Revised Subharmbha social 6 2077 for sir ctp

Approved by Ministry of Education, Curriculum Development Centre (CDC) Sanothimi, Bhaktapur, Nepal

Shubharambha

Social Studies &
Population Education

Grade
6

Authors

Yogendra Bahadur Kurumbang
R.B. Adhikari

Editors

Govinda Bhandari
Ram Hari Lamsal

Shubharambha

Social Studies &
Population Education

Grade - 6

Published by:
Shubharambha Publication Pvt. Ltd.
Kathmandu, Nepal, Ph: 01-4301298, 01-4302109

Edition:
First : 2071 B.S.
Second : 2072 B.S.
Third : 2073 B.S.
Revised & Updated : 2075 B.S.
Layout:
Zeeta Computer Service Pvt. Ltd.
Ghantaghar, Kathmandu Ph:01-4263459, 9841418545

©Copyright: Publisher

ISBN: 978-9937-579-79-7

Printed in Nepal

Preface

About The Book

Shubharambha’s Social Studies series is a thoughtfully prepared series of textbooks for school

children. The series has two sets of books: Primary Level –UKG to V and Secondary Level VI to

X. It is designed especially for the children of private and boarding schools. The series is purely
based on the curriculum prescribed by Curriculum Development Center(CDC), Government of
Nepal. While preparing the series, my own long social studies teaching and social studies text

books writing experiences, present day social-economic-political environment and above all

children’s psychology have been my guide lines. I hope the series will be effective in enhancing

and consolidating the children’s creativity and interest in learning social studies in the present

day environment. I am also confident that the series will fulfill CDC/Government of Nepal’s

objectives and address the needs and expectations of students and teachers alike.

Series’ Salient Features: • Lessons are presented in interesting
ways such as stories, dialogues, letters,
• Purely based on the curriculum • biographies etc with appropriate pictures
prescribed by CDC, Government of • and own environment based examples.
Nepal. • Social norms, values, traditions, historical
• facts and correct geographical setting are
• Each unit objectives are well focused, • given due attention.
duly aimed and amply covered. • Social, ethnic, religious, cultural,
• geographical diversities and gender
• Appropriately graded series for fulfilling • equality are well considered.
the requirements of the students in the Wide varieties of exercises, in-class
changing domestic and international activities and community based project
environment. works included.
Creativity, imagination and children
• Prepared keeping in mind students’ centered fun filled arts and crafts for
age, psychology, and modern teaching primary level.
- learning techniques, methodologies Designed and developed to engaging and
and philosophies. involving the children in the learning
process both physically and mentally.
• Contents presented in orderly and Student- centric and teacher-friendly
logical fashion strictly following the concept incorporated.
CDC syllabus. Teacher’s note for effective teaching-
learning activities and purposeful use of
• Concepts developed gradually from textbooks.
simple to complex order to facilitate Attractive and children friendly design,
easy understanding and assimilation. layout, illustrations, colour and concept.

• Simple language, own environment
based examples, interesting concepts
and multi-coloured illustrations.

• Interesting, stimulating and fun filled
activities for quick learning and
assimilation included.

I highly welcome and appreciate constructive opinions and valuable comments and suggestions
from experts, teachers and intellectuals. My sincere thanks are due to the Publisher, language
editors and layout and designer, my students and to those who inspired me to write and have been
involved in bringing out this series.

Author

Specification Grid of Social Studies and Population Education

Unit Area Period Knowledge and Practical and Critical Thinking Concept No. of Question Marks Remark
Comprehension Research Skills Skills

Very Short Long Very Short Long Very Short Long Very Short Long Very short Short Long
short short short short

1. We, Our Society 14 1 1 11 7

2. Our Social Norms 16 1 1 11 7
and Values 16 1
1 11 7
3. Social Problems and
Preventions

4. Civic Consciousness 19 1 1 1 19

5. Our Earth 20 11 1 19

6. Our Past 17 1 1 11 7
11 7
7. Our Economic 15 1 1 11 7
Activities

8. Our International

Relations and Co- 14 1 1

operation

9. Introduction

of Population 22 1 18
Demographic

Condition

10. Population Growth 22 1 11 7
and Management

Total 175 7 3 1 1 2 1 1 1 1 1 9 7 3 75

Note: In total 75 marks for theoretical and 25 marks for practical, comprise 100 marks. For theoretical 30 marks and for practical 10 marks should secure respectively



Types of Questions Number of Questions and Marks Time

Very Short Answer Questions 9 Questions × 1 Marks = 9 Marks Very short Answer Questions 9 × 1.9 = 17 Minutes

Short Answer Questions 7 Questions × 6 Marks = 42 Marks Short Answer Questions 7 × 10 = 70 Minutes

Long Answer Questions 3 Questions × 8 Marks = 24 Marks Long Answer Questions 3 × 16 = 48 Minutes

Total 19 Questions = 75 Marks Total : 135 Minutes

Contents

Unit 1 : We and Our Community 7 5.7 Physical, Social and Economic 150
Environment of Asia
1.1 Community & Society 8 5.8 Disaster Management 156
1.2 Rural Municipality, Its Powers and
Functions 12 Unit 6 : Our Past 161

1.3 Municipality and its Power and 6.1 The Kathmandu Valley 162
6.2 Ancient Nepal: The Sinja Valley 166
Functions 16 6.3 Political Condition of Ancient Nepal 170
1.4 Community Services & Development
Works 20 6.4 Social Condition of Ancient Nepal 174
6.5 Economic Condition of Ancient
1.5 Infrastructures of Development: 24 Nepal 178
Education 6.6 Ancient Art and Culture of Nepal 181
1.6 Infrastructures of Development:
Health 30 6.7 Indus Valley Civilization 185
6.8 Nile River Civilization 189
Unit 2 : Our Social Norms and Values 35 Unit 7 : Our Economic Activities 194

2.1 Our Festivals 36 7.1 Our Economic Activities 195
2.2 Our National Prides and Glories 46
2.3 Nepalese Character: Unity In Diversity 51 7.2 Our Agricultural Activities 199
7.3 Our Service Activities 202
2.4 Our Cultural Heritage 54 7.4 Agricultural Problems & Measures to
2.5 Our Cultural & Religious Heritage Sites5 8
2.6 Our National Personalities : Jay Prithivi Solve Them 207
Unit 8 : Our International Relations 210
Bahardur Singh 66
2.7 Our National Personalities : Tulsi Mehar 8.1 International Relations &
Shrestha 69 Co-operation 211
8.2 SAARC and Nepal 215
Unit 3 : Our Social Problems and their 8.3 Contemporary Global Issues 220

Solutions 73 Unit 9 : Introduction of Population

3.1 Our Social Problems & Evils 74 Demographic Condition 224
3.2 Role of Individual, Family & Local Bodies
In Preventing Social Problems 79 9.1 Introduction and Importance of
3.3 Conflict and Its Management 84 Population 225
9.2 Population Composition, Distribution
Unit 4 : Civic Consciousness 88 and Status 229

4.1 Introduction to Constitution of Nepal 89 9.3 Factors of Population Change 234
4.2 Introduction to Citizen 93
4.3 Citizens’ Rights 98 Unit 10 : Population Growth

4.4 Duties of a Citizen 101 and Management 237

4.5 Traffic Rules 105 10.1 Rapid Population Growth and its 238
Effects
4.6 Concept of Nation & Nationality 109 10.2 Management of Population 242
4.7 Concept of Federal Democratic
Republic 113 10.3 Challenges of Population 246
Unit 5 : Our Earth 117 Management
10.4 Population Management Measures 251
5.1 Our Earth 118 10.5 Roles of Local Organizations &
5.2 Latitudes and Longitudes 123
5.3 Geographical Features of Nepal 126 Agencies in Population
Management 256
5.4 Physical Features of Nepal 130 10.6 Population & Its Relations With Other
5.5 Social Life of Nepal 137
5.6 Map Work 144 Subjects 261

