Rani Pokhari[edit]

Main article: Ranipokhari
Ranipokhari (Nepali: रानी पोखरी, lit. 'Queen's Pond') is a historic artificial pond nestled in the heart of
Kathmandu. It was built by king Pratap Malla in 1670 AD for his beloved queen after she lost her
son and could not recover from her loss.[66] A large stone statue of an elephant in the south
signifies the image of Pratap Malla and his two sons. Balgopaleshwor Temple stands still inside
the temple above the pond. Rani Pokhari is opened once a year during the final day of Tihar i.e.
Bhai Tika and Chhath festival. The world's largest Chhath takes place every year in Ranipokhari.
The pond is one of Kathmandu's most famous landmarks and is known for its religious and
aesthetic significance.

Culture[edit]
Main article: Culture of Kathmandu

Arts[edit]

Stone carvings, called Chaityas, seen in street corners and courtyards

Kathmandu valley is described as "an enormous treasure house of art and sculptures", which are
made of wood, stone, metal, and terracotta, and found in profusion in temples, shrines, stupas,
gompas, chaityasm and palaces. The art objects are also seen in street corners, lanes, private
courtyards and in open ground. Most art is in the form of icons of gods and goddesses.
Kathmandu valley has had this art treasure for a very long time, but received worldwide
recognition only after the country opened to the outside world in 1950. [54]
The religious art of Nepal and Kathmandu in particular consists of an iconic symbolism of the
Mother Goddesses such as: Bhavani, Durga, Gaja-Lakshmi, Hariti-Sitala, Mahsishamardini,
Saptamatrika (seven mother goddesses), and Sri-Lakshmi (wealth-goddess). From the 3rd
century BCE, apart from the Hindu gods and goddesses, Buddhist monuments from the Ashokan
period (it is said that Ashoka visited Nepal in 250 BC) have embellished Nepal in general and the
valley in particular. These art and architectural edifices encompass three major periods of
evolution: the Licchavi or classical period (500 to 900 AD), the post-classical period (1000 to
1400 AD), with strong influence of the Palla art form; the Malla period (1400 onwards) that
exhibited explicitly tantric influences coupled with the art of Tibetan Demonology.[67]
A broad typology has been ascribed to the decorative designs and carvings created by the
people of Nepal. These artists have maintained a blend of Hinduism and Buddhism. The
typology, based on the type of material used are: stone art, metal art, wood art, terracotta art,
and painting.[68]
Museums[edit]
Kathmandu is home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the National Museum of
Nepal and the Natural History Museum of Nepal. Nepal's art and architecture is an amalgamation
of two ancient religions, Hinduism and Buddhism. These are amply reflected in the many
temples, shrines, stupas, monasteries, and palaces in the seven well-defined Monument Zones
of the Kathmandu valley are part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This amalgamation is also
reflected in the planning and exhibitions in museums and art galleries throughout Kathmandu
and its sister cities of Patan and Bhaktapur. The museums display unique artefacts and paintings
from the 5th century CE to the present day, including archeological exportation. [69]
Museums and art galleries in Kathmandu include:[69]

 The National Museum

 The Natural History Museum