The early settlement of Nepal was accomplished by large-scale emigrations of Mongoloid groups from Tibet and of Indo-Aryan peoples from northern India. Nepalese of Indo-Aryan ancestry constitutes the great majority of the total population. Tibeto-Nepalese peoples form a significant minority of the country's population. Nepali, a derivative of Sanskrit, is the official language; Newari, a language of the Tibeto-Burman family, and numerous other languages are spoken. About 90% of the population is Hindu, and the remaining Buddhist.
The population is located mainly in rural areas. The urban population is primarily concentrated in Kathmandu. Nepalese people are divided into two distinct groups: the Indo-Aryans and the Mongoloids. Kathmandu Valley is the spiritual and cultural meeting point of all these groups. Nepal is the only Hindu Kingdom in the world. It is also the birthplace of Lord Buddha.
Nepal's festive calendar is communized and exciting. Dashain, celebrated nationwide in October, is the most important of all Nepalese celebrations and features and also the biggest animal sacrifice of the year. It is the same festival of Durga Puja in India. Tihar is celebrated in the month of November, where animals are honored. Other festivals celebrated nationally include the colorful Holi in March, Chaitra Daisan (or Basanti Puja) in April, Maha Shivratri in March, Gai Jatra in August, and Krishna Jayanti in August/September. Buddhist celebrations include Mani Rimdu in November (in Solu Khumbu), Buddha Jayanti in May (in Kathmandu), and Losar or the Tibetan New Year in February (in Swayambhunath, Jawlakhel and highland communities). Other important festivals are New Year's Day (April 14), Mother's Day (April), Rath Jatra (May-June), Guru Poornima (August), Krishnashtami (August-September), Father's Day (August-September), Indra Jatra (September), Constitution Day (November 9), Bala Chaturdarshi (November-December), Birthday of His Majesty the King (December 28), Basanta Panchami (January-February), National Democracy Day (February 18), and Ghode Jatra (March-April).
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