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Lokta Paper | Nepali Paper

Byadmin June 23, 2015

Lokta Paper | Nepali Paper

We have been making paper for centuries. Prior to paper being invented in China in around 100AD, we used to use stones, tree barks or parchments or solid wooden objects for communication by scribing on them and transporting them. Han Dynasty of China has been accredited to have invented paper in around 200BC to 200AD. The Licchavi Dynasty, which ruled Nepal during 400-750 AD, could be one of the earliest adopters of paper making from the Chinese – handmade Lokta paper being found from Licchavi era.

As a kid, many of us may have seen how paper is made. The process is actually simple, comprising of dissolving the paper pulp and evenly distributing it as a layer and letting it dry. Traditionally, paper is made out of pulp from fibre collected from different plants. Based on what plant is found a particular locality, the process and texture of paper making slightly differ. In Nepal, paper is made out of the inner bark of a shrub /bush called Lokta (scientific name Danphe panachea) found abundantly in some 20 hilly districts in Nepal covering around 1 million sq meters.

Lokta Paper, also known as Nepali Kagaj (paper), has been the only kind of paper produced and found in Nepal till the 20th century. In late 20th century, however, the market was flooded with cheaper paper from China and India, which nearly proved terminal to the local paper making industry and affecting the livelihood of the villagers directly.

Nepali Unique Hand Knitted Shoe | How It’s Made

Byadmin October 15, 2014

Nepali Unique Hand Knitted Shoe What do you think about this Nepali shoe?…

Arts And Crafts Of Nepal

Byadmin July 30, 2014

Nepal Arts And Crafts With the long history of crafting and carving, Nepalese crafters have…

Nepali Singing Bowls – Also called Prayer and Healing Bowls

Byadmin December 25, 2017

Nepali Singing bowls | Himalayan Bowls

Can you stand a minute listening to the cacophony of a crowd or a pianist playing just a single note? If you are unsure, why don’t you give a try? But, I bet you’ll be ready pay hundreds of dollars to attend the popular orchestra or to buy Beethoven quartet or Mozart’s record. Why do music and sound affect us so much?

In the microscopic level, the physiological aspect of human body performs a different feat which outsmarts layman’s intuition. According to neuroscientists, human brain composed of trillions of neurons act like a natural oscillator with distinct frequencies.

Popular Nepali Musical Instruments

Byadmin March 18, 2019

Music is unavoidable in Nepali culture. Either listening to the song, humming the tunes or…

Handicrafts in Nepal | Nepalese Handicrafts

Byadmin December 27, 2017

Handicrafts In Nepal | Nepalese Handicrafts

Strolling around the temples and the ancient palaces of Kathmandu valley, during dusk is one of my favorite habits. It’s not just that these places radiate a sense of serenity but the neighborhood filled with the antique shop full of Nepalese handicrafts and the temples with fabulous wood carving make my time worthwhile.

Handicrafts in Nepal is believed to have started since the Licchavi period (300-879 AD) though the official account of first handicraft is not available. But the classical period of Nepal (13th to 18th century) ruled by Malla dynasty helped, extensively in the enrichment of quality, authenticity, and originality of the Nepalese handicrafts.