From ancient times to now, Nagbahal has been the go-to example for sustaining culture, rituals, and traditions. People here live it, celebrate it, and take pride in it. Nagbahal is special, with a magic believed to occur here.

Home to the revered Hiranya Varna Mahavihar (Golden Temple), and famous events like the Dipankha Yatra and Samyak Mahadan, Nagbahal has long been the heart of Patan’s religious and cultural life. Its legacy has been nurtured since ancient times.

Even the name Nagbahal wasn’t named by chance. There’s a story which portrays that during preparations for the Samyak Mahadan festival, two snakes—Champak and Basuki—were found on the rice meant for the event. No matter how much rice was distributed, it never ran out. People believed the snakes were behind this miracle, so the area got renamed in their honor. Paintings of these two still grace the walls of Nagbahal.

Nagbahal is also a rare blend of tradition and progress. The community runs its own ambulance, fire truck, health post, and more. After the 2015 earthquake, they sheltered around 800 people for a week.

Most of Nagbahal’s residents belong to the Dhakhwa, Shakya, and Bajracharya families, all working together for the area’s development. Locals take pride not only in their cultural heritage but in maintaining this living history. Whether it’s cultural and religious activities, handicrafts, local initiatives, sports, or feasts, Nagbahal is alive with energy and tradition.

Buddha Jayanti Celebration in Nagbahal

Nepal, the birthplace of Lord Gautam Buddha, celebrates Buddha Jayanti—the festival honoring his birthday—as one of its major events. Across the country, the air fills with rallies, events, and programs to celebrate the life and teachings of Buddha.

Locals believe that the very first Buddha Jayanti rally took place in Nagbahal. Since then, the area has embraced this occasion with deep meaning and pride. Buddha Jayanti is more than just a festival here—it’s a heartfelt tradition for the people of Nagbahal.

Hiranya Varna Mahavihar: Golden Temple in Patan

Located in Nagbahal, Hiranya Varna Mahavihar, also known as the Golden Temple or Kwa Bahal, is a cultural gem representing the enduring history of the area. The community takes care of every detail of this temple on a daily basis.

Interestingly, the main priest here is always under 12 years old, while the assistant priest is above 12. Recognizing its national significance, the Nepal government (Shree 5 Sarkar) featured Hiranya Varna Mahavihar on a postage stamp in the Visit Nepal Series, 2001.

Samyak Mahadan: A Great Buddhist Offering Festival

The community has long held the major responsibility of organizing Samyak Mahadan. Every five years, the Nagbahal community brings this festival to life on a large open ground, where hundreds of Dīpankara Buddha images are displayed, and offerings of food are made to both the Buddha images and the Buddhist community.

Dipankha Yatra: Walking Through 131 Religious Sites

Dipankha Yatra is one of the largest religious walkathons in the Kathmandu Valley. Devotees walk about 66 kilometers, visiting 131 religious sites. The journey begins at the sculpture of Neel Thu, the Blue-Horned Ox, and ends at Ashok Chaitya in Patan.

This unique yatra takes place only when five specific events occur on the same day.

• Sauryamas Sankranti (First day based on the solar calendar)
• Chandramas Purnima
• Harshan Yog
• Rewati Nachetra
• Chandra Grahan

The Nagbahal community had taken the major responsibility in organizing the most recent Dipankha Yatra in 2013 (2070 B.S.), following the one in 2005 (2062 B.S.).

Handicrafts: From Craft to Commerce

Nagbahal is also well-known in the commercial market. Residents believe that Nagbahal was the birthplace of Nepal's handicraft commercialization, which might very well be true, as many people from this area are engaged in the handicraft business. Locals have also organized arts and crafts festivals to sustain and promote the importance of these traditions.

The Spirit of Sports in Nagbahal

Nagbahal has been known for sports in Kathmandu since ancient times. Even today, people of all generations actively participate in local games and activities. International players from Nagbahal continue to inspire and excel.

At the Nagbahal Tole Sudhar Samiti office, medals and trophies proudly showcase the achievements of these champions. Whether it's a sports event or a community welfare activity, Nagbahal is always ready to sustain its spirit of support and excellence.

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Kora Cycling Challenge: Nagbahal’s is the Proud Final Stop

The Kora Cycling Challenge has become a pride for the Nagbahal Community. For over five years, the community has proudly welcomed this event at its final stop.

Each year, riders start their journey from Patan Durbar Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, choosing different loops along the way. They gather at various points, singing songs, dancing, enjoying delicious local foods, and interacting with the locals, all while completing a clockwise Kora of Kathmandu, eventually reaching Nagbahal. (Kora is a traditional Tibetan practice of circumambulating sacred sites.)

From the young to the old, the entire city joins in with excitement. This isn’t a competition but a community event for a cause, where every participant is a winner. With their medals, people celebrate both their personal victory and their contribution to a bigger cause. You can see the different kind of glow on the face of every cyclist once they finish their ride.

The event is also encouraging more women to participate, with initial participation being very low or nearly nonexistent to slowly increasing to 5-6% the participation of Women in Kora CyclingChallenge was 34% in 2024, and the number is rising continuously.

By 2025, the Kora Cycling Challenge has evolved from a simple ride for a cause and community to a major event attracting cyclists from Nepal and beyond. Launched in 2011 by Socialtours with just 35 participants, the ride now is celebrated in more than 20 locations in Nepal and internationally, including Australia, Laos, Canada, Scotland, Singapore, and more. With each year, the event grows bigger and better, supported by Cycle Network Nepal (CNN) and Pangro Outdoor Events as co-organizers, with local organizers taking the lead in their countries and cities.

Every year, the Kora Cycling Challenge supports a community with a national cause. For 2025, the fundraising goal is to install solar home systems for the marginalized Danuwar community near Melamchi Bazaar in Sindhupalchowk.

This year, the Nagbahal community is giving the ride a spiritual twist, tying it to its year-long Buddha Jayanti celebration. Nagbahal is excited to welcome cyclists from all loops for a meaningful finish at the place where Buddha Jayanti rallies first began and where the celebration still shines. With the religious essence it holds, Nagbahal adds a spiritual touch to the Kora Cycling Challenge.