A virtual visit to Bhaktapur: Observation of heritage from home
Due to the slowdown in the global coronavirus epidemic, the cultural heritage of the country, including the Kathmandu Valley, has become desolate. The situation of those who make a living by providing various services to the tourists coming to the same heritage area is now becoming pitiable.
Meanwhile, Bhaktapur Sampada Yatra, which has been organized in collaboration with the Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee, Story Cycle, European Union, and other organizations for the information of the cultural and tourism sector of Bhaktapur, will be held on Tuesday through the virtual medium.
At the main entrance on the west side of the Bhaktapur Durbar Square area, the internal and external tourists who are ready for the heritage journey start their heritage journey with an artistic Ugrachandi and Ugrabhairav statue next to the temple. After that, the advancing team reaches Chardham, Nyakanjya Durbar, Golden Gate, and reaches the palace at 55 o'clock. Nyakanjya Durbar means a window with a mirror. That is, when the first Muslim rulers came, they gave a mirror as a gift to the king of Nepal. At that time, it was not customary to look in the mirror in Nepal. According to the locals, the palace was named Nyakanjya Durbar because the king kept a mirror in the window so that everyone could see it. This is how the heritage journey of Bhaktapur increases. Each temple has its own set of legends.
Along with the analysis of the temple, information is given about the heritage of Bhaktapur, the center of ancient and medieval cultural structures.
Ram Sundar Beale, chairman of the Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee, informed that the procession will reach the priest's house through the temple, Bhairavnath's temple, Taumadhi, and Dattatraya.
The heritage journey does not only look at those tangible and established heritages. According to the ethnic rites, the cultural rites are reflected in every deed of the devotees in daily work. In Bhaktapur, which has been avoiding external rites as much as possible, one can still see a vibrant culture step by step.
Every stream and well there is associated with folk art. Each temple carries a complete history, as well as examples of original and new art culture.
After entering the Pashupati temple, the tourist enjoys the beauty of the local food along with the beauty of the Nyatpole and sits in front of the Nyatpole and moves forward with his indelible memories in his mind. The courtyard of the Nyatpole, which is the boundary between the potters and the metalworkers, is not just a stage for the division. It is also a courtyard to increase harmony by gathering people of both castes on one day of the year.
The Bhaktapur Sampada Yatra, which was started as per the plan to taste local art, culture, and food items during the yatra, will start virtually from Bhaktapur on Tuesday at 4 pm.
Bhaktapur, which has done exemplary work in the preservation of tangible and intangible culture, has also given importance to the cities of European countries in this heritage journey. Ram Sundar Bhele, chairperson of the Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee, said that they are ready to provide information about the entire tangible and intangible culture during the virtual heritage trip to be conducted by local guide Rita Suwal.
The British Council and the European Union are also planning to promote the event on their social media platforms. This is the sixth Sampada Yatra in Bhaktapur. It will be on Tuesday from 4 p.m.