Guidance for Teachers

Concerned teachers are required to organized their each lesson before starting the class. A
sample/ model is as below:

Objective of Study: Date:
Knowledge, Skill and Understanding :
Introduction : Duration:
Activities and Experiences: Key Learning & Teaching Strategies
Resource & Materials:

Key Vocabulary:

Success Criteria : Key Questions:
Differentiation:
Class work:
Assessment Methods:
Evaluation :
-
-
-
Conclusion:
Homework:

UNIT

1

WE AND OUR
COMMUNITY

In this unit, we will learn about the following subjects;
• Community and Society
• Village Development Committee
• Municipality
• Community Service and Development Works
• Infrastructures of Development: Education
• Infrastructures of Development: Health

Lesson Community & Society

1

Introduction: A Community and Society
A community is a group of people who live in the same place sharing common
culture, customs, traditions, life-style and objective. It is a part of a human
society. A human Society is a web of social relationship in which several
norms, values, customs, traditions, practices are exists. The people in a
society share laws, institution, traditions, values and objective. They involve
with each other through persistent relations, activities and interests. They
share their pains and pangs to each other and cooperate for the solution.
We can't imagine the human existence in the absence of community and
society. These communities have become integral part of human needs and
necessities.

Origin of Community and Society
Human beings are by nature social beings.
They have the natural instinct to live in
groups. However, after a long period of
time we are in today's developed society.
Today’s society consists a civilized and
complex relations between human beings.
Human beings live in a family, which is a
unit of a community or a society. A family
also cannot live alone. It needs other
families or neighbourhoods. Families form
communities and societies. But, in the
beginning, it wasn’t like what we have now.
People used to live in forests and caves like
animals. Although, they used to live in a
group but had no permanent shelters. They
used to move from one place to another
in search of food. Their main needs were
food, shelter and security. They used to eat
flash of hunted animals and forest products. They weren’t much civilized.
As time passed, they started realizing the importance of collaboration in
hunting and gathering foods. They began to live and work together in groups.
They started taming wild animals and cultivating fields. They built proper

8 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

shelters and cultivated farms with the cooperation of each other. This is
how, the human society has been originated and developed. As the society
went developing, different social norms, values, traditions, rules and system
of government were formed.
The bases for the formation of a community and society are : fulfillment
of necessities, security, employment, job, help, co-operation, common
objective and sharing of ideas, emotions, thoughts, norms, and values.

Difference between a Community and a Society
Community can be defined as a group of people that has a defined territory,
which is tangible. Where as a society is a broader web of social relationship
which includes different social values, norms, traditions, culture and
practices, which is integrable.

Importance of a Community
and a Society
People have different needs and
requirements. They cannot fulfill all of
them by themselves. So they need to
take help from others to fulfill their
needs. This is possible only when we
live in the community. Community can
fulfill our needs and requirements.

Thus, a community or a society means
collaboration. It enables its members
to benefit in ways that would not
otherwise be possible on an individual
basis. In simple words, the importance
of a community or a society can be as
follows:

• It makes us united.
• It safeguards our rights, lives

and properties.
• It enables us to achieve seemingly difficult things.
• It promotes mutual understanding and cooperation.
• It helps us in making best utilization of resources.
• It helps to fulfill our needs and requirements.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 9

• It promotes essential facilities for quality of life.
• It provides bases for national development.
• It helps in protection, preservation and promotion of art, culture and

civilization.
• It provides platform for sharing joys and sorrows.
• It helps to ensure individual and collective interests.
• It helps in the continuous growth of human civilization.

Points to Remember:

F A human society is a web of social relationship having laws,
institutions, traditions and values and other social practices.

F In the beginning, human beings used to live in forests and caves,
their life wasn’t like what we have to-day.

F Human society developed into the modern society step by step over a
long period of time.

F Community and society preserve and promote culture and tradition.
F Community and society shaped the mind and character of a child.
F Community and society act as bridges between the past and the

future generation.
F Community and society enable their members to benefit in ways that

would not otherwise be possible on an individual basis.

Key Terms and Words:

• Collaboration: the act of collaborating, co-operation, association
• Instinct: feeling, aptitude
• Mutual: equal feelings that two or more people have for each other.
• Norms: behavior that are accepted within a particular group or

community
• Persistent : continuous, continual
• Skill: the ability to do well.
• Taming : domesticating, house-training
• Values: beliefs about what is right and wrong and what is important in

life.
• Safeguards: protects, preserves, secures

10 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. What is a society?
2. What is a community?
3. Where can we fulfill our needs and requirements?
4. What are the important needs of human beings?
5. Why do we feel secure when we live in a community?

Short answer questions:

1. What is a human society, and why is it importance?
2. What are the differences between a community and a society?
3. Why do people take help from others to fulfill their needs?
4. Why does our life become easy and comfortable when we live in a

community?
5. What qualities should we have to develop in our community and the

nation?
6. How does community act as a bridge between the past and present

generation?

Long answer questions:

1. Write a letter to your friend describing the importance of community.

Community Based Work:

a. Do you like to live in a community? Give four good reasons.
b. What are the problems of your community? How can they be solved?
c. What can you and your family do to preserve the common property

in the community?
d. You may have your grandparents living with you. You ask them about

their childhood days and compare with yours. Write a note on this
and share with your friends in the class

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 11

Lesson Rural Municipality and Its
Power and Functions
2

People's participation is essential for development. Active participation of
the people is a major concern for an equal and sustainable development of
our society and nation. It seems quiet burdening for central government to
carry out development works and to deliver services to the people effectively.
For the proportional and overall development of the country, the formation of
local bodies is the most that helps to make development and other activities
easier and fruitful.

The constitution of Nepal 2072 has declared our country as Federal
Democratic Republican Country. Rule through people's representative is
important aspect of democracy. It is, in fact, the foundation of democracy. In
democracy, people choose their leaders. The governmental activities, policy
formation and development works are carried out by people's representatives
in democracy.

Democracy can be practiced by the formation of central to local level
governments. Village Executive, Municipal Executive, District Assembly
are some examples of local government. Nepal was structured into VDCs,
Municipalities and DDCs for the effective implementation of plans and
policies from 2055 BS and onwards through Local Self-government Act
2055. But it was felt that this system of government could not address the
aspirations and demands of people properly and that caused the end of
old structure. The old structures of local bodies VDCs and Municipalities
have been officially dissolved with the publication of the new local level set
up on 27th Fagun 2073 in the Nepal gazette. According the new structure,
there are 753 local levels across the country that includes existing 217
municipalities (including metropolitan and sub-metropolitan cities) and
3,157 VDCs. Village development committees and municipalities that had
been in existence for about a quarter century have been replaced by village

12 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

bodies and municipalities. According to the new structure, there are 6
metropolitan cities, 11 sub-metropolitan cities, 276 municipalities and 460
rural municipalities. Similarly, existing 75 District Development Committees
have been replaced by 77 District Assemblies and District Coordination
Committees.

The formation of Rural Municipality Executive

There shall be a Chairperson of village executive in every rural municipalities.
The executive shall be formed under her/his chairpersonship.

The village executive shall have a vice-chairperson and ward chairpersons,
who are elected from each ward, four women members elected by the Village
Assembly members from among themselves and two elected from the Dalit
or minority community.

The election of the chairperson and vice-chairperson shall be held through
secret ballot based on one person one vote according to the first-past-the-
post electoral system by the voters of the concerned Village area.

Any person with the following qualifications is eligible for election to the post
of chairperson, vice-chairperson, ward chairperson and member:

a) must be a Nepali citizen,

b) must have attained twenty-one years of age, Constitution of Nepal
2015,

c) must included in the voters list of the Village council,

d) must not ineligible by any law.

