in Nepal’s national flag and emblem, as well as in many traditional and religious ceremonies and attire.

The Anthem of Nepal – Sayaun Thunga Phoolka

The anthem of Nepal is called Sayaun Thunga Phoolka (Made of Hundreds of Flowers). It was composed by Amber Gurung and written by Byakul Maila (Pradeep Kumar Rai). It was adopted in 2007, after a nationwide competition to select a new anthem that would reflect the changed political scenario and the diversity of Nepal.

The anthem praises Nepal as a land of peace, progress, and prosperity, where people of different races, languages, religions, and cultures live in harmony. It also expresses gratitude to the brave ancestors who fought for freedom and sovereignty. The anthem invokes the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Nepal, such as Mount Everest, Buddha, Sita, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, Janakpur, Khaptad, Rara Lake, Annapurna, Gosainkunda Lake, Mahendra Cave, etc.

The anthem of Nepal is a song of my joy and pride as a Nepali. It fills me with a sense of belonging and patriotism. It also celebrates the diversity and unity of my country and its people. It also reminds me of the beauty and glory of my country and its culture.

The Bird of Nepal – Himalayan Monal

The bird of Nepal is the Himalayan Monal (Lophophorus impejanus). It is also known as Impeyan Monal or Danfe in Nepali. It is a species of pheasant that belongs to the family- Phasianidae. It is endemic to the Himalayan region, where it inhabits the alpine and subalpine forests and grasslands.

The Himalayan Monal is a colorful and majestic bird, with a metallic green crest, a purple chest, a green back, a white rump, and a copper tail. The male bird has a bright red band above its eyes, while the female bird has a dull brown plumage. The Himalayan Monal can be about 70 cm long and weighs about 2 kg.

The Himalayan Monal is a symbol of courage and beauty for Nepalis. It is also associated with the legend of King Prithvi Narayan Shah, the founder of modern Nepal, who was inspired by the sight of a Himalayan Monal flying over the Kathmandu valley to conquer it.

The Himalayan Monal is a bird that I admire and respect as a Nepali. It represents the strength and grace of my country and its people. It also showcases the biodiversity and richness of my country’s nature.

National Flower of Nepal – Rhododendron

The national flower of Nepal is the rhododendron, which is known as Lali Guras in Nepali. The rhododendron is a genus of about 1,024 species of woody plants in the heath family (Ericaceae). They can be either evergreen or deciduous and have brightly colored flowers that bloom from late winter to early summer. The rhododendron is a symbol of motherhood, fertility, and prosperity in Nepalese culture, and is also a sacred plant for the Hindu religion.

The rhododendron was officially declared the national flower of Nepal in 2015 when the country adopted a new constitution that also made Nepal a secular state. However, the rhododendron has been recognized as the domestic flower of Nepal since 1962, when the country was proclaimed as a Hindu kingdom. The rhododendron is also featured on the national emblem and the national flag of Nepal, where its crimson red color represents the rhododendron, victory in war, and the blood of the martyrs.

The rhododendron is a unique and beautiful national flower for Nepal, as it reflects the country’s rich history, culture, and diversity. The rhododendron is also a source of inspiration for many Nepalese artists, poets, and musicians, who have created various works of art based on the flower. For example, you can listen to a popular Nepalese song called “Lali Gurans” by Ani Choying Dolma, which praises the beauty and significance of the rhododendron.

National Animal of Nepal – Cow

The cow is the national animal of Nepal. The cow is a sacred animal for the Hindu religion, which is the majority religion in Nepal. The cow is also a symbol of motherhood, fertility, and prosperity in Nepalese culture. The cow provides milk, dung, and labor for the Nepalese people, especially in the rural areas. The cow is also a source of organic fertilizer and biogas, which are important for sustainable agriculture and energy in Nepal.

The cow was officially declared the national animal of Nepal in 2015 when the country adopted a new constitution that also made Nepal a secular state. However, the cow has been recognized as the domestic animal of Nepal since 1962, when the country was proclaimed as a Hindu kingdom. The cow is protected by law in Nepal, and killing or harming one is illegal. The cow is also allowed to roam freely in the streets and public places, and people often feed and worship them.

The cow is a unique and meaningful national animal for Nepal, reflecting its rich history, culture, and diversity. The cow is also a living symbol of the harmony and peace that the Nepalese people aspire to achieve.

