With an area that spreads out to almost 7 square kilometers and 1401 meters above sea level, Bhaktapur gives shelter to almost 100 thousand people. The humans of Bhaktapur are mostly peasants, businessmen, handicraft producers and public employees. Majority of them are either Hindus or Buddhists that exist in harmony despite the differences in beliefs. The main identifiers of the city are yoghurt, the black cap (bhadgaule topi), black saree (haku patasi), and pottery and handicrafts.
Here, meet My Humans of Bhaktapur ...
They may be a bunch of nosy kids hanging around the Taumadhi Square, checking every tourist who sets foot in their city. However, if you are willing to listen, they carry interesting anecdotes you can learn from.brotherhood love |
lady with a ready smile |
To maintain peace and order, the men in uniform are busy commanding their presence.
Nepal Police |
Walking around the Durbar Square, this kid approach me and said "Are you from the Philippines?" She mentioned a friend from the Philippines named Katrina. So Katrina, if you happened to see this, she said HI!
"Hi Katrina!" |
Just few of the tourists you'll come across enjoying their stroll of this place mostly referred to as a Living Heritage.
one fine day at Bhaktapur |
Hardworking humans of Bhaktapur earning their day's worth at the Pottery Square.
at the pottery firing place |
He's a Sadhu. In Hinduism, a sadhu is a wandering holy man who have renounced their worldly life, their possessions and their families in search of enlightenment.
a sadhu |
school boys |
In hurried pace with a heavy backload and unmindful of her surroundings, this lady is rightfully minding her own business.
busy Newar |
mother and daughter |
beautiful ladies of Heart of Bhaktapur Guesthouse |
The nice and unassuming couple who founded SUVADRA, a non profit organization who provides help and care to children with disabilities in Nepal. Together with this, they built Heart of Bhaktapur Guesthouse (where we stayed) to assist in funding the needs of the children's home. By staying with them, you directly support the children.
lovely couple who founded Suvadra and Heart Of Bhaktapur Guesthouse |
More than the architectural splendor of Bhaktapur are the efforts of the locals to continue to preserve the medieval period charm of this ancient city so that every foreign visitors can experience the lifestyle of centuries back. Regardless of how some might feel like an intrusion to their private lives with the constant clicks of camera thrown their way capturing their way of living, the humans of Bhaktapur have learned to ignore the invasion of their privacy. Tourism is what keeps the city afloat, it's their way of life. Nevertheless, it's always proper to ask and get to know the locals first before hitting that shutter and sharing their stories.
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Looks like bhaktapur is an intimate town with a lot of lively and interesting people.
ReplyDeleteI find Nepal interesting. Reading about your separate post on your itinerary. I might consider visiting this one day.
ReplyDeleteVisiting Nepal is on my bucket list, I am so envious that you've been there already. You sure captured its beauty through your photos, especially of its people.
ReplyDeleteThe photos you took actually gave justice to the colorful cultural city. My favorite is the first photo of the lady, she looks so beautiful and perfectly framed with a colorful backdrop of fabric.
ReplyDeleteI've never been to Nepal. It has an old-world look based on the pictures and it's nice that the cultural heritage is clearly preserved.
ReplyDeleteYou are so fortunate to visit Nepal. I love your photos.
ReplyDeleteNepal is an enchating place to see where traditions and culture are well preserved.
ReplyDeleteI was touched with your travel. A travel with LOVE and SUPPORT, an advocacy to help disabled children. God bless you Shie and more travel to come.
ReplyDelete