Bhaktapur by night

HNS

KATHMANDU: Live performances of customs and cultures under the full moon, bright stars and shimmering oil lamps made the passers-by almost lose their way. They seemed to be totally captivated by the fascinating hidden charms of the nightlife at Bhaktapur.

The 9th Bhaktapur Night held on November 2 at Bhaktapur Durbar Square, in fact provided a perfect time and place to get acquainted with the actual nightlife of Bhaktapur to those who are unfamiliar with it.

Students from different local schools performed traditional dances. One of them was Ghintang Kisi Dance, which is a stick dance and the students gave an attractive performance. In Dhimey dance, the performers danced to the beat of traditional drums wearing the traditional Newari attire. Jyapu-Jyaapuni dance, Astamatrika dance and Bhairav dance were some of the other dances performed during the event.

The Saki manaa Punhi Festival of Newars, a festival celebrated on full moon, was also being observed on the same evening. While the performances were being held at the Durbar Square, one could see local people making shapes of chariots and major temples of Bhaktapur out of wheat, maize, roti, and other different kinds of grains.

The event has been organised by Bhaktapur Tourism Development Committee (BTDC) on the occasion of Saki manaa Punhi Festival for the last eight years with a motive to promote night tourism of Bhaktapur.

Basudev Lamichhane, Executive Officer of BTDC said, “By showcasing Bhaktapur night life, we want to attract more tourists to this area.”