Bhaktapur, also known as Bhadgaon (pronounced भादगाउँ and meaning 'City
of Rice') in Nepali, or Khwopa (City of Devotees) in Newari, is the
third major town of the valley.The cobblestone streets link a string of temples, courtyards and
monumental squares, and the side streets are peppered with shrines, wells
and water tanks.
The lack of traffic makes walking through Bhaktapur a pleasure and
certainly more enjoyable than walking in Kathmandu. The town's cultural
life is also vibrant, with centuries-old traditions of craftsmanship and
strong communities of potters, woodcarvers and weavers. Look for rice
laid out to dry in the sun, people collecting water or washing under the
communal taps, dyed yarns hung out to dry, children's games,
fascinating shops and women pounding grain - there's plenty to see.
In the eighteenth century Bhaktapur was known country-wide for its production of quality pottery pieces and beautiful art works, which included sculptures completed in both wood and stone. Today this reputation Bhaktapur has continues and is sustained by the tourist industry, which flourishes in this area. The city gives you a glimpse of what life was like centuries ago having changed very little since it was first formed.
Durbar Square can be found in the center of Bhaktapur and like Kathmandu contains many beautiful temples where the Nepalese people can go and pay homage to one of the many Hindu gods. At one point the square was crowded with temples and statues but with the 1934 earthquake many of these ancient buildings were destroyed and to this day have yet to be built again. In comparison to the city of Patan, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is bigger and more neatly laid out but with many empty spaces where temples once stood.
In the eighteenth century Bhaktapur was known country-wide for its production of quality pottery pieces and beautiful art works, which included sculptures completed in both wood and stone. Today this reputation Bhaktapur has continues and is sustained by the tourist industry, which flourishes in this area. The city gives you a glimpse of what life was like centuries ago having changed very little since it was first formed.
Durbar Square can be found in the center of Bhaktapur and like Kathmandu contains many beautiful temples where the Nepalese people can go and pay homage to one of the many Hindu gods. At one point the square was crowded with temples and statues but with the 1934 earthquake many of these ancient buildings were destroyed and to this day have yet to be built again. In comparison to the city of Patan, the Bhaktapur Durbar Square is bigger and more neatly laid out but with many empty spaces where temples once stood.
No comments:
Post a Comment