नेपाल सम्वत् ११४५ चिल्लाथ्वः १४ (२९ फाल्गुन, २०८१) मार्च १३, २०२५ ,बिहिबार, बाँपीझ्याला ।Nepal, a country with a rich cultural heritage spanning thousands of years, is facing significant threats to its traditions, languages, and cultural practices due to climate change, colonial influences, and brain drain. Indigenous communities, particularly those in disaster-prone areas, are increasingly becoming climate refugees as natural disasters destroy their homes and cultural landmarks. With 47 glacial lakes at risk of breaching and 26 Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) since 1977, the vulnerability of these communities is growing. Kathmandu, known as the city of temples and home to seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, has also seen its ancient temples and palaces damaged by natural disasters. The Newari community, indigenous to the Kathmandu Valley, has been particularly affected, losing cultural elements due to both natural disasters and the dominance of the Nepali language.
Language diversity in Nepal is another critical issue. The 2021 census recorded 124 languages spoken in the country, with Nepali being the mother tongue of only 44.64% of the population. Despite this, Nepali dominates media, government, and education, marginalizing indigenous languages and leading younger generations to abandon their mother tongues. Currently, 37 languages are critically endangered, with 29 having fewer than 1,000 speakers. Kusunda, for example, has only about 150 speakers and lacks educational resources and a written script, making its extinction likely. These languages are not just communication tools but repositories of history, knowledge, and unique perspectives.
Nepal has also felt the impact of cultural colonialism, despite never being formally colonized. The Treaty of Sugauli in 1816 introduced Western influences, and the hippie movement of the 1960s further altered traditional art forms like paubha and thangka paintings, diluting their spiritual significance. The 1980s saw the theft and sale of artifacts, while the 1990s brought NGO-led initiatives that often disrupted local traditions, such as coffee cultivation replacing traditional farming practices. Traditional performing arts, like the Saranya dance and rituals such as Malashree and Patta, are also declining due to safety concerns and a lack of interest among younger generations.
The growing number of Nepalese migrant families has further disconnected younger generations from their cultural roots, as children grow up unable to speak Nepali or understand traditions. Studies show that bilingual children benefit cognitively and socially, highlighting the importance of preserving Nepali language and culture abroad. Cultural preservation is essential not only for maintaining Nepal’s unique identity but also for promoting an inclusive society that values diversity and fosters global cultural exchange.
To safeguard Nepal’s cultural heritage, urgent action is needed from local communities, government leaders, and citizens. International support is also crucial, as preserving Nepal’s traditions, languages, and history is a shared global responsibility. By addressing the threats of climate change, cultural colonialism, language erosion, and the decline of traditional practices, Nepal can protect its rich legacy for future generations.
