Buzz
Before heading to Nepal, my friend kept emphasizing the importance of dedicating at least a day to discover Bhaktapur. And not just wandering here, I have always looked forward to returning someday...
Situated approximately 12km east of the capital Kathmandu, Bhaktapur stands as Nepal's third-largest city, renowned for its cultural heritage, temples, and craftsmanship.
The Ancient Municipality of the Newars
Bhaktapur quickly made its mark on the world map along the trading route connecting Tibet with India. Under the reign of King Ananda Malla, this ancient municipality flourished, leaving behind a legacy of cultural heritage, magnificent architectural structures, grandiose temples, and splendid shrines that have stood the test of time for centuries.
Among the trio of significant cities in the Kathmandu Valley, Bhaktapur boasts the smallest yet most diverse array of temples, stupas, and pagodas, reflecting influences from Tibetan and Indian Buddhist architecture.
Bhaktapur, in Nepali, translates to “city of devotees” but also carries a simpler interpretation, meaning “ancient municipality of the Newars”. This is also the place with the highest entrance fee among cultural heritages in the Kathmandu Valley, with the fee for tourists outside the SAARC bloc being 1,100 Nepali rupees, equivalent to 15 USD.
Ticket checkpoints are placed on the main roads leading into the municipality, with additional random ticket checkpoints.
Due to the intertwining of the royal palace with residential houses, stalls, and markets within the inner city, there are some small alleyways leading into the municipality without ticket checks; however, when you wish to visit the monuments, you may be required to present a ticket.
In case you plan to stay in Bhaktapur for a while, remember to present your passport to purchase a sightseeing ticket for the entire journey without paying extra fees.
If you don't have time to fully enjoy and explore a Bhaktapur with hundreds of years of history, arranging a visit here combined with other tourist spots will leave you… regretful. Because even just one day is enough to overwhelm and tire you out, both mentally and physically!
Bhaktapur is divided into four main areas including Bhaktapur Durbar Square, Pottery Square, Taumadhi Square, and Dattatreya.
There are countless buildings, temples, fortresses, and artistic architectural structures adorned intricately with wood and brick ceilings, a beauty that is both rustic and extravagant, displaying a sense of mystery. The cobblestone streets entice you, captivating your footsteps as you wander and get lost.
And I found myself wandering in Bhaktapur…
Wedding Procession
It starts with the loud clang of brass horns at the end of the narrow street, drawing tourists and locals alike. I hurried along, as if running on the shaded cobblestone path lined with ancient tall buildings, feeling a slight chill as if the sun couldn't reach this place.
The street corner suddenly lit up, warm and bustling. A band in red attire played enthusiastically amidst the sound of drums and horns. Lost in thought for a moment, I realized that a wedding procession was taking place here.
Indeed, it was a wedding procession. Suddenly the band struck up cheerful tunes, filling the air with joy. The brightly decorated bridal car awaited at the groom's doorstep. One by one, elderly men and women with ceremonial attire appeared, followed by the dashing groom, his face beaming as he stepped onto the wedding car.
The wedding procession has now turned into a parade through the streets. Flag bearers, bands, and ceremonial participants lead the way, cars trailing behind, followed by a long line of men, women, and children dressed impeccably and splendidly.
Particularly beautiful are the women and girls. They dress elaborately, meticulously apply makeup, joyfully holding hands and chatting as they walk in the procession.
Whenever passing a temple, the procession pauses briefly, the band playing melodies as if sharing the joy of the wedding procession, hoping for divine blessings and protection for the young couple.
Lost in Wonder
I am swept away by the wedding procession. Never before, nowhere else have I encountered such a festive and captivating event. Nepali men in the band wink playfully at me, chatting with me during their music breaks while waiting for the procession.
I lose track of time, forgetting about the glorified Bhaktapur of the past. Right now, all I see are the local shops lining the ancient streets, a grand wedding with the whole village in attendance.
Some people stood on the balconies or leaned out from the intricately decorated and finely crafted windows to admire the parade. I thought this was a vibrant procession of Bhaktapur rather than just a wedding! It's so captivatingly strange.
We walked through many ancient streets and squares to reach the bride's house. The elders and the groom went inside to perform the bride's request ceremony while the wedding procession joyfully chewed betel leaves, drank water, and ate sweets to the lively tunes of the 'red-clad' band.
I was also invited to drink wine, eat a piece of Nepali rice with simmered beef and shrimp wrapped in oiled paper and dipped in spicy sauce. The breath of Bhaktapur's life seeped into my heart, leaving me bewildered. I wish I could stay here tonight...
According to Tuoitre.vn
***
Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourFebruary 15, 2015
