Lalitpur Metropolitan City

Pulchowk, Lalitpur

Estd. 2017

government

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Overview

Lalitpur Metropolitan City: A Historical and Cultural Hub of Nepal

Lalitpur Metropolitan City (Mahanagarpalika), also known as the city of temples, is one of the three ancient and significant cities of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal. The city has a rich cultural and religious heritage that dates back to ancient times.

A Brief History of Lalitpur:

Lalitpur has been known by different names over time, including Yal, Yupgram, Lalitpattan, Lalitapuri, Maningal, and Patan. According to literary sources and folklore, the city was established during the Kirat period, and its first Kirati king was Yalamvar. Lalitpur has several ancient relics that indicate an ancient relationship with the Kirant, such as Patko Don (Kirat Darbar) located in Kalkhu and deities in the premises of Siddhilakshmi temple located in Tyagal.

During the Lichchavi period, the city was known as Yupagram, and it has developed into a center of art and culture over time. The Maurya emperor Ashoka visited Kathmandu Valley around 250 BC and established five stupas in four corners of Lalitpur and one in the middle. Until now, four ancient stupas in Lalitpur Chardisha are famous as Ashok Stupa.

The City of Fine Arts:

Lalitpur has been an essential center of art and culture since the middle ages. The city has more than 24 Lichchavikal inscriptions, records, statues, stones, water wells, etc., that date back to ancient times. It has also been known for its traditional arts and crafts, such as pottery, woodcarving, and metalwork.

Lalitpur has gone through several changes in its administrative structure over time. It was first operated under the name of "Chemdol Adda" in 1975 BS to clean up and other works in Lalitpur Municipality, Vs. No. Lalitpur Nagar Panchayat was established in 2018, Lalitpur municipality again in 2047 BS, Lalitpur sub-metropolitan municipality in 2052 BS, and Lalitpur Metropolitan Municipality was established in 2073/12/10. Thus, Lalitpur Metropolitan Municipality is the oldest municipality in Nepal.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has a rich cultural and historical heritage that attracts tourists from all over the world. Its ancient temples, stupas, and other relics bear testimony to its glorious past. Lalitpur's traditional arts and crafts have been preserved over time, making it a unique and significant center of art and culture in Nepal.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City, also known as Lalitpur City, is a historical and cultural hub in Nepal. Located in the Kathmandu Valley, Lalitpur City is home to numerous ancient temples, palaces, and monuments that showcase the city's rich heritage and tradition. In recent years, the city has also seen significant growth in infrastructure and development, making it an attractive destination for tourists and investors alike. In this article, we will explore the history and culture of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, its top tourist attractions, infrastructure, and ongoing development projects, as well as its demographics and economy.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City has a long and rich history that dates back to the 3rd century BCE. The city was originally known as Patan, named after the Hindu goddess Patan Devi. Over the centuries, Patan grew in size and significance, becoming a center of art, architecture, and religion. Today, Lalitpur City is renowned for its traditional Newari architecture, which features intricate carvings and designs on buildings, windows, and doors. The city is also home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Patan Durbar Square, which features ancient palaces, temples, and statues.

In recent years, Lalitpur Metropolitan City has seen significant growth in infrastructure and development. The city has implemented several projects aimed at improving its livability and sustainability, such as the Lalitpur Smart City Project.

The Lalitpur Smart City Project aims to transform the city into a sustainable and livable urban center by improving its infrastructure, public services, and connectivity. The project has already achieved significant milestones, such as the installation of LED streetlights and the development of a mobile app for citizens to report issues to the authorities.

Demographics and Economy of Lalitpur Metropolitan City

As mentioned earlier, Lalitpur Metropolitan City has a population of over 400,000 people, making it the third-largest city in the Kathmandu Valley after Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. The city's population is diverse, with people from various ethnic groups, including Newars, Brahmins, Chhetris, Tamangs, and Gurungs.

The literacy rate in Lalitpur Metropolitan City is quite impressive, with an average of 95.5%. This high literacy rate is primarily due to the city's focus on education. The city is home to several reputed educational institutions, including Lalitpur Madhyamik Vidhyalaya, St. Xavier's School, and Little Angels' School.

The economy of Lalitpur Metropolitan City is primarily based on tourism, handicrafts, and small-scale industries. The city has several tourist attractions, including temples, palaces, and museums, which attract visitors from all over the world. The city is also famous for its handicrafts, including pottery, woodcarving, and metalwork. These handicrafts are sold in the city's various markets, including the popular Mangal Bazaar.

Lalitpur Metropolitan City is also home to several small-scale industries, including printing, textile, and food processing. These industries provide employment opportunities to many people in the city. The city also has several commercial areas, including Jawalakhel, Lagankhel, and Satdobato, where businesses thrive.