PANAUTI

 The ancient town of Panauti is located 33 km southeast of Kathmandu, 5 km south of Banepa.

 The famous Makar Festival takes place at Panauti's Triveni, a confluence of three rivers, every 12 years. Thousands of devotees from different parts of the country throng here for the festival. The annual Panauti Festival is also popular among Nepali people.

 Traditionally, Panauti is regarded as a town protected by the Nagas or serpents. It is believed that Basuki Naga, the overlord of all serpents, was born  in Panauti thousands of years ago The Panauti resident believe Basuki Naga returns t during the Panauti Fesi form of thunderstorm_ ' is dominated mainly by1 community. Panauti is I situated on top of a of rock and thus it can i major earthquakes. Lai claim the town was 1 during the earthquatA AD when most part oftl; was flattened to the gyou Panauti, one could hi places like Dapcha, Dhul ikhel, Namobuddhi and Lakuri Bhanjyang_