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How do people speak in Nepal? 5 things you want to know

Written on . Posted in Knowledge, Nepal, Uncategorized.

Through the Sapana Library, we as a small team from Switzerland have also learned a lot about language in recent years and how it can pose barriers, but also bridge them. Today we share five facts about Nepali, the official language of Nepal and take a look at the linguistic diversity in which our library project is embedded.

1. Nepali is written in the Devanagari script 

This means that Nepali uses the same script as Hindi and Sanskrit. Anyone who has ever seen the curved letters like नमस्ते (namaste) knows Devanagari. It is a phonetic script, meaning that the characters correspond almost exactly to the pronunciation, which makes learning to read easier.

Mural painting in the childrens section of the Sapana library  

2. Nepali is the mother tongue of around half of the population

Although Nepali is the official national language, it is only one of many spoken in the country. Over 120 different languages are spoken in Nepal – a reflection of the country’s ethnic and cultural diversity. Around 45% of the population speak Nepali as their first language, but it also serves as a common language in schools, in public life and in the media. Those who can read and write therefore have significantly better chances of education, participation in society and career opportunities.

3. Nepali has its roots in Sanskrit and is a vibrant language with diverse influences 

Prayer wheels with the mantra “Om mani padme hum” in Devanagari script. The Sanskrit mantra is widespread in the Himalayas and in Nepal. Turning the mills is considered a silent prayer for compassion and peace. Photo: Anil Kumar Shrestha (unsplash)

Nepali originated from Sanskrit, the language of ancient religious texts and classical literature. However, Nepali has constantly evolved and remains very much alive as a language. New influences can be seen, for example, in loan words such as:

  • कम्प्युटर (kampyutar) – comes from English: “computer”
  • साथी (sāthi) – comes from Tibetan: “friend”
  • बिस्तारा (bistāra) – borrowed from Persian: “slowly”

Language does not stand still when it is alive. Like many things in life, it changes naturally and grows together with the people who speak it. 

4. Many children grow up multilingual, particularly in the region around Pokhara 

As in Switzerland, children in Nepal speak an ethnic or local language at home and only learn Nepali when they start school. This also applies to the region around Pokhara, the nearest city to our library village of Khoramukh in the province of Gandaki. (4) The following local languages are particularly widespread there:

  • Gurung (Tamu Kyi) – spoken by the ethnic group of the same name and one of the largest in the region
  • Magar – also an indigenous language with many speakers in the hill countryside
  • Tamang – sporadically represented, mainly due to migration from eastern Nepal
  • Thakali, Bhujel and Newar (Nepal Bhasa) – spoken by smaller communities

This multilingualism gives an impression of the local cultural diversity, but also brings challenges in language acquisition. The Sapana library aims to give children and youth easier access to the people’s common language and eventually society as a whole.

5. Nepali as language of the poets 

Whether folk songs, pop songs, classical poems or political speeches. Nepali is a language full of emotions, ideas and identity. Nepali literature is rich in voices, here are two well-known names:

  • Laxmi Prasad Devkota (1909–1959) – has been awarded the national title of Mahakavi (महाकवि “great poet“) and wrote the famous epic Muna Madan
  • Parijat (1937–1993) – one of Nepal’s most influential and beloved female authors, whose novel Shirishko Phool (The Blue Mimosa) is part of Nepal’s legacy to world literature  

Reading doesn’t change everything, but often more than you think. One of the aims of the Sapana Library is to bring people closer to their common language as well as to their own voice. We are grateful that you are a part of our journey.

Want to know what this quote by Laxmi Prasad Devkota means? Find the answer here on @sapanalibrary’s Instagram

Sources & Further Information

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In Search of the Yeti – Between Myth, the Himalayas and Hairy Tales

Written on . Posted in Knowledge, Nepal, Storytime.

Imagine: icy winds sweep across snow-covered peaks as you carefully make your way through untouched white landscapes. In the distance, you think you see a massive figure – tall, shaggy and elusive. A shiver runs down your spine. Did you just come face to face with the Yeti?

