IMPACTS OF URBANIZATION ON INTANGIBLE HERITAGE: A CASE OF SANA GUTHI AND RATO MACCHINDRANATH JATRA

Abstract

Kathmandu valley has been the melting pot that hosts different ethnic groups of people. But the indigenous people of the Kathmandu valley are the Newar ethnic group. The history dates back as earlier as Licchivi period followed by Malla rule. During this period Newars had developed the settlement with rich culture with abundant heritage. The courtyard settlement pattern designed as Palace centric city is its peculiarity. According as functional caste group, the city was hierarchically planned. Immense numbers of temples, Baha, Bahi were constructed at the time which is still intact. The heritage is rich in its expression. The architecture, technology is still very relevant and inspiring for the present generation. Similarly, Newari tradition is rich in intangible expressions. Newar have their own language. The skills and knowledge are orally transferred to the newer generation some of which are still practiced by specific respective communities. Foods, cuisine, fabrics, are well articulated in the culture. One of such form of intangible expression is Guthi system. Specifically, Sana Guthi is the form of Guthi, designed to carry out service to the community and also important rituals like death and festivals. Sana Guthi are still present in the society with stronger roots. From the research it is found that Sana Guthi has various expressions in various communities although their purpose is the same. Similarly modern transformation has also molded the Guthi as per the necessity of the time. Change in rituals; unclear meaning of the rituals; difficulty in management of attendance in Guthi rituals are the prominent issues raised in running Guthi. Proper transformation and progress shall contribute to welfare of the Newari community as well as it will stand as an important social system in the country. Impacts of urbanization is more vivid in Festivals like Rato Matsyendranath Rath Jatra. It has positively impacted in economic sense while spatial problems can be found as negative impacts.