Miteri: Nepal’s unique and centuries-old friendship culture is dying out in modern times

John Upreti was in his final teenage years when he first met Samir Maharjan. They hit it off immediately as they had common interests and values. After a few years of friendship, they developed a unique bond (miteri) that they did not have with anyone else. So in order to make things even better and become more like a family, they decided to become each other’s mit.

“We both wanted to become each other’s family. At times of need, friends might forget you, but a family member won’t,” says Upreti. “That’s how things have moved forward since then.”