PYAN GAUN

INTRODUCTION
About the village
Pyangaun is a beautiful village located in Chapagau
VDC ward no: 5 of Lalitpur district, 14 km south of
Kathmandu. The main language of communication
is Newari which is totally different than Newari
language of other regions. The village has got
countless unique characteristics. The cultural aspect
of this village is also totally different than other
villages. The cultural and traditional rituals being
performed in the village during the birth, marriage
and death are also unique in the village. The people of this village are named as Gaam or Gaamal
or Gaamle. The people of this village are found to be involved in organizing theatre shows and
performing a wide range of cultural dances called Jhaki.
(Source: Pyangaun Craft Village Development Program in ordinance with Nepal Tourism Board
(NTB))
Major features
Century-old craft of making beautiful bamboo buckets used to measure grains.
Modernization is yet to permeate the living patterns, social formation and social
hierarchy of Pyangaun.
Although linked directly with the capital city by modern modes of transport, the villagers
still live the way they did centuries ago.
Isolated from the outside community, the process of transformation in the village has
been virtually invisible.
From birth to marriage, the villagers have not needed the support of outsiders. The strong
social bonds are rooted in the sturdiness of community support, which has helped
Pyangaun maintain its own cultural identity.
Linear pattern settlement shows their inclination to street activities classified as public
e.g. gatherings, gambling, discussion of related to social activities as club , semi-public as
and private activities as making of bamboo basket, drying of agricultural products.
Typical design features as hanging of corn, straw, flower vase, clothes on bamboo show
their agricultural lifestyle
Corn stacks raised from ground are particularly notable
Similar buildings and uniform architectural style: Indicate common lifestyle
ETYMOLOGY
Anciently known as Sitapur, Pyangaun is century old craft village. The village got its name
pyangaun from its unique profession of making beautiful bamboo buckets used to measure
grains. The bamboo is called pyang from newar language. The skill of making bamboo buckets
not only identifies their villages but also represents a unique heritage. Hence, it played an
important role in supplying traditional bamboo units to measure and weigh goods.
(Source: Pyangaun Craft Village Development Program in ordinance with Nepal Tourism Board
(NTB))
HISTORY:
Settlement is believed to start 500 years ago from Sanghu, Lalitpur District.
(Source: Inscription dated N.S. 922 and 932)
Myth:
Original people are believed to be the children of Yatsya Malla of Bhaktapur
(French writer). The son when went to the king for his and his mothers right,
the king advised them to work and gave a place to stay. The son wished to
work on bamboo craft esp. measuring instruments for grains from bamboo. So
then he started bamboo craft as his profession. He was allowed to search for
raw bamboo from the palace.
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Pyangaun is located in Chapagaun VDC ward no:5 of Lalitpur district. There are 120 households
and nearly 1250 people in the village. Nearly 45 percentages of people are literate. Nearly 90%
of people are Maharjan.
(Source: Pyangaun Craft Village Development Program in ordinance with Nepal Tourism Board
(NTB))
LANDMARKS:
Pond
A large triangular water pond at the entrance to the village, its narrow alley and old houses are
reminders of the past. However, their present conditions are to be worried. In the past, it was
used for drinking purpose as well as for irrigation. Nowadays, rainwater harvesting is used to
avoid drying of water.

Agan Chen and Nasha Dyo Chen
Agan Chen and Nasha Dyo Chen are the two major monuments of Pyangaun. These monuments
hold the sanctuary of lord Shiva. The statue (replica of lord Shiva) is altered from the sanctuary
every year on the day of Indra Jatra. Originally these monuments are said to be built in
traditional Newari style. The monuments reflect the Neo-classical touch at present day.
PyanGaun Bus-Park
The buspark can be taken as the means of upliftment for transportation.
Ring Road to PyanGaun buspark- 7.2 km
Lagankhel to PyanGaun buspark- 8.5 km
Sunakothi to PyanGaun buspark- 4.3 km
Thecho to PyanGaun buspark- 3.8 km

FESTIVALS:
Indra Jatra
Indra Jatra is known as the festival of Kathmandu. However,
on the occasion of Indra Jatra, the people of Pyangaun
celebrate it in the form of dance known as Kugpyakha. The
dance was taken to Kathmandu to show to King at Hanuman
Dhokha which is known as Yaa Thya Pyakha. Nowadays, the
jatra is not taken to Kathmandu but only celebrated in
Pyangaun. The festival lasts for four days.
Nasa dyo puja
Cultural dance is performed at the plinth of the temple
and musical instruments are played by people that
creates the spiritual ambience.

Mul Jatra
On the day of Chaitra Purnima every year, the puja is taken to Kaleshwor Mahadev, which is
located at Sanghu by the main people of Achha Guhang. After the return, the prasad is
distributed among the people of the settlement.

Gai Jatra
On the day of Gai Jatra, the people of this village are found to be involved in organizing theatre
shows and performing a wide range of cultural dances called Jhaki, at the platform in front of
Nasa dyo. The crowd of all age group of people is seen enjoying the show. . The youths are
mostly found to be busy in such festival.
Gatha muga ( Ghantakarna )
The women of the settlement goes to Nakkhu Khola to collect the stones on the day of Gatha
muga. These stones are then worshipped as replica of God Shiva.
Astami ( Kageswori Mela)
On this day, the puja is taken to Bajrabarahi at Chapagaun. The traditional musical instruments
are played and dances are performed thoughout the way.















PHOTOS OF LANDMARKS:



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(Email id- rosie.ranjit@gmail.com)
Agan Chen Nasha Dyo Chen
Pond Bus park