Newars
The Newar people, also known as Nepami, are the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley and its neighboring regions in Nepal. They are credited with creating the historical heritage and civilization of this area. The Newar community is a blend of Indo-Aryan and Tibeto-Burman ethnicities, with Hinduism and Buddhism as their primary religions and Nepal Bhasa as their shared language. The Newars have established a complex urban civilization and division of labor that is unique in the Himalayan region. They take pride in preserving their ancient traditions and consider themselves as the true guardians of Nepal's religion, culture, and civilization. The Newars are renowned for their significant contributions to various fields such as culture, art, literature, trade, agriculture, and cuisine.
The Kathmandu Valley and its adjacent territories were once part of the Newar kingdom. Unlike many other ethnic or caste groups in Nepal, the Newars are seen as a distinct national community with a rich cultural identity that has evolved from a diverse historical background. The Newar community itself is characterized by a mix of ethnicities, races, castes, and religions, reflecting the diverse groups of people who have inhabited the region since ancient times.
