Patan was the ancient name of the district, currently known as Lalitpur. Now, it’s just the name of the place where Patan Durbar Square (a palace of the Malla Kings from ancient times, currently, a museum) is located, and the nearby area.
The Newar community inhabits the city. Their rich culture, language, traditional houses with aankhi jhyal (eye windows), pagoda-style temples, and delicious cuisine make it special and have successfully been drawing the attention of people worldwide for decades.
The Patan Durbar Square area is considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It consists of numerous Hindu temples. Among them, the Krishna Temple is the most popular one.
The other well-known temples in Patan are Banglamukhi, the Golden Temple, Balkumari, etc. There’s also a Kumari Ghar, a house of the living goddess from the Newari Buddhist community, located near the durbar square.
The entire place is ideal for religious people, artists, and photographers. Therefore, it’s one of the most-visited destinations in the country. It remains busy and crowded with foreigners and locals. Just strolling across the narrow streets of patan, you realize the magic and pristine beauty of this historic places.
Apart from Nepal’s major festivals, Dashain and Tihar, some other festivals make this site sacred and represent its beauty. Rato Machhindranath Jatra and Kartik Naach (Dance) are the festivals celebrated only in Patan with pride.
During Rato Machhindranath Jatra, a giant wooden chariot is pulled by the locals through the city streets for months, usually beginning in late April. Kartik Naach, on the other hand, lasts for around 30 days, where 17 tales of Lord Vishnu are performed live by devotees in front of the palace in November.
Yomari Punhi is celebrated by making and selling sweet dumplings in every corner of the city in December. During the day of Janai Purnima in August, a large number of Hindu people visit Banglamukhi Temple.
Compared to Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, Patan has more Buddhist followers in the Newar community. Therefore, on the occasion of Buddha Purnima (the birthday of Lord Buddha) in April/May, Buddhists, especially Shakyas, hold a street rally.
The other recognised site in Patan is Pimbahal. It’s an artificial pond built by Lakhey (a type of demon) for his human crush as per the Newari folklore. Nowadays, there’s also the facility of boating for fun.
