NEPAL TRAVELLER
Out of a total of five municipalities in Kathmandu Valley, Kirtipur is an old settlement on a double hillock in the southwest part of the valley. It is a city with ancient and historical significance and lies on the hilltop overlooking the valley.
The name Kirtipur is derived from the Sanskrit terms Kriti and Pur which stands for the city of glory. It was a part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of the valley by Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century. It is said that during the unification the king conquered the city on his third attempt.
Originally a Newari settlement, it is no doubt that Kirtipur is still the center of Newari culture. However, now the population comprises people of different casts and religions staying harmoniously in the place.
The historical town has many cultural, natural, historical, and religious things to offer such as old shrines and temples, traditionally dressed people working on their traditional looms, pretty landscape, nearby hills, and many other attarctions.
According to legend the place where Manjushree cut the pond with a sword to drain out the water is located in the city and is called Chovar Dada. Rich in history, culture and religion the majority of the sites are concentrated in the old core areas like Panga, Chovar, Salyanthan, Kauniachaur, and GodamChaur.
Taudaha is another attraction of the medieval settlement. Legend says that the lake was created by Manjushree to provide a home for the snakes that once lived in Kathmandu when it was a lake itself. It is the main source of water to nearby people and a huge crowd gathers to worship snakes on the occasion of Naag Panchami.
Unlike Kathmandu and Lalitpur, Kirtipur had resisted rapid change and urbanisation. People walking in traditional attire can still be witnessed in the city.
Pottery, farming, singing in temples, or just sitting in the traditional rest house are a way of life here just as it was for centuries. The city has maintained its festivals in its original elaborate forms.
One of the most popular festivals of Kirtipur is the BaghBhairav Jatra which is celebrated in full swing and enthusiasm in the city. BaghBhairav, ChilanchuVihara, Uma Maheshwar Temple, LohanDehar, Main Square are some of the major attractions of the town.
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