Cultural Importance Of Historical City Bhaktapur

From the cultural and tourism perspective, the ancient city of Bhaktapur is the most important among three historical cities of the Kathmandu Valley. The antiquity of Bhaktapur shows that the city was established before the Lichhavi period. The existence of Bhaktapur is proved by three inscriptions of Lichhavi period. 

The joint inscriptions of Sivadeba and Amsuverma of Samvat 516 was found in Gulmadhi Tole describe, “BHATTARAK MAHARAJ SHREE SIVADEBA BATA TAL SAHITKO MAKHOPRIM DRANGAMA BASNE MUKHIYA LAGAYET GRAMKA GRIHASTHI HARULAI KUSHAL MANGAL SODHERA AGYNYA BHAYEKO CHHA”.

Nyatapole temple

Likewise, other joint inscriptions of Sivadeba and Amsuverma of Samvat 516 was found in Tulachhe Tole describe, “BHATTARAK MAHARAJ SHREE SIVADEB BATA SURYECHANDRA RAHEDEKHI AHILE SAMMA KHRUPUNG GRAMMA BASNE MUKHIYA LAGAYET GRAMKA GRIHASTHI HARULAI KUSAL MANGAL SODHERA AGYNYA BHAYEKO CHHA”. However the foresaid words ‘Makhoprim’ and ‘Khrupung’ have indicated different places though these words indicate the origin of Bhaktapur. The inscription of Ratna Sang of Samvat 399 of Manadev’s period described Bhaktapur as ‘khoprung Gram’. In the meantime people of Bhaktapur call their place as ‘Khopa’ in Newari language. Perhaps the word ‘Khopa’ was derived from the word ‘Khopring’. According to the literary sources of Lichhavi period, Sanskrit was the main language . From the Sanskrit linguistic point of view the words ‘Khopring’,‘Makhopring’ and ‘Khrupung’ do not give any meaning . So, it can be guessed that these words are not taken from Sanskrit language instead it might be taken from Kirat language. In this way it has been to learn that Bhaktapur city has been existing since Kirat period.

Bisket Jatra

Very few inscriptions found in Bhaktapur give less information regarding the activities of Lichhavi period. So, we are unable to get any materials sources of Lichhavi period in this city. Whatever we boost regarding the art and culture  of Bhaktapur that was developed in the Malla period. Bhaktapur is recognized as an attractive city due to excellent art and unique culture. So, it is not only an artistic city but also very important for tourism. The city is decorated by glorious temples, monasteries, palace, patis, satals, stone spouts, houses with artistic figures. Some of them are still famous throughout the country. They are Nytapole temple, Datatre temple, Bakupati Narayen temple, 55 windows palace etc. Nyatapole temple (5 storeys, 108 ft. height) was constructed by King Bhupatindra Malla in Nepal Samvat 855(1702 A.D.). It lies in Taumadhi Tole.

55 windows palace

Likewise, Peacock window, Gawindow, erotic arts, figures of gods and goddess, different types of traditional arts carved in wooden parts of temples, paties and satals have throw the light to glorify the city. Golden gate is another attraction of the city.

Bhaktapur is not only famous in the field of art and architecture  but also famous in tourists destination. Different types of local festivals are celebrated in Bhaktapur, like Bisket Jatra, Gai Jatra, Navadurga dance etc. So, we can say that this city has become the main centre for the cultural study.

gai jatra

All the people who live in Bhaktapur are Newars. They have quite different dresses than others of Kathmandu Valley. The women wear Hakupatasi, which is not in use in other Newar community. Black cap of Bhaktapur is very famous which in necessary for the national dress of country. No one forgets the taste of JUJU DHAU (sweet curd), those who visit the city once.

The people of Bhaktapur are hard working. They work in their field since early in the morning to the late evening everyday. They are providing the fresh vegetables to the people of valley whether it is rainy or winter season. Therefore, we should honour them. In addition, the city is neat and clean comparatively among the cities of the valley.

Let’s all go and learn from Bhaktapur and promote cultural tourism of the country .