The term of office of the chairperson and vice-chairperson, ward chairperson
and other executive members shall be of five years.

Power and Functions of Rural Municipality Executive:

Rural Municipality Executive has a very important role at the local level for its
prosperity. The power and functions are mentioned below :

1. to establish, run, manage, and regulate schools, and conduct literacy
and adult literacy programs,

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 13

2. to build libraries and reading rooms,

3. to protect and preserve ponds, wells, temples and buildings of
archaeological importance,

4. to construct roads, bridges, parks, playgrounds etc.,

5. to dispose of waste-materials and keep the village clean, green and
healthy,

6. to make necessary arrangements for medical treatment as preventive
measures for the preservation of public health,

7. to improve transport facilities,

8. to make necessary arrangements for livestock farming and agricultural
development,

9. to manage local markets, haatbazaars,

10. to take measures to check soil erosion, landslides, preserve forest and
control floods,

11. to make necessary arrangements for the rescue of victims of natural
calamities and provide relief materials,

12. to manage and improve tourism and develop cottage industries,

13. to preserve and promote language and culture, etc.

14. to manage to levy, Local tax (property tax, house rent tax, fee on
registration of houses and land, vehicle tax), service fee, tourism
fee, advertisement tax, business tax, land tax (land revenue), fines,
entertainment tax,

15. local statistics and record keeping,

16. Distribution of land, building ownership certificates

17. Management of senior citizens, people with physical disability and
disabled

18. Collection of statistics of unemployed people etc.
.

14 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Points to Remember:

F People's active participation in development work is essential for the
equal and sustainable development.

F Only the central government is not capable enough to carry out the
development activities and to deliver the services to the people
effectively.

F There are 753 local levels according to the new structure.
F The term of office of executive member shall be of 5 years.
F Village Executive plays vital role for proper development of local level.

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. When old structure of local bodies was officially ended?
2. How many local levels are there according to new structure?
3. Mention any two important functions of Village Executive.

Short answer questions:

1. How is Village Executive formed?
2. What are the functions of Village Executive? Explain any two of them.
3. What should village executive do to develop educational and

agricultural activities in its area?
Community Based Work:

1. Visit your office of Village Council or Municipal Council and study the
different development activities done there. Then prepare a chart of
the development activities and display in the class.

2. Prepare a piece of news for a national daily about the recent
development activities held in your ward.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 15

Lesson Municipality and its Power
and Functions
3

According to the constitution of Nepal 2072, there shall be Municipal
Councils as provided in the law.

Provisions related to Mayor and Deputy Mayor of
Municipality:

There shall be a Mayor of the Municipal Executive in every municipality. The
municipal executive shall be formed under her/his chairpersonship.
The Municipal Executive shall have a Deputy Mayor, ward chairperson
elected from each ward and five women members elected by the Municipal
Assembly members from among themselves and three persons elected from
the Dalit or minority community.
The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor shall be held through secret
ballot based on one person one vote according to the first-past-the-post
electoral system by the voters of the concerned Municipal Council area.

16 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Any person with the following qualifications shall be eligible for election to
the post of Head, Deputy Head, ward chairperson and members:
(a) must be a Nepali citizen,
(b) must have attained twenty-one years of age,
(c) must included in the voters list of the Municipality, Constitution of Nepal

2015,
(d) must not ineligible by any law.
The term of office of the Head, Deputy Head, ward chairperson and Municipal
executive members shall be of five years.
The Power and Functions of Municipal Executive:

The Municipalities have to undertake multiple functions for the progress of
municipal council area. Some of its important functions are given below:

1. to manage to levy Local tax (property tax, house rent tax, fee on
registration of houses and land, vehicle tax), service fee, tourism
fee, advertisement tax, business tax, land tax (land revenue),
fines, entertainment tax,

2. to improve,
protect and
promote transport
facilities,

3. to plan for
effective health
facilities,

4. to manage and
provide drinking
water and keep
water resources
clean,

5. to preserve and promote religious and cultural heritages,

6. to set up slaughter-house and sheds for the stray cattle,

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 17

7. to provide fire-brigade services and parks for vehicles,
8. to maintain cleanliness in the town and plant trees on either side

of roads,
9. to manage means of entertainment and recreation like

playgrounds, city halls, parks etc.
10. to provide educational facilities to the town-dwellers,
11. to conduct programs related to social welfare and disaster

management,
12. to take measures to check soil erosion, landslides, preserve forest

and control floods,
13. to make necessary arrangements for the rescue of victims of

natural calamities and provide relief materials,
14. to manage and improve tourism and develop cottage industries,
15. to preserve and promote language and culture and art etc.
16. local statistics and record keeping,
17. Distribution of land, building ownership certificates
19. Management of senior citizens, people with physical disability

and disabled
20. Collection of statistics of unemployed people etc

18 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Points to Remember:

F The municipal executive shall be formed under chairpersonship
Mayor.

F The election of the Mayor and Deputy Mayor shall be held through
secret ballot based on one person one vote according to the first-
past-the-post electoral system.

F The Municipalities have to undertake multiple functions for the
progress of municipal council area

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. Which areas are categorized as municipal areas?
2. Who is the head of municipal executive?
3. Write the tenure of municipal executives.

Short answer questions:
1. Write the process of the formation of Municipal Executive.
2. What are the functions of Municipal Executive? List them out and
explain any two of them in brief.
3. Why is Local government needed? Give suitable reasons.
4. What plans and programs would you make in your Municipality if
you became a member of Municipal Executive of your Municipality?
Prepare a model plan.

Community Based Work:

a. Where do you live, Village Development Committee or Municipality?
Write two advantages and two disadvantages of your area. What
can be done to overcome the disadvantage?

b. Prepare a model questions to be asked to the Village Development Council
or municipality members.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 19

Lesson Community Services &
Development Works
4

We all live in a community. The welfare of a community depends upon the
people who live in that community. Every community is different from one
another. Some communities are developed and some are not so developed.
Therefore, we all should try to develop our community. We should make it
a better place to live. For this, we should be united and devote ourselves
forgetting all the personal interest for the betterment of our community.
There is a saying “Unity is strength.” If we are united, we can definitely
develop our community and nation.

“Women Involved in Awareness Campaign”
Mansara Gharti is a local resident of Bhumikasthan Municipality of
Argakhanchi District. She is old, but age is not a bar for her to work for women’s
rights. Among other things, she spends
her time helping and teaching poor and
illiterate women in getting citizenship
by fulfilling the required procedures.
At present, those women who were
earlier limited to household works are
actively involved in women’s rights
campaign. There are about forty-eight
women helping Mansara to make the
campaign successful.
Now, women actively participate in meetings, discussions as well as in
social works for the prosperous development in the village. They are not
afraid of the problems and obstacles which may come on the way. They are
determined and fully committed for the establishment of women’s rights.
The women in this area were not so conscious about their rights before. But,
the situation has now changed greatly due to Mansara’s initiatives in the
village. When these women are busy in their campaign, men work in the field
and look after the animals.
Sabitri Khatri, another resident of this village, is an illiterate woman. But,
she is a conscious person. She knows how to contribute to the family and

20 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

community for well-being and prosperity. She has established a Women
Civic Society where women learn and discuss about child rights, women’s
rights and human rights. Now, the women of this village know much about
government administrative procedures. They are also quite knowledgeable
about the geography, politics and development of our country. Due to the
bold, active and forward looking attitude of women, the social evils like
domestic violence, child marriage, dowry system, superstitious belief and
disputes etc have significantly been decreased. The outlook of the village
has changed. One can see well-kept houses, and clean surroundings. Every
family in the village has become disciplined. Children go to school regularly.
As most of the male members have gone abroad for employment, women
are playing important role in the family and village affairs. Women have
become more active and self-dependent. They have become knowledgeable
about different official administrative and legal procedures. They know what
procedures they need to fulfill while acquiring citizenship or filing a case in
the court. They know the administrative and legal procedures in buying and
selling of land and property.

