Friday Facts about Kirtipur

This glorious city has the special combination of being both beautiful and fierce. Among its endless facts that continue to fascinate our minds, here are some of them.

In Nepal, there are many stunning locations that you might come across. Some are purely natural, while others are historical monuments. One of these locations is Kirtipur, which offers stunning mountain vistas as well as a rich history and several ancient relics. Most importantly, though, Kirtipur is close to Kathmandu, making it incredibly accessible. The Sanskrit words "Kritia" means glory and "pura" a city. This is where the name "Kirtipur" comes from. Kirtipur is also known as "Kipoo" in slang.

Kirtipur is a historic city with a rich cultural heritage, welcoming people, breathtaking natural scenery, and a number of historical sites. Many people go there to take in its beauty as well as to see the holy shrines. Kirtipur was also designated as a tentative UNESCO site in 2008. Kirtipur was founded by Newars in the past and continues to be a hub for Newari culture. Here are some fascinating facts about Kirtipur:

1. The history of Kirtipur can be traced back to 1099 A.D. 
2. Since the Gopal dynasty, the settlements in Kirtipur have grown. A cow named "Bahurrahi", which was owned by herdsmen in Kirtipur, was described in the writings found about the origin of Pashupati. It used to give milk daily.
3. On his third attempt, Prithvi Narayan Shah conquered Kirtipur in 1767. Prithvi Narayan Shah's favorite general, Kalu Pande, lost his life in the Battle of Kirtipur.
4. Eyewitnesses to the war claim that after Shah captured Kirtipur, he chopped off the noses of all Kirtipur residents above the age of thirteen. 
5. The inhabitants of Kirtipur played a decisive role in the People’s Mass Movement of 2006. Due to its bitter history of opposition to the Shah Dynasty, it was viewed as a city that was very much against the monarchy.
6. Kirtipur is famous for its Newari cuisines. Everyone can enjoy Bara pancakes or Aloo Tama soup, but those who crave non-vegetarian delicacies should try the spicy meat curries found here.
7. The important attractions in this city are Uma Maheshwar, Nagar Mandap, Shri Kirti Bihar, Panga, Chobhar, Bhajangal, Toudah (Kathmandu's largest lake), Tangla Phant, Champadevi, Nagaon, Salyansthan, and Bhatkyapati. Also, it has the renowned Bagh Bhairav temple. 
8. This city also houses Tribhuvan University, the first and biggest university in Nepal.
9. The city of Kirtipur's telephone area code is 01.
10. Despite the fact that agriculture appears to be the area's main source of income, the majority of the population also runs domestic industries, shops, and businesses to supplement their income.

Kirtipur city is endowed with historical, religious, and archaeological heritages. It is a multi-ethnic, multi-lingual, multi-religious, and multi-cultural city. Here, you will never run out of interesting places to go.

Photo Credits: www.thelongestwayhome.com, www.communityhomestay.com, www.holidify.com, www.wikipedia.com

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Khokana: Ancient Heritage In A Modernworld

Panauti, The City Of Historical Temples

Bajhang, The City Of Kings

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