Thankot Attractions
Thankot
Thankot, about 10 km (6 mi.) west of Kathmandu, was the last village in the valley on the old trade route over the Chandragiri Pass to India. Its principal temple, built in 1690 and dedicated to Mahalakshmi, occupies a charming site at the foot of a hill, framed by noble trees.
Thankot, about 10 km (6 mi.) west of Kathmandu, was the last village in the valley on the old trade route over the Chandragiri Pass to India. Its principal temple, built in 1690 and dedicated to Mahalakshmi, occupies a charming site at the foot of a hill, framed by noble trees.
Mahalakshmi Festival
In common with many other villages Thankot's annual festival is held in honor of Mahalakshmi. Bronze idols of the goddess and her companion Ganesh are borne in procession to the sunken square in front of the Mahalakshmi Temple. There the palanquins circle round and round the big tree in the center of the square. The pace, slow at first, quickens with the increasing tempo of the music until finally reaching a crescendo in a wild, ecstatic dance. Every now and then the procession leaves the square to visit other temples. When all is over, gods, litter-bearers and onlookers alike are red with tika powder dispensed in handfuls by the men. Animal sacrifices are offered to Mahalakshmi and also to Bhairava who of course demands his share. The two deities are charged with watching over the next year's harvest.
