Madhyapur Thimi
An old Newar town of potters and mask-makers between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur, famous for its Sindoor Jatra at New Year.
Thimi lies on a ridge beside the Araniko Highway, halfway between Kathmandu and Bhaktapur. Its potters still shape clay on wheels in the squares and dry pots in the sun, and families make papier-mâché masks of gods and demons for festivals.
The town is most famous for Sindoor Jatra (Bisket) at Nepali New Year in April, when dozens of palanquins of gods are carried to the Balkumari temple and the crowds are showered in red vermilion powder. See our sister site Hamro Sanothimi for a full guide.