Source: Kathmandu Daily, 2069-10-19

Water Collection Centres To Be Established
The Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Ltd (KUKL) Project Implementation
Directorate is going to set up six large water collection centers in Kathmandu.
According to the directorate, these centers will be established at Mahankal
Chaur (Chabhil), Arubari (Bouddha Jorpati), Bansbari, Balaju, Panipokhari
and Khumaltar. Mahankal Chaur will have 80 lakhs, Arubari 85 lakhs,
Bansbari 95 lakhs, Balaju 70 lakhs, Panipokhari 80 lakhs and Khumaltar
90 lakhs liters of water collection capacity ponds. It is hoped that this will
enhance the water storage and supply capacity of the company.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide technical and financial
assistance of about 1 arab and 15 crores for this project. According to the
project director, Mr Rajkumar Malla, the collection centers will have altogether
the capacity of about 5 crores liter. These collection centers are going to
be set up to lessen the water shortage in the capital and to have parallel
systems of water distribution. It is said that once the Melamchi Drinking Water
Project is completed, water will be proportionately distributed in the valley.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 21

For proportionate distribution of
water, two schemes have been
worked out: to enhance both
surface water and underground
water collection capacity, and
to establish water treatment
centers and to lay pipe lines.
As model projects, the water
supply and management system
in some places of Lalitpur and
Kathmandu have already been
upgraded. Water pipe lines in
Kalopul area of Kathmandu have been improved. Likewise, 535 old taps have

been replaced in Baneswore and
Kalopul areas of Kathmandu and
Kusunti area of Lalitpur.
There is also a plan of setting up
20 deep tube wells and collect
about 2 crores liters of water daily
to meet the growing demand of
drinking water in the capital. It
is said that this initiative has
already been started.

Source: The Kathmandu Post,
Monday, 8 Jul 2013

22 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Short answer questions:

1. In what works are the women of Bhumikasthan Municipality actively
involved at present?

2. Why are they involved in such works?
3. Write any four good changes that are observed in the village?
4. Which social evils have been decreased in the village?
5. How have the women of Bhumikasthan Municipality become self-

dependent?
6. Who is going to set up six large water collection centers in

Kathmandu?
7. How much water will be collected once the project is completed?
8. Why are these collection centers needed to be set up in Kathmandu?
9. What kind of services or development is needed in your village or

municipality?
10. As a student of sixth grade, how can you help your village or

municipality?

Community Based Work:

a. Collect similar articles as given in the lesson from any newspaper or
magazines and present in the class for discussion.

b. List out the axisting various problems in your village or municipality.
c. List the names of social service organizations actively working to

develop your village or municipality.
d. What do the following pictures show?

23

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Lesson Infrastructures of
Development: Education
5

Development refers to progress. It is a continuous process of positive
change. There are some basic requirements for a country to develop. These
are called infrastrures of development.

Education
Education is the action or process of receiving
or giving systematic instruction, knowledge,
skill, and understanding especially at a
school, college or university. It is a means
to discover new things which we don't know
about and increase our knowledge.
The word “Education“ has been derived from
Latin word ‘ E ‘ and ‘ Duco ‘ which means
to draw out of the inner qualities of a child.
Various people have given their views on education.
Mahatma Gandhi: “By education, I mean all-round drawing out of the best
in man-body, mind and spirit.”
Aristotle: “Education is the creation of sound mind in a sound body.”
Rousseau: “Education is the child’s development from within.”
Education is one of the basic needs of human beings. It is as necessary as
food, drink and cloths. Therefore, it is regarded as the birthright of human
beings. Education gives knowledge to the people of various subjects due
to which they can have better opportunities of maintaining living standards
and sacrifice themselves for the overall development of their own nation.

Importance of Education
Education is regarded as one of the greatest qualities and virtues of human
beings. It is education that raises human beings above the animals. According
to Sanskrit stanza, “Education infuses a man with decorum and decorum
procures in him worthiness, worthiness brings him wealth and finally wealth
fills him with happiness.”

24 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Every human being has hidden qualities within waiting to emerge. The ray
of education helps such qualities to emerge out and do work in an efficient
manners.
Education is a means that can carry
us to greatness. It is one of the most
important things in life. It is essential
for everyone. It is the level of education
that helps people earn respect and
recognition. It is indispensable part
of life both personally and socially.
Without it, we lack knowledge and
we can't contribute to the world.
Knowledge is power. An educated person has the ability to differentiate
between right and wrong or good and evil.
The importance of education is beyond the limit of discussion. It has positive
effect on human life. We all need to study. Only with education we can gain
knowledge and enlarge our view over the world. We may become more useful
and civilized if we are educated.
Education plays such a
fundamental role in our
society that we cannot
imagine a life without
it. It doesn't only, help
us to develop healthy
surroundings but also
generates an advance
community. As a matter of
fact, everything we have
today is based on the
knowledge that we obtain by way of education. The more developed life
becomes, the more necessary becomes education. Without education, life
would have no meaning.
Education helps a person to distinguish between right and wrong. All these
virtues help a man to become perfect human being and to achieve progress
in life.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 25

Education is the foremost necessity for the
development of a country. If the citizens of a
country are illiterate, they cannot understand
what they have to do for the development of
the country. They won’t know how to make
the best use of the means and resources.
Education means civilization and
development. A society can’t be civilized
and developed without proper education.
Education is the corner stone of civilization
and development.
Development means progressive change.
Educated people are positive and responsive
to change. Educated officials perform their duty well. Educated administrators
may provide good and clean service to the citizens. They can change the trend
of traditional system into modern to meet the pace of the globalized world.
Those countries, where people are educated, are developed like America,
Japan, Great Britain, France, and Germany etc. They are well advanced in
science and technology and have skilled human resources. Thus, education
is the first and foremost infrastructures of development.
Education creates skilled manpower. Skilled man powers are those who have
knowledge, skill, and training. They are able to do well in their respective
field. They are able to use the means and resources of a country rationally
and effectively.
Our country is in need of skilled
manpower in various sectors
like agriculture, industry,
transport, communication, trade,
administration etc. Only education
can create such manpower and
lead the country to progress and
development. It is the greatest
wealth of every person. It is the
key to development. So, the government should give priority for education
for the smooth development of the nation. Thus, it is considered the most
important infrastructure of development.

26 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Education in Nepal
Modern education in Nepal began with the establishment of Durbar High
School, the first school in Nepal, in 1910 BS (1853). However, this school
was only for the members of the Rana families and their relatives. The SLC
Board was established in 1990 BS. Formal schooling for the general people
began only after 2007 BS when a democratic system was established.
Since then, there has been a dramatic expansion of education facilities in
the country. As a result, literacy rate according to the population census
2068 BS, age 5 and above reached 65.9%.
New Education System of Nepal was established in 2028 BS. It was
established to address individual needs of society as a whole to mark
national development. The main objective of Education system of Nepal was
to develop mid level managers and skilled man power.