He’s big, furry and probably the most famous snow-dweller in the world: the Yeti. Whether considered legend, joke or serious myth, few other creatures from the Himalayas have captured as much attention. But where does the story of the Yeti actually come from? Why does every child know about it? And what does Nepal have to do with it?

Illustration created using AI (ChatGPT)

When you follow the Yeti’s trail, you enter a world full of ancient legends, untouched nature and the power of storytelling. Tales like these offer something rare: mindfulness through stories – a moment of pause in a noisy, fast-moving world.

Origins – Between Legend and Habitat

The Yeti’s roots run deep in Nepalese culture and mythology. In the old traditions of the Sherpa – a people who have lived in the Himalayan region for centuries, the Yeti appears as a mysterious, powerful creature. The Sherpa call him “Migö” or “Meh-Teh,” meaning “wild man” or “bear-like being.”

These stories tell of a creature living in seclusion high up in the mountains, avoiding human contact and acting as both a guardian and a threat to nature. In Tibetan Buddhism, similar beings – so-called “Rakshasa” or “snow people” – appear as spiritual protectors and manifestations of karmic energy.

The Yeti represents respect for nature, for the unknown, and for the deep wisdom that we don’t need to understand everything. In today’s world of quick answers, it reminds us how healing wonder can be.

Sharpa of Nepal
Source: Canva

Going Global – How the West Discovered the Yeti

In the 1920s, British mountaineers brought the legend to Europe. Reports of large, unexplainable footprints on Mount Everest sparked huge interest in the Western press. Through a mistranslation, a harmless phrase became the dramatic “Abominable Snowman.”

The myth took off like an avalanche. Expeditions followed, books and films made the Yeti world-famous. It stepped out of the Sherpa world and onto the global stage, a symbol of the unknown in a time when the world map seemed already complete.

The more people searched for it, the more the longing grew for mysteries that resist easy explanation.

Why Nepal? A Perfect Home for Myths

Nepal is the ideal setting for legends like the Yeti. With its towering mountains, deep forests and remote valleys, the land radiates an original kind of magic. Places like the Sherpa village of Khumjung keep the stories alive. A “Yeti skull” is kept in the local monastery – probably goat fur, but that doesn’t lessen the fascination.

These kinds of myths invite you to look with different eyes. They offer mindfulness through stories – the ability to sense mystery, to meet nature with awe and to keep your sense of wonder alive.

And anyone who has been to Nepal knows: sometimes, that feeling is what moves you the most.

Sherpa-Dorf Khumjung
Source: Canva

What Science Says

Of course, modern science has followed the Yeti’s tracks too. DNA analysis of supposed remains, carried out in 2017, showed they mostly came from bears, like the Himalayan brown bear or the Tibetan black bear.

But what science explains doesn’t always reach the heart. Many people still believe in the Yeti – not necessarily as a zoological being, but as a symbol of the mysterious. A world without secrets would be a poorer one.

Especially in times when everything is measured and evaluated, it can feel good to believe in something beyond logic.

What Does the Yeti Actually Do All Day?

What does a creature like the Yeti do all day? Traditions describe it as a reclusive, nocturnal being that lives in caves and leaves footprints only in moments of silence.

Sometimes he is seen as a guardian of the mountains, driving away travellers who act disrespectfully. Sometimes as a quiet spirit who seeks peace and the solitude of the peaks. But always as part of something greater, a natural world far beyond human control.

In pop culture, the Yeti is everywhere now – in films, on backpacks, on T-shirts. Sometimes scary, sometimes cute. A mirror of our longing for adventure and a world we can’t fully manage.

The Yeti Remains – Whether Real or Not

Whether the Yeti is ever proven to exist scientifically doesn’t really matter. It’s long since become part of Nepal’s cultural identity and the global imagination.

Maybe he’s up there right now, on some snow-covered peak, silently watching what we do and smiling at the stories we tell. Maybe the Yeti isn’t a creature at all – but an invitation. A call to not lose your sense of wonder, to feel what’s invisible and to see the world with open eyes.

And if you one day hike through the Himalayas, you might find more than dramatic landscapes. Maybe you’ll find a bit of magic, a whisper in the wind and a moment of real mindfulness through stories.

A Small Mindfulness Exercise to Take With You

If you like, take a moment.

