'You know you're a Nepali when' has been circulating the web for quite a while. But with all the confusion, chaos, double-speak, 'I want and they want', and identity politics, it's only now that we took notice of this tongue-in-cheek list.
Even such silly ramblings sometimes make powerful statements. The list tells us that no matter what part of Nepal we belong to and despite class, caste and other divisions, we are Nepalis first, while also reminding us not to take ourselves too seriously.
You go out for a meal and look at the menu for half an hour and finally order momo, chow mein, fried rice and chicken chili.
You owned a dog, or knew of a dog named Tiger.
You go crazy if you can't blow on your fingers after you touch your neck. Or whoever's finger touches your neck. Natra gaand aunchha kya!
You are afraid to step on any paper, or a pen. You don't want to piss off Goddess Saraswati and flunk an exam.
When you see a pair of slippers upside down (ulto chappal) you have to turn it around.
You love the pungent, fermented smell of pickled bamboo shoots (tama) and dried vegetable leaves (gundruk). You are drooling at the thought of it right now.
You get annoyed when you say Nepal, but people assume you meant Naples.
You don't cut your nails at night. (for the devil might take you and your family)
Your grandmother doesn't let you whistle at night.
You have a problem following rules and standing in line.
Whenever you meet someone you ask, 'Have you had your food?' ( bhat khayo?)