Structure of Education
The Ministry of Education is the apex body responsible for managing
educational activities in the country. With a purpose of bringing education
administration nearer to the people. In the past the Ministry has established
five Regional Directorates and 75 District Education Offices (DEO) in five
development regions and 75 districts respectively. These offices are
responsible for overseeing non-formal and school-level education activities
in their respective areas. Regional Directorates are mainly responsible for
coordinating, monitoring and evaluating education activities. The District
Education Offices are the main implementing agencies.
Education in Nepal is structured as school education and higher education.
The old structure of school education that includes primary level of grades
1–5, lower secondary and secondary levels of grades 6–8 and 9–10
respectively have been replaced by the new structure. As per the new
structure, the education in Nepal is structured as follows:
• Pre-primary : One Year
• Basic education : Grade 1 to 8
• Secondary Education: Grade 9 - 12
Education, Science, Humanities, etc. are the streams offered for Higher
Secondary education. Technical schools are also there.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 27

Problems and Solutions
Despite such examples of success, there are problems and challenges.
Education management, quality, relevance, and access are some of the
critical issues of education in Nepal. There exist societal disparities based
on gender, ethnicity, location, economic class, etc. Resource crunch has
always been a problem in education. These problems have made the goal
of education for all a challenge for the country. There are still some places
where the inhabitants are almost completely uneducated, causing a serious
lack of knowledge.
There is a need of education system to eradicate illiteracy, poverty and
provide the common man an access not only to basic education but also to
higher and technical education. It is the foremost responsibility of a society
to educate its citizens. Focus should be on women’s education because the
knowledge and empowerment of one woman can bring about a change in a
family and even the society as a whole. By receiving education, we not only
gain knowledge, but also we become able to contribute to the growth of the
nation.

Points to Remember:

F Education is the process of receiving or giving systematic instruction
at a school, college or university.

F Education is the first and foremost infrastructure of development.
F Education creates skilled manpower needed for the country.
F Skilled manpower will utilize the means and resources of a country

rationally and effectively.
F Development and education are like two sides of a coin.
F The modern education started in Nepal only after the establishment

of democracy in 1951.
F The government has initiated formal and non-formal education to

uplift the education sector.
F Modern education in Nepal began with the establishment of the first

school in 1910 BS (1853).
F Literacy rate according to the population census 2068 BS, age 5 and

above is 65.9%.
F Education in Nepal is structured as school education and higher

education.

28 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Key Terms and Words:

• Apex : top, high point, climax
• Crunch : crisis, critical point, difficulty
• Decorum : politeness, good manners
• Directorate : group of advisors, committee, council
• Enhance : increase the quality, value or extent of
• Infuses : spread throughout
• Institutional : pertaining to institution, related to institution
• Procure : to obtain by making special effort
• Virtuous : good, sincere, honest

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. Define education.
2. Which was the first school in Nepal? When was it established?
3. When was the SLC Board established?
4 What is the literacy rate of Nepal according to the census 2068 BS?
5. Which education office is responsible for school level education in a

district?
6. When did the modern education start in our country?

Short answer questions:

1. Write about the importance of education.
2. How was the educational condition during the Rana Regime?
3. What is the structure of education system in Nepal?
4. Why is education considered the most important infrastructure of

development.

Community Based Work:

Visit any of the educational institutions in your community and prepare a
report on the following topics:
a. Name of Institution b. Subjects Taught.
c. Total Number of Students d. Total Number of Males and Females
e. Total Number of Teachers and Their Qualification
f. Conclusion

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 29

Lesson Infrastructures of
Development: Health
6

Here is a conversation between students and a teacher
about health, health service and its development, and
present health condition in Nepal.

Teacher: Good Morning, Class VI ! As you know
that we are studying infrastructures of
development. We learnt about education
in the previous lesson. We shall learn about health as an
infrastructure of development today. Are you all ready?

Student A: Good Morning, Ma’am ! Yes we are.

Teacher: Can anyone of you tell me, what is ‘health’?

Student B: Ma’am, I think it means not to have any diseases or weakness
in our body.

Teacher: You are partly right. It means a little more than what you
said. It is complete physical, mental and social well-being
and not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity. Health
is wealth. Health is the most important thing in our life. Even
the education without health is meaningless. Healthy people
are the assets not only of the family but also of the nation.
Every country needs healthy citizens. Therefore, there should
be adequate health services in a country.

Student C: What is health service, Ma’am?

Teacher: Good question. Health service is the routine, on-going,
emergency or follow up health care or medical service given
to the needy people. It includes people like doctors, nurses
etc, institutions like hospital, health post, nursing home etc,
and resources like ambulance, laboratory, X-ray etc.

Student D: Can you tell us Ma’am, how such services got started?

Teacher: There are many advanced health care services today. But,
a long time ago, it wasn’t like this. There were no doctors,

30 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Student E: nurses, hospitals, medicines etc. People were illiterate and
Teacher: there was very little knowledge about health, health cares
and health related problems. People either depended on
witch doctors or on different herbs. Naturopathy or Ayurveda
was the beginning of medical treatment, which is still in
practice. In Nepal, with the establishment of Singhdurbar
Vaidyakhana, processing of
herbal medicines and medical
treatment started. With the
advancement of science,
new medicines and methods
of treatments developed.
With the establishment of Bir
Hospital in 1947 AD, modern
health care services began in Nepal.
We hear that the government has been making a lot of efforts
to improve the health sector, but I think there are still many
problems in this sector. Can you explain to us, why?
You are absolutely right. The government has been trying to
improve this important sector. It has been mobilizing all
available resources including foreign technical and material
aid. However, there are still many problems especially in
rural and remote areas. These areas lack proper hospitals,
health posts and skilled manpower. There are some places
where there are government hospitals but no doctors, and
some places where there are
doctors but no hospitals,
medicines and medical
equipment. There are a few
private hospitals, nursing
homes and clinics, but are
expensive for common
people. People in rural and remote places are still compelled
to rely on faith healers: Dhami Jhankri.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 31

Student F: What are the solutions of these problems teacher?
Teacher:
It is an important question
Students: you asked. Government,
private, international
agencies, donors, INGOs
and NGOs all should work
together to solve these
problems. Priority should
be given to rural and
remote areas. Hospitals,
health posts and other health care services with necessary
doctors, nurses, medicines and equipment should be
established in these
places. Doctors and
nurses should be given
additional incentives
like extra pay,
allowance, promotion
etc to work in such
remote places.
Illiteracy and poverty
should be alleviated by
carrying out social, economic and educational development.
Mobile medical camps should be conducted on regularly
basis in remote areas. Media and civil society should play
proactive role in making people aware about health, hygiene
and sanitation. I think, it is enough for today. I hope you
understood a bit about health, health services, situation of
health services, health sector problems and their possible
solutions etc. Besides education and health, there are some
other basic needs like transport, communication, electricity,
etc. which are also considered as the infrastructure of
development.

Thank you teacher !

32 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Points to Remember:

F Health is complete physical, mental and social well-being and not
merely the absence of diseases or infirmity.

F Health is the most important thing in our life. Even the education
without health is meaningless.

F Health service is the routine, on-going, emergency or follow up medical
services given to the needy people.

F With the establishment of Bir Hospital in 1947 AD, modern health
care services began in Nepal.

F Health sector is not so developed in our country.
F The people living in rural and remote areas still rely on dhami or

jhaankri.
F Government, private sector, international agencies, donors, all should

work together to develop health sector.

Key Terms and Words:

Absolutely: certainly
Alleviated: lessened, eased
Incentive : inspiration, motivation
Infirmity: weakness, sickness
Naturopathy: healing by natural method
Proactive : take charge, full of enthusiasm

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 33

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:
1. What is health?
2. How did the people treat themselves in the past when they fell ill?
3. What is meant by health service?
4. What is Ayurvedic method of treatment?
5. When was Bir Hospital established?
6. What is the major problem related with public health in our country?

Short answer questions:
1. What is the importance of health? Explain.
2. How was medical services started in Nepal?
3. How is the situation of health service in Nepal?
4. What do you think are the reasons that people in rural areas still
believe on faith healers?
5. ‘A healthy mind exists in a healthy body.” Explain with example.
6. How can you convince a person to go to hospital rather then visiting
dhami jhaankri?
7. What efforts have been made to promote health sector in Nepal?

Long answer questions:
8. Write a letter to your friend describing about the problems and
solutions of health services in Nepal.

Community Based Work:
Visit a nearby hospital, health post or health center of your community
and complete the given information. Prepare a report and present in the
class.
Name of Hospital/Health Post/ Health Center: ...................................
...
Date of Establishment: ...............................................
No of Health Workers: ...............................................
Types of Services Given: ............................................
Working Hours: .........................................................
Any Other Special Services Given: ............................

