The Intangible Cultural Heritage of Gokarneshwor

Abstract

This Thesis entitled “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Gokarneshwor” tends to highlight on the festivals, Jatras and tradition performed at the Gokarna Village. The Gokarneshwor Temple is one of the important pilgrimage site for both the Hindus and Buddhist living in Kathmandu Valley; famous with the name Uttar Gaya. The site has been listed as an ancient settlements with Shakhu, Pharping, Changu, Hadigaun and others, by the Archaeological Department of Nepal. Intangible heritage could be learned from a society through different rituals, activities and festivals performed and are a valuable part of society. Likewise, Gokarneshwor is an ancient place where different rituals, traditions and festivals are performed. Hence, to know about such intangible heritage of Gokarneshwor, this thesis studies based on the culture and heritage of Gokarneshwor Temple and Dese Village that lies in the southern direction of temple after crossing a small bridge over a River Bagmati Gorge. The study has been conducted in relation to intangible heritage that has been following by the locality of Gokarna Village at the premises of Gokarneshwor temple. With the time and influences of modernization, many festivals, Jatras, traditions and culture has slightly transformed or even declined. Hence, the main purpose of this thesis is to list out those heritage that are celebrated and performed in the temple square and still in existence in the society.