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art and craft nepal
Nepal, a land of vibrant culture and traditions, where festivals are not just celebrations but a way of life. From the traditional Dashain to the colorful Holi, Nepal's festivals are a reflection of its rich history, religion and customs. A melting pot of diverse ethnic groups, these festivals bring people together, fostering a sense of community, tradition and unity.
Historically known as Patan, the present city of Lalitpur is a stellar representation of cultural representation through the arts. Also known as Manigal, this city traces its roots to numerous states, such as Matirajya, Irshyarajya, and Dipavati were united in the Lichhavi Era to create this grandiose city.
The Kathmandu Valley is an ancient city, parts of which are still left to be studied. It is abundant of stories and artefacts from decades and centuries ago, waiting to be told. The museums of the valley do exactly that; giving a sensation of reflecting and reliving the history through details and artefacts that come from its history.
One of the most historic temples, the temple of Changu Narayan dates back almost 3000 years and is said to have been built during the Lichhavi Era around the 4th Century. Perched on a hill top 4 kilometers north of the city of Bhaktapur, in ancient times the temple was surrounded by a lush champak tree forest and a small village known as Changu. The hill is 12 km east of the capital and the Manohara river flows right beside the hill. The principle shrine is believed to have been established in 325 AD, the temple was reconstructed in 1702 Ad after a devastating fire.
"In Satya Yuga, Bipaswi Buddha came from a city known by the name of Bandhumati; and having taken up his abode on the mountain to the west of Nag Hrad(Kathmandu Valley) sowed a lotus-seed in the tank, on the day of the full moon in the month of Chait. The lotus seed that had been sown brought forth a lotus flower, in the middle of which Swayambhu (who had come from Aknisht Bhuban) appeared in the form of light, on the day of the full moon in Aswin." Wright 1877: 77-78
In Buddhism, the threefold path to enlightenment and nirvana consists of meditation (samadhi), virtue (sila), and wisdom (panna). As far as meditation is concerned, Mindfulness of Breathing (Anapanasati) and Loving Kindness Meditation (Metta Bhavana) are believed to be two of the most valuable among the different types of meditation taught by the Buddha.
