Newa People - Religion

Religion

Newars follow both Hinduism and Buddhism. Buddhism as practiced in the Kathmandu Valley (Newar Buddhism) and Theravada Buddhism which made a comeback in the 1920s are the common forms of Buddhism.

According to the 2001 Nepal Census, 84.13% of the Newars were Hindu-Buddhist and 15.31% were purely Buddhist. These days Christianity, Islam, Om Shanti and many other religions are also followed.

Out of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley which are historically Newar, Patan is the most Buddhist containing the four stupas built by Indian emperor Ashoka, Bhaktapur is primarily Hindu while Kathmandu is a mix of both. Generally, both Hindu and Buddhist deities are worshipped and festivals are celebrated by both religious groups. However, for ritual activities, Hindu and Buddhist Newars have their own priests and cultural differences.

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