Reminiscing the history- Ancient city of Bode
A visual expression of the glorious history
This lockdown I had a chance to go through the dad’s collections of images, images that were mainly taken in the 90s, during the days of my childhood.
Recollecting memories and reminiscing history is always a fascinating thing to do for all of us. Particularly to our generation, who have experienced the blend of traditional and modern cultures and etiquette, it is even more fascinating. We can reminisce the time that our parents and grandparents’ have lived through despite our physical absence. From an agricultural age to technological advances, they have witnessed the biggest leap in their lives.
While browsing through the photographs, I was amazed at the times when people’s ways of life and celebrations were so simple, yet full of cultural diversities. Some pictures vividly produce the architectural elegance of that time, and the environment seems notably cleanlier.
I have recently discovered an app (www.myheritage.com) that digitizes black and white images and adds colors into them which makes it look quite real. Then, I started scanning and colorizing the black and white images.
Lachhi Twa: is one of Bode’s unique square, and remains at the heart of many religious festivities. The Narayan temple stood tall with small pukhu: (pokhari) and many idols of god and goddess. The beginning of Biska: Jatra with goddess Kalika in the chariot during midnight (on Nepali New Year’s first day) also happens from this square and ends at the same on the second day. So this place has witnessed many celebrations.
To those who might have no idea about Bode (बोदे), it’s a small settlement area of Newa: community believed to be originally living for 697 years (from the records of historian Gyanmani Nepal on the book “Premedieval Nepal). It is believed that the name “Bode” has evolved through the name Bundye (बुंदे)meaning “Bu” (बुं) as a field and “De” (दे) as country. So it originally means a country of field.
The above pictures show the western parts of the bode, where there are lush green fields, pokhari, dhunga dharas, and temples. The landscape has changed a lot in this area, since a large-scale tree plantation were undertaken in the late 1990s, rendering this region mostly full of greenery. Many of the dhungedharas and heritage shrines were in a dilapidated state then which has now been improving. The way to the graveyard also goes through this side of the city. In the second image above, one can see the Manohara river very clearly visible amid the green fields behind Kalika Temple.
The image above is the temple of Narayan in the Bishnughat tole, situated north-west of Bode. The temple has revamped its architecture and the typical traditional roof, in particular, has been transformed into a brass one.Similarly, the houses with the old-style façade have also been modified. However, there are few houses with a blended design of new and conventional housing styles.
Many might know about Neelbarahi Temple located in the heart of the forest outside the old city Bode in the eastern part. It is also among the four Barahis of Kathmandu Valley. There was a legend that goddess Neelbarahi once took a farmer working in the field to a wood, taught a special tantric dance, and conveyed him to form a group and begin dancing ritual during Gaijatra. Also, the goddess told to established a Neelbarahi temple in the forest. He eventually did what was being told and the dance ritual continues in the name “Neelbarahi Naach”. Later on, the Neelbarahi temple is believed to be founded in the city as a representation of the Neelbarahi goddess.
The people’s lifestyle has improved significantly when comparing the differences through these photographs. With the advent of electricity in the city and new prospects in the retail and business industry, primary employment opportunities have been shifted away from agricultural fields. Similarly, while the older generations are still on the traditional dresses, there is a trend of western fashion influencing the millennials. However, the traditional dresses are considered during the different festivals and celebrations.
Here I come to the end of the story on the few photographs that hold me back to the past to understanding the history. Looking at these, I felt the encounter with our past living days and the lifestyle. The pictures have showcased the ancient city of Bode and its streets, and square.
