Intangible Cultural Heritage of Kirtipur

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 felt an intense hunger. Spotting the goats left by the children, the tiger devoured them all before falling asleep. 

When the children returned with the red leaf, they were shocked to find their goats missing and their clay tiger transformed into a real one. They found the tiger sleeping beside a pile of goat remains. Furious, the children confronted the tiger, demanding, “How dare you eat our goats?” 

The tiger lazily replied, “When you made me, you forgot to make clay goats for me to eat. When I was brought to life, I was starving and had no choice but to eat your goats.” 

Angered by the tiger’s response, the children cursed it, saying, “We curse you so that your mouth will never close!” From that day forward, the tiger’s mouth remained open, symbolizing its insatiable hunger and the moral lesson of the story. 

This tale is not just a fascinating part of Kirtipur’s folklore but also an important cultural narrative that adds depth to the celebration of Bagh Bhairab Jatra. It reflects the community’s respect for creativity, their connection with nature, and their belief in the mystical forces that shape their heritage. 



By Eyes 2 Nepal and Our Kirtipur


2. Bagh Bhairab Jatra 

Bagh Bhairab Jatra, a prominent cultural festival of Kirtipur, is celebrated annually on the 1st of Bhadra (August/September). The festival honours Bagh Bhairab, a fierce and protective form of Lord Shiva, and holds great significance for the people of Kirtipur. Hindus, Buddhists, and predominantly the Newar community participate in this vibrant event. 

The day begins with traditional rituals at the Bagh Bhairab Temple. Devotees, dressed in colourful traditional Newar attire, gather to offer prayers and make offerings. The atmosphere is filled with the sound of ancient musical instruments such as dhaa, naykhin, and bansuri, played in front of the temple. These instruments, passed down through generations, preserve the unique musical heritage of the region. 

As part of the festival, five types of animals are ritually sacrificed to honour Bagh Bhairab and seek his blessings. This act is believed to symbolize devotion and the warding off of evil. Women and young Newar girls stand outside the temple holding traditional sukunda lamps, which are intricately designed oil lamps symbolizing enlightenment and prosperity. 

The highlight of the Jatra is the grand chariot procession. A beautifully decorated chariot carrying the image of Bagh Bhairab is pulled through the streets of Kirtipur by devotees. This procession is accompanied by music and dance, creating a lively and festive atmosphere. 

An important cultural element of the festival is the Newar feast. Families and communities come together to enjoy a lavish spread of traditional dishes, celebrating unity and shared heritage. Additionally, every 12 years, a special mask dance, known as lakhey pyakhan, is performed. This dance is a dramatic portrayal of mythological stories and adds a unique dimension to the festivities. 

A longstanding legend associated with the Jatra states that circling the Bagh Bhairab Temple 108 times on this day brings immense blessings and ensures good health. This ritual is a testament to the deep spiritual connection the people of Kirtipur have with Bagh Bhairab.

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