Close your eyes. Take a deep breath and imagine standing on a quiet path in the Himalayas.

Feel the wind on your face. Hear the crunch of snow under your feet.

Perhaps it’s silent or maybe there’s a faint rustle nearby.

Let the feeling in: not everything needs to be seen to be real.

That’s where mindfulness through stories begins.

Sources

– Wikipedia: Yeti
– National Geographic: Yeti-Legenden basieren laut DNA-Untersuchung auf echten Tieren
– Netzwerk Kryptozoologie: Die Geschichte des Yetis
– Beobachter: Yeti-Mythos – das ewige Phantom

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Girls reading

Beyond Books: International Women’s Day

Written on . Posted in Events, Knowledge.

Today, on International Women’s Day, we take a moment to reflect on the role of libraries – not just as places of books and learning, but as safe spaces where knowledge is shared, wisdom is passed on, and communities are strengthened. The Sapana Library was built out of the dream to foster education, encourage reading, and create a shared learning space for the people of Khoramukh in Nepal. But beyond that, we hoped it would become a space for empowerment and support, particularly for women.

Gender equality in Nepal still faces many challenges. Women continue to struggle against deeply ingrained societal norms, gender-based violence, and limited access to education. Literacy rates among women remain lower than those of men, and many opportunities for professional and personal growth still seem out of reach. However, small steps towards change can lead to bigger transformations – and we believe the Sapana Library is one such step.

Two female librarians in front of the bookshelves
Our wonderful female Sapana librarianas Pabitra and Jyoti.

A key moment in our journey was when we decided to employ two part-time female librarians. The idea of job-sharing was unfamiliar and, at first, met with skepticism – even from some of our own Nepali project members. In Nepal, full-time jobs are the standard, sometimes requiring employees to work seven days a week. Yet we stood by our belief that this approach could be empowering and beneficial. It would allow these women – both mothers – to earn an income, contribute to their community, and have time for their families. This challenged the local’s notion that work must be all or nothing. But we dare say today, that it’s a success story for everyone involved.

The project’s work just marks the beginning, because it is now in the hands of the local people to bring the dream to life and make the Sapana library a place where women can come together – not just to read, but to share, to support, and to grow. A space where knowledge is not only found in books but in the voices of those who gather here. Whether it’s children doing their homework, mothers exchanging wisdom, or young women finding encouragement in stories.

Group photo of women in front of the library
Among the events that Sapana organized in 2024: a workshop on women health awareness.

On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the power of spaces like these. Ones that uplift, that offer knowledge and safety, and that recognize the strength in sharing – not just books, but stories, experiences, and wisdom. There is still a long way to go in the journey towards gender equality, but every step counts.

Thank you to the women of Khoramukh, to the mothers, daughters, sisters, librarians and teachers. May the library continue to be a place of learning, gathering and support, and a place that you in turn want to protect and preserve.

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7 Reasons Why a Library is a Valuable Asset

7 Reasons Why a Library is a Valuable Asset

Written on . Posted in Knowledge.

The Indispensable Treasures in the Digital Era

The digital transformation has touched virtually every aspect of our lives, and libraries are not immune to this shift. In an age where books, magazines, music, and movies can be readily borrowed or purchased from the internet, the question arises: Do we still need libraries?

The Diversity of a Library

Libraries offer an array of advantages that the internet cannot replace. Beyond serving as a portal to acquire knowledge and promote self-education, libraries make a significant contribution to research. They are invaluable resources for students, researchers, and scholars. The extensive collection of scholarly literature serves as the foundation for numerous projects and academic work. In a time when the quality and authenticity of information are of paramount importance, libraries play a pivotal role. While the internet may offer a wealth of information, the reliability and authenticity of that information are often challenging to verify. Libraries specialize in identifying trustworthy sources, ensuring access to reliable and accurate information. However, libraries provide more than just academic literature; they also offer a broad selection of books catering to the diverse interests of people of all age groups.

Libraries Foster Community

Libraries contribute to the formation of an engaged community by facilitating the exchange of ideas, interests, and knowledge through lectures and book clubs. They serve as hubs of lively interaction and inspiration.