National Game of Nepal – Volleyball

• Officially declared as the national game of Nepal on May 23, 2017.
• Volleyball is a team sport played with two teams of six players each on a court divided by a net.
• The objective is to score points by sending the ball over the net and making it touch the opponent’s court.

Former Unofficial National Game – Dandi Biyo:

• Before 2017, Nepal had an unofficial national game called Dandi Biyo.
• Dandi Biyo is a traditional sport played in rural areas of Nepal.
• It involves two wooden sticks: a long one called a dandi and a short one called a biyo.
• The biyo is placed on the ground and hit by the dandi, sending it into the air.
• The player’s goal is to hit the biyo as far as possible before it lands on the ground.
• Other players try to catch the biyo or prevent it from going too far.
• This game is reminiscent of the Indian game “Gilli-danda.”

Cultural Significance of Dandi Biyo:

• Dandi Biyo holds historical and cultural value in Nepal, representing childhood memories for many Nepalese people.
• However, the game is losing popularity due to modernization and lack of government support.

Advantages of Volleyball as the National Game:

• Volleyball is more accessible and convenient for the citizens of Nepal as it does not require much equipment or space.
• Volleyball is a popular sport internationally, and Nepal has participated in various tournaments such as the Asian Games and the South Asian Games.

This shift to volleyball as the official national game reflects the changing interests and practicality of modern sports, while also preserving the cultural heritage associated with Dandi Biyo.

National Weapon – khukuri/Kukri

The Khukuri, a traditional Nepali knife, is widely considered to be the national weapon of Nepal. The Khukuri is a curved, heavy knife that has been used by Nepalese soldiers and civilians for centuries. It is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, including cutting, chopping, and fighting.The Khukuri is a symbol of Nepali culture and identity. It is often featured in Nepali art, literature, and film. It is also a popular tourist souvenir.

In addition to the Khukuri, other traditional Nepalese weapons include the Kora (sword), the Bicha (dagger), and the Tarwar (sword). However, the Khukuri is the most well-known and widely used Nepalese weapon.

National Musical Instrument – Madal

The madal (Nepali: मादल) or maadal is a Nepalese folk musical instrument. It is a double-headed hand drum that is the national instrument of Nepal. The madal is very popular and widely used in Nepalese folk music, and it is also used in other genres of music, such as modern pop and rock.

The madal is made of a hollowed-out tree trunk with skins stretched at both ends. The skins are usually made of goat or buffalo skin. The madal has a cylindrical body with a slight bulge at its center. The madal is usually played horizontally in a seated position, with both heads played simultaneously.

The madal is played with the hands. The player uses the palms of their hands to strike the larger head, and the tips of their fingers to strike the smaller head. The madal is a very versatile instrument, and it can be used to create a wide variety of sounds. The larger head produces a low, resonant sound, while the smaller head produces a higher, more percussive sound.

The madal is the backbone of most Nepali folk music. It is used to provide the rhythm for a variety of dances, songs, and ceremonies. The madal is also a popular instrument for solo performances.

National Dress

Male: Daura Suruwal

The Daura Suruwal is a traditional two-piece garment worn by men in Nepal. The Daura is a knee-length shirt with a collar and eight strings that tie it around the body. The Suruwal is a pair of loose-fitting trousers. The Daura Suruwal is typically made of cotton or silk and is often worn in white or pastel colors.

Female: Gunyu Cholo

The Gunyu Cholo is a traditional two-piece garment worn by women in Nepal. The Gunyu is a long, flowing skirt that reaches the ankles. The Cholo is a blouse that is typically short-sleeved and tied at the waist. The Gunyu Cholo is typically made of cotton or silk and is often worn in bright colors.

National Dish-Dal Bhat

Dal Bhat is a nourishing and flavorful dish that is widely consumed in Nepal. It is considered the unofficial national dish of the country and is a staple food for many Nepalese people. Dal Bhat is a simple yet satisfying meal that is typically served with rice, lentils, and a vegetable curry. It is a complete meal that is packed with protein, fiber, and other essential nutrients.

Conclusion

These are some of the national symbols of Nepal that are important to me as a Nepali. They are not only symbols, but also stories that tell me who I am and where I come from. They are also visions that guide me to where I want to go and what I want to achieve. They are also expressions of my love and loyalty to my country and its people.

I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post and learned something new about Nepal and its national symbols. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. Thank you for your time and attention.