34 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

UNIT

2

OUR SOCIAL NORMS
AND VALUES

In this unit, we will learn about the following subjects: 35
• Our Festivals
• Our National Prides and Glories
• Nepalese Character: Unity in Diversity
• Our Cultural Heritages
• Our Cultural and Religious Heritages Sites (Places)
• Our National Personality: Jaya Prithivi Bahadur Singh
• Our National Personality: Tulsi Mehar Shrestha

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Lesson Our Festivals

1

Teacher: Good Morning! Class 6.
Students: Good Morning Ma'am !
Teacher: Okay! Do you know about the subject matter that we are
Class Monitor: going to study today?
Teacher: Yes Ma’am! Some of our friends have prepared about the
Rishi: lesson ‘Our Major Festivals’. With your kind permission,
they want to start.
Day One: Well! That is very nice of you. I would like to call them one
by one and tell us about our major festivals. Let’s listen
to them attentively, shall we?
Good Morning Ma’am! I am Rishi starting the lesson.
We know that Nepal is a mult-cultural, multi-ethnic
and multi-religious country. There live more than 125
nationalities. They have their own religion, culture and
celebrate different festivals. Today, I am going to speak
about Dashain, also known as Bada Dashain or Vijaya
Dashami. It is the biggest festival of the Hindus all over
the world. It symbolizes the victory over evil. It usually falls
in the month of Aswin or Kartik (late September/ early
October). It is celebrated for ten days. Goddess Durga,
the Goddess of power, is worshipped for nine days, and
on the tenth day Bijay Dashami or the victory over evil is
observed with joy by putting on Tika and Jamara. People
clean, paint and decorate their houses at Dashain. Here,
I have prepared a chart to show how the 10 different
days are observed:
This is known as Ghatasthapana. On this day, a Dashain
Ghar or a prayer room, where a jar filled with holy water
and other items of puja are placed for worshipping
throughout Dashain, is established. It marks the beginning

36 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

of Dashain. The sacred jar
symbolizes Goddess Durga,
who is worshipped for nine
days. Some seeds of barley
or rice or corn are also sown
in a dark room as jamara in
a container like an earthen
pot or a tapara. Jamara, Jamara

which is yellow in colour as
it is grown in dark, and considered sacred, is worn on
head as Durga Mata’s prasad on the tenth day, Vijaya
Dashami.

The normal rituals and worships of the Goddess Durga
Day Seven: continue at the Dashain Ghar till the seventh day.

Day Eight: It is called Saptami or Fulpati day. It is one of the major
Day Nine: days of Dashain. On this day, Fulpati (sacred leaves of
bel, ashok, sugarcane etc) is brought from the Gorkha
Day Ten: Palace to the Hanuman Dhoka, where the main Dashain
Ghar is established and the main court (Mul Kot) is
located. A majestic fua-de-joy is held at Tudikhel by the
Nepalese Army to mark this day.

It is known as Maha-Asthami: Animals are sacrificed at
different temples and shrines of the Goddess Durga, and
Kal Ratri is observed at night on this day.

It is called Maha-Nawami or the grand ninth day of
celebration. It is one of the most important days of
Dashain. Special pujas are performed at Hanuman
Dhoka Mul Kot, Dashain Ghars and other temples of the
Goddess Durga. Weapons are worshipped, and animals
are sacrificed. The Taleju temple at Hanuman Dhoka is
opened for the public only once a year on this day.

It is the main day of Dashain celebration, which is known
as Dashami. This day marks the climax of the festival. It
is observed with great pomp and show. Family members
and relatives gather together, exchange greetings,

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 37

Teacher: receive tika and jamara, wear new clothes, eat variety
Neeva: of delicious foods, play swing and have a lot of merry
making and fun. All types of organizations remain closed
on the occasion of Dashain festival.
Thank you Rishi. You explained us about Dashain very
well. Now, whose turn is this?
Yes Ma’am, it’s my turn. I am going to tell about another
38 important festival of the Hindus, Tihar. It is also called
Deepawali or the festival of lights. It is a five day long
festival which comes after 15 days of Dashain. During
Tihar, houses are decorated with flowers and decorative
twinkling lights. This festival is considered to be of great
importance as it shows great respect not just to the
human beings and the Gods, but also to the animals like
crow, dog and cow, which have especial relationship with
the human beings.
The first day of the festival is called Kaag Tihar. According
to Hindu belief, the crow, which helps in keeping the
environment clean by eating rubbish, is considered a
messenger of God. It is regarded very highly for its role.
So the people offer foods to the crow to appreciate its
work.
Similarly, the second day of the festival is Kukur Tihar or
Dog Day. Dog, which is one of the most trusted friends
of human beings, is also considered to be the carrier of
Lord Bhairav. On this day, a dog is worshipped, garlanded
and served delicious foods.
The third day is Gai Tihar or cow day and Laxmi Puja. It is
one of the very important days of the Tihar. Houses are
cleaned, decorated with garlands of merry-gold flowers.
Cow, which gives milk and bears ox to be used to plough
field, is considered holy and symbol of prosperity in
Hinduism. Hence, the cow is worshipped as Gau Mata
in the morning and the Goddess of wealth, Laxmi in the
evening. People make different drawings call Rangoli to

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

welcome the goddess
into their houses. Women
and girls play Bhailo at
night.

The fourth day is
Govardhan Puja (ox day).
Newars observe this Playing Bhailo
Teacher:
Amit: day as Mha Puja (self-
worship). They also celebrate this day as their New Year
or Nepal Sambat. Men and boys play Deusi on this day.

The fifth day of Tihar is Bhai
Tika or brothers’ day. This is the
climax of this festival. On this
day, sisters offer Saptarangi
tika (seven coloured) and
makhmali flower garlands to
their brothers. Sisters wish
for the prosperity and long
life of their brothers. They
Bhai Tika

are offered delicious foods,
sweets and fruits by sisters. In return, brothers give
money and valuables things to their sisters with love
and respect. This is how this festival of lights and love is
observed.

Thank you, Neeva ! for your enlightening presentation.
Now, let’s hear next one.

I am Amit. I am going to describe about an important
religious festival of Terai. My mamaghar is in Janakpur,
where Maithili culture is quite dominant. Chhath is one
of the main festivals observed in Maithili community in
eastern and central Terai regions of Nepal. It is observed
on the sixth day of Kartik Shukla Panchami, four day after
the Bhai Tika. This festival is dedicated to the Sun, which
is considered as a God. Devotees worship the Sun-God
for their well-being, progress and prosperity.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 39

Chhath is celebrated for four days. The rituals of Chhath
include taking holy bath in ponds and rivers, fasting,
worshipping and offering Arghas to the rising and setting
sun.

Teacher: Chhath is observed mainly by women. Male members
Dolma: usually offer helping hands. Chhath offerings which
include homemade sweet dishes like Tekuwa, Bhusuwa,
40 Gujiya, Khajuri, radish, carrot, sugarcane and fruits etc.

The main function of the festival is organized on the bank
of a river, lake and pond, which are decorated with flowers
and lights. There is a tradition of fasting for 36 hours. The
final day of Chhath is also called Paran. Devotees worship
and make offerings of Argha to the rising Sun-God in
the morning. Similarly, they repeat the same rituals in
the evening to the setting sun. Then the Chhath Parva
ends with the breaking of fast. Prasad is shared with the
people around. Devotees perform devotional music and
dance.

As there is significant number of Madhesi people in
Kathmandu, Chhath is observed even in Kathmandu
these days. It is mainly organized at Rani Pokhari,
Bagmati and Bishnumati river banks. Rani-Pokhari is
opened on the main day. In Janakpur, Argha is offered in
Ganga Sagar.

Thank you, Rishi. Now, it’s Dolma’s turn.

