Out of the three main cities of the Kathmandu Valley which are historically Newar, the city of 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 worshiped and festivals are celebrated by both religious groups. However, for ritual activities, Hindu and Buddhist Newars have their own priests (Rajopadhyaya Brahmins for Hindus and Vajracharyas for Buddhists) and varying amounts of cultural differences. Religiously, the Newars can be classified as both Hindu and Buddhist. Bhaktapur, Nepal, 2019.
Most Tamangs are farmers. Due to the lack of irrigation at higher altitudes, their crops are often limited to corn, millet, wheat, barley, and potatoes. Also, Tamang farmers are dependent on rainfall and do not employ modern machinery. They often supplement their farming income with manual labour. Due to the discrimination experienced by the Tamang people in the past, they have remained on the whole poorly educated, and the majority have been limited to working as farmers, mountain trekking, portering, and driving in Kathmandu as well as serve British gurkha and indian Gorkha. They also work in the manufacture of Tibetan rugs, Thankas (Tibetan painting), driving and labour. Nepal, 2019.
Janakpur has been mentioned in the Ramayana as the birthplace of Sita, Ram’s consort. As Ram is believed to be the incarnation of Lord Vishnu, Sita is believed to be the incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. It is said that Ram and Sita met in Janakpur and eventually also got married here. Janakpur is also one of the holy sites on the route of Parikrama (holy circle) which is carried out by devout Hindus as a form of worship along with Ayodhya, Kashi and Brij in India. Another important religious site nearby is Dhanushadham, dating back to the Ramayan era. It is believed to be the place where the broken remains of Lord Shiva's bow fell after Ram broke it to win Sita's hand in marriage. Janakpur, Nepal, 2019.
