Tansen

A few hours away from the buzz of Kathmandu in the southern slope of the Shreenagar hill in the Lesser Himalayas resides the medieval town of Tansen. This World Heritage Site is lined with Newari shop-Houses and temples. Besides being known for its excellent traditional metalwork, Tansen also boasts the production of the Dhaka cloth and traditional Nepali topis. Tansen is a testament of the architecture and artistry of the Newari people.

The history of Tansen started from around the 11th Century AD when the region was part of the Bara Magarat, the twelve territories administered by the Magar rulers. Tansen was the center for many historic battles in Nepal, namely the famous Anglo-Nepal war of the early 1800s. Col. Ujir Singh Thapa who commanded the army in the region was in an extremely trying situation; his men were outnumbered four to one by the English forces. He desperately asked for divine help before going into battle, promising a temple in the name of Goddess Bhagwati (who is ferocious and loves blood sacrifices) if she would help him. He won. In 1815, he kept his word and built a temple to the goddess. The most important landmark is the octagonal Pavilion in the middle of Sitalpati, the main market square.



Tansens charms are expounded by its traditional lifestyle and its awe inspiring location. Shreenagar Danda (hill) offers a panoramic view of the high Himalaya. From west to east, the Kanjiroba, Dhaulagiri, Annapurna, Mansiri, Ganesh and Langtang groups are in sight. Other nearby attractions include Ranighat, a Rana palace next to the Kaligandaki River, and Ridi Bazaar,a major Hindu pilgrimage destination at the auspicious confluence of the Kaligandaki and Ridi Rivers. A large mela is held there on Maghe Sankranti (about January 14). The jamre folk song performance of the Magars are colorful. Dancing and feasting are accompanied by drumbeats of the madal during festivals.

The hilltop town of Tansen exults in a week-long festive spree beginning with Janai Purnima, when Hindus change their sacred threads. The next day, Gai Jatra is marked by parading figures of cows made of bamboo and cloth. Ropai Jatra is the rice planting ceremony and participants perform plowing and planting acts on the streets. During Bagh Jatra, actors dressed up like tigers and hunters march through town. Then there are the parades. Images of Ganesh, Bhimsen and Narayan are placed on palanquins and carried around Tansen. The celebrations climax on August 12 with Bhagawati Jatra, the procession of the town's protective goddess.

Regular bus services are available from all major places like Kathmandu, Pokhara etc. The nearest airports are in Pokhara and Bhairahawa. Several hotels are located in Tansen. The number of travellers to this "hill station" have increased over the years, and so have tourist facilities.