Tashi Delek! It means Happy New Year in Sherpa and
Tamang language. I am going to tell you about Lhosar,
which is the New Year of Sherpas, Tamangs, Thakalis
and Gurungs. The term
'Losar' is derived form
two words 'Lho' meaning
year and 'sar' meaning
new. The New Year or
Lhosar is celebrated
more or less in the
Celebrating Tamu Lhosar

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

same way in these communities, however, they observe
this day on different days.

There are three types of Lhosar: Tamu Lhosar, Sonam
Lhosar and Gyalpo Lhosar. Tamu Lhosar is celebrated
in the month of Poush by Gurung, Sonam Lhosar in the
Teacher: month of Magh by the Tamang and Gyalpo Lhosar in the
Yusuf: month of Falgun by the Sherpa.

I celebrate Gyalpo Lhosar. It is celebrated for almost two
weeks, but the main celebration takes place during the
first three days. On this occasion, streets and rooftops
of houses and monasteries are decorated with colourful
prayer flags. People wear new clothes, their finest
jewelleries and exchange greetings and gifts. Feasts,
family gatherings, dancing and merry-making are
organized. People welcome the New Year by throwing
Tsampa (roasted barley flour) into the air. They also pray
for the well-being of their family members and friends in
the monasteries. Buddhist monks offer prayers for good
health and prosperity of the people.

Thank you, Dolma. Whose turn is it now?

Ma’am, it’s my turn. I follow Id-ul-Fitr
Islam religion. I would like
to speak about one of our
important festivals, Id or
Id-ul-Fitr. It is in fact the
most important festival
of Muslim community. It
is also celebrated as the
New year.

It is celebrated at the end of the holy month of Ramjan,
the holy month of Islamic calendar. It falls sometimes in
the month of July. During this month, Muslims observe a
month long fast. They don’t eat or drink anything after the
sunrise and before the sunset. They eat only one meal
after the sunset. This fast is called Roza. Therefore, Id is

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 41

also called the Feast Breaking of the Fast which means
the end of Ramjan.

On the day of Id, people go to mosque, read Namaz and
Teacher: pray to Allah, the God for peace and prosperity. They
Merry: exchange greetings by saying ‘Id Mubarak ‘and ‘Happy Id‘.
Id festival is an occasion of feast and rejoices. Family get-
together and feasts are the highlights of the celebration.
42 On this occasion, people give alms called Zakat to poor
people. Delicious dishes like Seways are served in this
festival. It is the time to forget all the past differences
and grievances. This festival unites all the Muslims all
over the world.

Thank you Yusuf. I think it’s Merry’s turn, isn’t it?

Yes, Ma’am. I’m going to tell you about one of the most
important Christians’ festivals, the Christmas. It is also
known as X-Mas. The letter X represents the holy sign of
cross for the Christians. It falls on 25th December every
year. It marks the birth anniversary of Jesus Christ, the
founder of Christianity. It is generally celebrated for three
days from 24th to 26th December.

Christmas Eve is celebrated on 24th December. On this
day, people decorate a
pine tree as a Christmas
tree with candles, stars,
bells and colourful lights.
Gifts, presents and
Christmas greeting cards
are placed under this
tree. They are opened Christmas

on the next day, the Christmas Day, with all the joy and
happiness. People go to the church to offer prayers and
sing carol during Christmas. People greet one another
by saying “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year." They
invite family members, relatives and friends and enjoy
great feast.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

The next day, 26th December is known as the Boxing
Teacher: Day. On this day, well-to-do people give box full of gifts,
Paruhangma: food , clothes and money to the poor people.

Thank you, Merry. Now, we have one more presentation
for to-day.

Yes, ma’am. I’m Paruhangma. As you all know that I
belong to Kirat community. We celebrate Udhauli and
Ubhauli. These are the two main festivals of the Kirat
people. These festivals are observed for 15 days. The
main day of Ubhauli falls in Baisakh Purnima and Udhauli
in Mangsir Purnima.

Friends, let me tell you
the significance of these
festivals. According to
the ‘Mundhum’, the
holy book of the Kirat,
there are mainly two
seasons: Ubhauli and Udhauli

Udhauli. Ubhauli signifies
the beginning of summer, planting time and time to go
to cooler places and Udhauli refers harvesting time of
crops, beginning of winter and time to go to warmer
places. These seasons are based on solar positions and
follow migration pattern of birds and animals.

Kirat people are basically worshipers of the Mother
Nature. They regard the nature and the earth above all
of everything. Therefore,
these festivals are also
known as Bhumi Puja.
At Udhauli, Kirat people
offer puja, prayers and
gratitude to the Mother
Nature for bestowing Sakela Dance

upon them good harvests in the preceding year and at
Udhauli, they perform puja and prayers wising equally
good blessing in the following year.

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 43

These festivals are marked with Bhumi Pujas followed by
feasts, merry making, rejoicing and exchanging greetings
and best wishes. Sakela Dance, Chyabrung Dance, Dhan
Naach etc are performed wearing traditional dresses
and ornaments. These festivals are observed at various
places in the eastern Nepal including at Hattiban, Lalitpur
and Tundikhell, Kathmandu.

Teacher: Thank you. You all have presented very well. These are
only a few of our festivals. There are many more festivals
in our country. Festivals are our cultural heritages. They
reflect our social and religious customs, traditions and
practices. They give us enjoyment and peace. They also
promote love, unity, and understanding among people.
We should respect each other’s festivals and culture.

Points to Remember:

F Dashain and Tihar are the major festivals of the Hindus.
F Dashain is celebrated for ten days and the Tihar for five days.
F Chhath is dedicated to the Sun-God.

F Lhosar festival marks the beginning of New Year in the Buddhist
community.

F Id-ul-Fitr is celebrated at the end of a month long fasting of Ramajan.

F Christmas is celebrated by Christians on 25th December to mark the
birth of Jesus Christ.

F Kirat people celebrate Ubhauli and Udhauli to pray and to be grateful
for good harvest and prosperity.

Key Terms and Words:

• Grievance: hardship, harm, damage
• Majestic: beautiful or impressive
• Prosperity: to be successful
• Ritual: a religious ceremony
• Symbolize: indicate, represent, denote

44 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Evaluation Activities

Very short answer questions:

1. What does Dashain festival symbolize?
2. What is the seventh day of Dashain called?
3. Which festival shows intimate relation between animals and

humans?
4. Why do people offer good food to crows at Tihar?
5. Which festival is related to the worshipping of Sun-God?
6. What does Lhosar mean?
7. What is Ramjan?
8. Who worships Mother Nature?
9. Why is Christmas festival celebrated?
10. What are the most important festivals of the Kirat people?

Short answer questions:

1. What is the first day of Dashain called? How is this day celebrated?
2. Write the significance of Kaag, Kukur and Gai Tihar.
3. What is the fifth day of Tihar called? Why is this day very important?
4. Write the names and months of different Lhosar festivals celebrated

by the people of different Buddhist community.
5. How is Chatth celebrated ?
6. What is the other name of Id-ul-Fitr? Why is it so called?
7. When and how is Christmas festival celebrated?
8. When are the Ubhauli and Udhauli festivals celebrated? What are

they related to?
9. Why do Kirat worship Mother Nature during Ubhauli and Udhauli?
10. List out some other major festivals celebrated in Nepal.

Community Based Works:

a. Make a list of the festivals celebrated in your community under the
following headings:

i. Name of festival ii. Day and date of celebration

iii. The way of celebration

b. Prepare post cards and greeting cards highlighting the festivals celebrated
by different communities and display in your classroom or the school display
board.

c. What problems arise when festivals are celebrated in your community?
What measures should be adopted to solve them?

