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Showing posts from January, 2025

Modern Kirtipur

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Kirtipur Booklet Modern Kirtipur Tribhuvan University Kirtipur , once an ancient town predominantly inhabited by the Newar community, has undergone significant transformation over time. In its early days, the Newars lived a content and simple life, relying on farming, animal grazing, and artisanal crafts. The community was self-sufficient, and its cultural and social fabric revolved around traditional practices. As technology and infrastructure advanced, Kirtipur began to attract people from various communities, contributing to its diversity and development. Modern amenities like banks, hospitals, schools, public sanitation systems, and improved architecture gradually became part of everyday life. These developments brought convenience and significantly improved the quality of life for residents. A major milestone in Kirtipur’s modernisation was the expansion of Tribhuvan University (TU) , Nepal’s largest and oldest university. TU’s presence turned Kirtipur into an educational hub....

Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kirtipur

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Kirtipur Booklet Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kirtipur By Let's Watch 1. The Legend of Bagh Bhairab   The origin of Bagh Bhairab is deeply rooted in the folklore of Kirtipur . The tale begins with a group of children grazing their goats in a nearby forest. To pass the time, they decided to sculpt a tiger out of clay. They shaped the tiger meticulously but left the sculpture incomplete, forgetting to add its tongue. Determined to finish their creation, the children ventured deeper into the forest to find a red leaf that could resemble the tiger’s tongue, leaving their goats unattended.   During their absence, a wandering shaman stumbled upon the clay tiger. Amazed by its craftsmanship , the shaman decided to bring the tiger to life using his magical powers. He chanted incantations, but the spell didn’t work immediately . Frustrated, he gave up and left. Unknown to him, the magic began to take effect after his departure. The tiger roared to life, stretched its body, and fel...

Tangible Cultural Heritage of Kirtipur

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Kirtipur Booklet Tangible Cultural Heritage of Kirtipur Kirtipur , an ancient town in the Kathmandu Valley, is renowned for its rich tangible cultural heritage. From intricate woodcarvings to stunning thangka paintings, the city boasts a treasure trove of artistic and architectural marvels that reflect its historical and cultural significance. These creations are deeply rooted in tradition, with some representing physical artifacts, while others embody intangible cultural expressions. By Full Time Explorer Thangka Paintings Among Kirtipur’s most cherished art forms are thangka paintings, celebrated for their precision and spiritual significance. Originating as early as the 15th century, these paintings are meticulously crafted, often using gold dust to enhance their vibrant colors . They primarily depict Buddhist deities, intricate mandalas, and stories from Buddhist texts. These artworks are not just decorative but also serve as tools for meditation and teaching. In Kirtipur , orig...