Sculptures

Sculptures of different Hindu and Buddhist deities are very popular among Nepalese are well as tourists. While Nepalese place them in the Puja room to worship, tourists carry them back home to add to their collection of Souvenirs. Copper, brass and bronze statues are made by pouring molten metal into baked earthenware which covers wax image in exact size and details of the desired product. After the molten metal cools and hardens, the earthenware is cast away and the statue is intricately carved and polished. These items are found in most tourist areas in the valley; however, the best place to buy the metal sculptures is the Patan Industrial Estate.

Wood Carving

The Newars of Kathmandu valley are endowed with the ingenuity of wood carving which constitute items like intricately carved windows, ornate doors, photo frames, jewelry boxes and household items. Peacock window of Dattareya Square in Bhaktapur is the finest example of excellent workmanship of wood carving in ancient Nepal . This legacy has indeed been carried forward through the generations of talented artisans. Using teak, Sal or rose wood, the artisans also make figures of religious deities, door panels, temples, stupas, window frames, tables, lamp stands, photo frames, assorted furniture and kitchenware. The places to look for wood and metal carvings are Bhaktapur Durbar Square and other heritage areas of Kathmandu valley.

Rudraksha (Rosary)

Rudraksha are the dark berries of the evergreen Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree. In Sanskrit Rudraksha consists of two words Rudra and Aksha. Rudra is another name of Lord Shiva and Aksha means eye in Sanskrit. The holy beads of Rudraksha are used to make prayer rosaries and have clefts on the surface known as Mukhis ranging from one face to 21 faces. The Rudraksha rosary is often worn by many Hindus and used during meditation. It is believed that on holding or wearing the Rudraksha rosaries with faith and devotion, a person is able to experience the bliss of Rudra and absolve himself from the stains of earthly sins. These are very popular among Hindus and can be bought in the premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu , in the lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindu temple premises.

Shaligram (Holy Rocks)

Shaligram is fossil rock found on the banks of River Kaligandaki of Central Nepal. These fossil rocks have Chakra (disk like formations) made by river worm called Vajra-Keeta which takes shelter in Shaligram. As per Hindu mythology, these fossil rocks are believed to be the manifestation of Lord Vishnu, the Preserver of the world. It is believed that worshipping Shaligram, chanting Shaligram mantra and washing the holy fossil will protect us from evil and bring material reward and spiritual prosperity. Shaligram is also very popular among Hindus and can be found in premises of the Pashupatinath Temple in Kathmandu , in lakeside area of Pokhara and in many Hindu temples premises.

Woolen Carpets

Carpet weaving started as a household occupation in the mountains of Nepal from the 1960's. Hand knotted carpets are available in Nepali and Tibetan themes with both traditional and modern designs in a great variety of colors, sizes and knots. Nepali carpets are very popular in Europe and America . These bright colored floor decorative and wall hangings can be purchased in special carpets stores in Kathmandu and Pokhara.