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 45

Lesson Our National
Prides and Glories
2

Nepal is a multi-caste, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-
religious country. It is a common garden of 125 nationalities. In spite of
different cultures, ethnic races, languages and religions, there is unity
in diversity. We all consider Nepal as our motherland . We all speak and
understand Nepali, the national language of our motherland, Nepal.
Our country is unique in the world. It has its own beauty and pride. We all
love, respect and admire our country. She has given us name, fame and
identity in the world. So we feel proud to be considered as Nepalese.
There are certain things which bind us together, and they are our identities.
They make our country and the countrymen rich, prosperous and unique in
the world. They are our pride. We all should know about them, and respect,
honour and preserve them. Let us learn about them:

National Flag
Our national flag is one of our pride. It symbolizes our country. Our national
flag has unique design in the world. It has two triangles, joined together and
looks somewhat like a fish-tail in shape. The upper triangle has the imprint
of the white moon with eight rays and the lower triangle has the imprint of
the sun with twelve rays. It reflects our history, culture, religion, courage and
bravery. It has three symbolic colours: Crimson (red), Blue and White. The
base or the background of the flag is crimson, symbolizing courage. When
we go back to the history of our country, we find it full of bravery of our
ancestors and great warriors.

Similarly blue borders symbolize peace, co-operation and friendship. Our
culture teaches us to be peaceful and friendly with others. That is why Nepal
has adopted the principle of ‘Peaceful Co-Existence and Non-Alignment’.

The white colour symbolizes purity. The picture of the moon and the sun
symbolizes that Nepal will exist till the moon and the sun shine in this
universe. We should preserve the glory and pride of our national flag and
protect the freedom, unity, and sovereignty for the welfare and betterment
of our motherland.

46 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

National Anthem /fli6«o ufg
Every nation has its own national
anthem and so has Nepal. It is the pride ;of+} y'·f km'nsf xfdL Pp6} dfnf gk] fnL

and identity of our country. We all should ;fj{efd} eO{ kml} nPsf d]rLdxfsfnL=======@
respect our national anthem. Respect k|sl[ tsf sf]6L0-sf6L ;Dkbfsf] cf“rn
to our national anthem means respect
to our motherland. All formal national jL/x¿sf /utn] :jtGq / c6n .
festivals, ceremories and programmes 1fg el" d, zflGt e"ld t/fO{, kxf8, lxdfn
of honour begin will the national anthem.
cv08 of] Kof/f] xfdf| ] dft[el" d gk] fn

Thus, when our national anthem is sung, ax'n hflt efiff wd{ ;:+ s[lt 5g\ ljzfn
we should stand up in a disciplined way
cuf| dL /fi6« xfdf| ] ho ho gk] fn .

with our right hand on our left chest to Jofs'n dfOnf
show our tribute to it.
-k|bLk s'df/ /fO{_
The lyric of our national anthem is
composed by Pradeep Kumar Rai
popularly known as 'Byakul Maila', and the music is composed by Ambar
Gurung. The national anthem reflects unity, integrity, fraternity, sovereignty
and independence of the country. Above all, it emphasizes on unity in
diversity. It speaks of multi-caste, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual
and multi-religious aspects of the people in Mountain, Hill and Terai. It
guides us towards our duty and responsibility to the nation.

Coat-of-Arms (Nishan Chhap )

It is one of the symbols of our identities. It is used to Coat of arms
legalize documents in government offices. After the
political changes in Nepal, the coat-of-arms has also
been changed and brought into use from 15th Poush
2063 BS. It was designed jointly by three people:
Himalaya Gautam, Krishna Shrestha and Navindraman
Rajbhandari. It represents all the important features
of Nepal. They include:

• National Flag: It is the symbol of national unity.
• National Anthem: The identity of Nepalese people.
• National flower: Rhododendron, Reflect natural beauty of Nepal.
• Three ecological regions: Mountain, Hill and Terai
• Sagarmatha: The highest mountain peak of the world

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 47

• Sheaf of paddy: Nepal being represented as an agricultural country
• A male and a female hands shaking: Representing gender equality
• Our national motto (slogon): “Janani Janmabhumischa Swargadapi

Gariyasi”, meaning mother and motherland are greater than heaven.

Sagarmatha

Sagarmatha (8848m), the highest peak in the
world, is our another pride, glory, and identity. It
has made our country known all over the world.
Our country is known as the country of the
highest mountain. It is also the main attraction
of the Sagarmatha National Park, which has
been declared as a World Heritage site since Sagarmatha

1979 A.D. Many people from different countries
come to climb the highest point of this world. It helps to glorify our country
all over the world.

Lumbini

Lumbini is another place of pride for us. It is the
place where the apostle of peace, Lord Buddha
was born. There are Maya Devi temple and Ashok
pillar in this place. It is situated in Rupendehi
district of Nepal. Gautam Buddha is also known as
the Light of Asia. Lumbini is one of the four holiest
places of Buddhism in the world. Buddhist pilgrims
from all over the world come to visit Lumbini. It is Lumbini

included in the list of world heritage sites by the UNESCO in 1997 AD.

Laligurans (Rhododendron) Laligurans
Laligurans is regarded as the national flower of Nepal.
It grows at the height of 1400-3600m. It has special
place in the life and culture of the Nepalese people.
It is red in colour. Red is the most auspicious colour
in Nepali culture. It is used for making juice and
medicine.

In the month of March and April, rhododendron blankets the hills with
magnificent beauty and draws the attention of thousands of trekkers.

48 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6

Danphe ( Lophophorus) Danphe
Danphe is our national bird. It is found in the Himalayan
region of Nepal. It can endure the cold weather. It
lives up to 2500m and above 4500m. It has nine
coloured plumage in its body. That is why we often call
it Naurangi Danphe. It possesses long metallic green
crests. It is very beautiful bird besides, our culture,
natural resources, national food, etc. are also our
pride, glory and identity.

Points to Remember:

F Nepal is a multi-caste, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual, and
multi-religious country.

F Nepal is our motherland where there is unity in diversity.
F We should love and respect our motherland.
F National flag, national anthem, coat of arms are our prides and identities.
F We should respect to our national flag, national anthem and the coat

of arms. They are the symbols of unity, integrity, fraternity, sovereignty
of the country.
F We should also respect coat-of-arms that contains all the important
features of Nepal.
F Similarly we should respect other objects of national prides like
Lumbini, Sagarmatha, Laligurans and Dhanphe which have given us
name, fame and identity.

Key Terms and Words:

• Auspicious: having good chance of success
• Ethnic: small number of people having common national or cultural

tradition
• Fraternity: group of people sharing common interest
• Integrity: loyalty, honesty
• Plumage: feathers
• Sovereignty: independent, self-governing

Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6 49

Evaluation Activities

Very Short answer questions:
1. Name the national prides of our country.
2. What is the shape of our national flag?
3. What does crimson colour symbolize?
4. Who is the composer of our national anthem?
5. What do we learn from our national anthem?
6. What is the importance of the Coat-of-Arms? Who designed it?
7. What are the valuable sites located at Lumbini?
8. Write the importance of laligurans in Nepali culture.
9. What is meant by Nawarangi Danphe?

Short answer questions:
1. What is meant by unity in diversity? Write with examples.
2. Draw a picture of National flag and describe the three symbolic
colours found in the national flag of Nepal.
3. How should we have to show our respect to our national anthem?
What are the five important things mentioned in our national
anthem?
4. When was the new Coat-of-Arms introduced? What are its important
features?
5. Why do we regard Sagarmatha as our national pride? Give four reasons.
6. 'Lumbini is pride of our nation'. Explain the given statement.
7. Why do we consider Laligurans and Danphe as our national prides?
Give one reason for each.

Community Based Works:
a. Besides the objects and features of national pride mentioned in the
text, there are many other things and objects that make us proud.
Make a list of them and discuss about them in the class.
b. Where do you live? Write anything that is important about that place.
c. Draw pictures of “Our National Pride” and display them in the school.

50 Social Studies & Population Education Book ~ 6