31/10/2026
The centuries-old art of traditional Nepalese pottery making. This iconic living heritage is centered primarily in the ancient towns of Bhaktapur (specifically at the famous Bhaktapur Pottery Square) and Madhyapur Thimi within the Kathmandu Valley.
Here is what makes this traditional process unique:
🌟 Key Elements of the Craft
• The "Clay of God" (Dyo Cha): Potters in Bhaktapur use a highly prized, exceptionally supple black clay known as Dyo Cha. It is harvested only once a year via deep, hazardous hand-dug tunnels.
• The Prajapati / Kumale Community: The craft is traditionally kept alive by the Newar sub-caste known as Prajapati (or Kumale), who have passed down these multi-generational techniques for at least 17 generations.
• The Heavy Wooden/Concrete Wheel: Traditionally, master potters do not use electric wheels. Instead, they use a massive manual wheel (often an adapted truck tire filled with concrete weighing over 200 kg) that they spin at high speed using a long wooden pole.
🏺 Common Things Made
• Khutruke: Traditional clay money banks / piggy banks.
• Diyo / Diya: Small clay oil lamps used heavily during festivals like Tihar.
• Matka / Jars: Vessels used for cooling water or setting traditional Dahi (yogurt).
• Aila Distillers: Specialized holed clay containers used for distilling traditional Newari rice w**e.
🇳🇵 Let's celebrate and preserve Nepal's living heritage!
