Parents Don't Let Your Children Forget Their Culture

In the present world, in the twenty-first century, we are tightly bound by the lasso of technology in our day-to-day lives. Similarly, technology is taking a big part in our children’s lives as well. Mobile phones in the hands of children in particular provide them so many avenues of entertainment that they are now distant from their own culture, and have little time to talk to their near ones. Due to this reason children are not familiar with their culture, an ironical situation for a country like Nepal which is so rich in culture. It is now a real concern whether or not the next generation will be to carry out our traditions. So here are some ways parents can make their children more informed about their cultures:

*    Bed time stories: Children love bedtime stories and these stories often talk about monsters, wise men and women and other fictional characters. These stories have been proven to influence children’s mentality on how they look at the world as they grow up. As such, including cultural stories or adding cultural aspects in stories would help the child get a glimpse of how his/her culture and how it has been carried forward through generations.  For example the story of Chhath can help children know about the importance of the Sun.

*    Sharing experiences: Rather than just talking about the things in culture, parents can share experience from their own childhood or other times of their lives as well. For example, you could talk about how you had to go to Basantapur and get pushed in the crowd just to get a sight of Kumari during Indra Jatra, or how all your family members used to fast during Ramadan.  Recounting these experiences will help the child to understand the values put on these traditions by the preceding generations.

*    Take them out for a walk: Take out some time from your busy schedule and take your children to visit a place with cultural value where they would learn things by just being in that surrounding. Rather than going at the mall, take them to a temple or historical place and tell them why that place has cultural significance. For example take them to Kirtipur where Prithivi Narayan Shah waged a decisive battle to conquer Kathmandu valley. Also take them during festivals to places where people are seen practicing their tradition.

*    You are your child’s role model: Children learn the most from the actions of their parents. So you yourself need to show respect to your culture and follow its traditions, and then you can expect your children to do so. Nowadays many parents are so busy that they do not have the time to practice their tradition, or they simple do not have the zeal to do so in the right way, which could be the reason their children are also getting distant from it. So celebrate the smallest of festivals with the most enthusiasm. For example, even if you are living in a small family, make an effort to make proper mandaps and celebrate Mha Puja and tell your children why it is celebrated.

One thing parents should understand is that children may have interests and hobbies that are different from their own. Parents should also accept that it would not be easy to take the kids out from their world of mobile phones to the real world of culture and tradition. So, parents, instead of forcing culture and tradition on your children, gently persuade them so that they are comfortable and a natural curiosity is awakened.

 

Some of the places you can take your children inside Kathmandu Valley, to experience Nepal culture are:

  • Durbar squares in Kathmandu, Patan, and Bhaktapur : These decorated places are the best places to experience what Nepali culture has to offer.
  • Pashupatinath Temple: One of the oldest Hindu temples Pashupatinath is a place to gain a sense of spirituality, and see religious culture. Pashupatinath lights up every Monday evening for a special Aarati, which is one of the most pleasant things to see in Kathmandu.
  • Swayambhunath temple and gumbas in its surrounding hills: Swayambhunath temple, its gumbas, and surrounding temples resonates peace and serenity. Hundreds of devotees and monks can be seen there practicing their daily rituals in the morning.
  • City of Kirtipur: Kirtipur is a montage of historical places, traditional lifestyle, and appealing natural landmarks.
  • Chhauni museum: One of the finest collections of Nepalese art, culture historical and armory can be found here.
  • Changu Narayan Temple: It is one of the city’s hidden secrets. It is located on a beautiful hill, and its monuments and sculptures contain rich information on Nepal’s history.