Newars

The Newars are the indigenous inhabitants of the Kathmandu Valley in Nepal and form one of the country’s most prominent ethnic and cultural groups. Historically urban dwellers, they developed the valley’s three principal city-states—Kathmandu, Patan (Lalitpur), and Bhaktapur—whose architecture, festivals, and crafts shaped medieval Nepal and continue to influence national culture. Today Newars live primarily in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur districts, with communities in other parts of Nepal and a growing diaspora abroad.

Language and writing: The Newar language, also called Nepal Bhasa, comprises several dialects and has a long literary tradition. It is written in scripts such as Devanagari today, while the historic Ranjana script remains associated with ceremonial and inscriptional use.

Culture and society: Newars maintain a pluralistic religious landscape with Hinduism and Buddhism coexisting. Their social organization includes occupational and ritual lineages, with many surnames indicating lineage and profession. Urban lineages have historically held leadership roles; artisans, merchants, and craftspeople formed the backbone of the traditional economy.

Religion and ritual life: Many deities are shared across Hindu and Buddhist practices; the Kathmandu Valley hosts living goddess Kumari traditions and a calendar of festivals such as Indra Jatra, Kumari Puja, and Tihar. Newar festivals often combine processions, dances, and rites.

Arts and architecture: The Newar have contributed to Nepal’s art and architecture through woodcarving, metalwork, pottery, paubha scroll painting, and other crafts. The valley’s temples and palaces display a distinctive architectural style, and Kathmandu Valley is a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1979.

Modern status: In addition to maintaining cultural traditions, Newars participate in Nepal’s urban economy, education, and politics, and are increasingly integrated into global networks through migration and the diaspora.