Asan (alternative names: Asan Tol असन टोल, Asan Twāh असं त्वाः) is a ceremonial, market and residential square in central Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. It is one of the most well-known historical locations in the city and is famed for its bazaar, festival calendar and strategic location. Asan has been described as a fine Newar example of a traditional Asian bazaar. The Tuladhar, Maharjan, Shrestha, Bajracharya and Shakya castes make up most of the population. Six streets converge in Asan, giving the square a perpetual bustle. The bazaar in Asan attracts shoppers from all over Kathmandu because of the tremendous variety of merchandise sold here, ranging from foodstuffs, spices and textiles to electronics and bullion. Asan is also one of the popular tourist spots in the city because of its architectural sights and charming ambience. There are banks, restaurants and a post office. Two taxi stands and bus stops are situated on the eastern side.

History

Asan straddles one of the two legendary India-Tibet trade routes that pass through Kathmandu. Because of this history, Asan has been one of the city's main marketplaces since ancient times. The trade route is diagonally aligned, and the section within the city extends from Kathmandu Durbar Square to Asan and to the northeast.

Highlights

Festivals

Asan is a cultural and religious center and is the venue for a number of festivals and processions.

Musical societies

Asan Kisan Bājan Khala plays devotional music at Asan during festivals such as at Dashain, Bhintuna (mha puja at tihar), Jyapu Diwas (Yo mori Punhi), Jana Baha Dyah Jatra (जनबहाः द्यः जात्रा Chaitya Dashain). Asan Bājan Khala (Tuladhar Community) also plays the music at asan during dashain festival. Its members also make daily pilgrimages to Swayambhu in the early morning playing Gunla Bajan music during the holy month of Gunla (around August). Annapurna Gyānmala Bhajan Khala is the neighborhood society of hymn singers.

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