Bhaktapur, an ancient city, is also known as Bhadgaon.This City of Devotees is world renowned for its historical temples, ancient monuments, the traditional settlements of the inhabitants, colorful festivals, traditional dances, elegant art, fabulous culture, Durbar Square and uncountable art masterpieces. This historical city is said to be established by King Ananda Deva in 9th century. This city is about 14km east of Kathmandu, the capital city. It is spreads over an area of 6.88 square kilometers. Bhaktapur is much more quiet and tranquil then Kathmandu and Patan.

               It is the city which shoulders the responsibilities of transmitting of cultural tradition of Nepal world wide. The inhabitants of Bhaktapur, Newar have their own unique culture and traditions which is also recognized as a cultural resource of the world. They have their unique costumes to wear, the women distinguished by their traditional black with red bordered. The inhabitants are mainly associated in the field of farming and trading. The native typical newar lifestyle is best known for their long history of craftsmanship, Handicraft trades such as pottery, metal-working and wood-carving are largely active in Bhaktapur. The three well-acclaimed Squares the enchanting Durbar square, Taumadhi Square and the Dattatreya Square are all located in Bhaktapur,

Bhaktapur Durbar Square:

Bhaktapur has its gem in the Durbar Square Strewn with unique palaces, temples and monasteries best admired for their exquisite artworks in wood, metal and stone, the palatial enclave has bewitched pilgrims and travelers for centuries.
Sun Dhoka:
The valley’s greatest masterpiece of Newari repose art is the Sun Dhoka. It is also known as the Golden Gate which is rich in Buddhist and Hindu images. Opposite the gleaming doors stands a stone pillar mounted by a statue of Bupathindra Malla, one of the great Malla kings of the 17th century

Palace of 55 windows:
The most fascinating structure here is the world-renowned 55-Window Palace and all these windows are elaborately carved .There exist of only 53 windows in the Palace of 55 windows as two were inadvertently forgotten in the construction.
Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple:
This two-storied pagoda is widely noted for its wooden struts full of erotic carvings. Yaksheswor Mahadev Temple was named after its builder the King Yasksha Malla (1428-82).

Big bell:
This artwork bewitches visitors in the Square. Big enough to match its name, the big bell was erected by Ranajit Malla (r. 1722-1769), Bhaktapur’s last Malla king. It was used in those days for paying homage to Goddess Taleju, the ancestry deity of Malla rulers.

Taumadhi Square:

Taumadhi Square is Bhaktapur’s second dazzling gem. with unique temples , ancient monasteries and uncountable art masterpieces best admired for their exquisite artworks.

Nyatapola Temple:
This colossal five-storied edifice is the country’s tallest and most popular pagoda temple. Naytapola Temple is built by King Bhupatendra Malla, which is dedicated to Goddess Shiddhi Laxmi. The struts, doors, windows and tympanum each embellished with attractively carved divine figures.

Bhairavnath Temple:
This rectangular shaped three-storied pagoda temple houses a gilded bust of Bhairav, the ferocious manifestation of Lord Shiva. The Bhairavnath temple was razed to the grounds by the 1934-earthquake.

Pottery Square:
The famous Pottery Square presides over the Taumadhi Square. Well-known potters making variously shaped and sized earthenware and dried in the open square. The major monumental highlight of this square is a temple of Jeth Ganesh, which dates back to the 14th century

DATTATREYA SQUARE:
The Dattatreya Square is Bhaktapur’s third dazzling gem. The seat of royalty till the 15th century, the area still houses a great number of historic monuments including many residential mansions and temples.
Dattatreya Temple:
This giant three-storied temple is the main attraction of the Dattatreya Square. Dattatreya temple is believed to be constructed by King Yaksha Malla

Pujari Math:
The Pujari Math (Preast House) built in 1763, now serves as the Woodcarving Museum. It’s superbly carved windows deserve the same attention as the famous Peacock Window down the building’s side alley.
The Brass & Bronze Museum:
The Brass & Bronze Museum housed in the historic residential mansion, is the next highlight of the Square. It has a wide collection of bronze and brass wares including the ritual jars, utensils, water vessels, pots, and similar other household items.

FESTIVALS OF BHAKTAPUR:
Festivals feast and fun have always been the integral part of Nepalease life. Most festivals honor a deity with worshippers crowding around a shrine to perform puja and sharing a ritual feast.
Bisket Jatra:
One of the most fascinating festival of Bhaktapur is Bisket Jatra.This festival is celebrated during the Nepalese New Year in the month of April.
Gai Jatra:
This festival   is celebrated by the locals to honor their dead relatives. It falls in the month of August. It is also known as the festival of cow. A noteworthy feature of this festival is the placing of the portrait of the cow on one’s head or hat. Street and stage performance mimic the major happenings of the year.

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