Irrespective of one’s social, economic, or cultural background, libraries are accessible to all and provide equal opportunities. In the tranquil atmosphere of a library, thoughts can flow freely, enabling individuals to focus on reading or work in a relaxed environment.

Beyond Just Books

But libraries offer even more:

Education and Cultural Events

Many libraries host educational events, cultural activities, lectures, and workshops. These events enrich the intellectual and cultural fabric of the community, providing opportunities for lifelong learning.

Youth and Children’s Programs

Libraries often provide special programs for children and teenagers, including reading sessions, craft activities, educational games, and homework assistance. These programs foster a love for reading and learning from an early age.

Technological Resources

Modern libraries offer computer workstations, internet access, and other technological resources essential for research and education. This is particularly valuable for individuals who do not have access to such resources at home.

Preserving Cultural Heritage

Libraries serve as guardians of a society’s cultural heritage, preserving historical documents, manuscripts, rare books, and other unique materials for the benefit of future generations.

Quiet and Concentration

Libraries provide a tranquil environment ideal for reading, studying, and research. This quiet atmosphere is particularly beneficial for students and scholars who require a distraction-free space.

In a world undergoing rapid change, libraries are more essential than ever. They are not merely custodians of past knowledge but also vital players in the transmission of knowledge in the future. Libraries offer more than just books – they provide opportunities, community, and space for the mind to flourish. Hence, we can confidently assert that libraries are indispensable even in the digital age.

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10 incredible facts about Nepal

Written on . Posted in Knowledge.

Did you know that…?

  1. Nepal is 147 square kilometers in size and is the 25th largest country in Asia. In comparison, the area of Switzerland is about 41 square kilometers.  

2. Eight of the ten highest mountains in the world are located within the borders of Nepal. The highest point on earth is Mount Everest.  

3. If you visit Nepal you can climb from 700 meters to a fabulous 8,848 meters, up to Mount Everest. Due to these great differences in altitude, Nepal offers a diverse nature, which stretches from the Terai plains in the south to the famous Himalayan mountains in the north.  

The highest mountain in the world: Mount Everest

4. Due to an injured climber on the Langtang-Lirung massif at 6000 meters above sea level, a team of Air Zermatt travels to Nepal. Through this expedition it became clear that the alpine rescue technique by helicopter also works in the Himalayan mountains up to almost 7000 meters. As a result, Air Zermatt trained Nepalese pilots and mountain rescuers.  

5. Surrounded by the Himalayan Mountains is Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, with a population of more than one million. In Kathmandu different cultures, religions and languages meet. When visiting the capital you should plan enough time to explore the ancient temples, monuments and lively markets.

Left: Swayambhunath Stupa in Kathmandu / Right: View of Kathmandu

6. Nepal was for a long time the only Hindu kingdom in the world. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 2006, the parliament declared secularism in 2008. This meant the separation of state and religion. The people of Nepal remain deeply attached to their cultural and religious traditions, and religion still plays an important role in their daily lives.  

Celebration of Shivaratri / Mahashivaratri, the night of Shiva – an important holiday in Hinduism.

7. The majority of the population speaks Nepali, which is also the national language. There are also over 100 (!) other local languages ​​and dialects. English is mainly spoken in the tourist regions, in business and in education. 

A glimpse into everyday life

8. Nepal is the only country in the world whose flag is not square. According to historians, the flag is characterized by the large amount of mountains in the country. On the flag, there is a reclining crescent moon combined with a star and a twelve-pointed star, which symbolizes the sun. For the inhabitants of Nepal, this means the hope for the long existence of their country, because according to many people the sun and the moon will always be in the sky.   

9. The Nepalese distinguish between pure and impure. For example, food and materials that someone else has touched with their mouth are considered unclean. Furthermore, feet and the left hand are considered unclean. Interestingly, cow dung is considered pure, as the cow is a sacred and national animal of Nepal.  

A Sadhu (Hindu monk) greets with his right hand

10. Nepal is home to many different cultures and natural wonders. Nepal is home to a total of ten UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. These are cultural, historical or natural protected areas. 

We hope we were able to inspire you with these interesting facts about Nepal!

Author: Jacqueline
Pictures: Manu & Canva

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