Kathmandu has been the center of Nepal’s history, art, culture and economy. It has a multi-ethnic population within a Hindu and Buddhist majority. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Kathmandu. Tourism is an important part of the economy as the city is the gateway to the Nepalese Himalayas. Kathmandu is the capital city of Nepal. The city of Kathmandu is named after Kasthamandap temple, which stood in Durbar Square. In Sanskrit, Kastha means “wood” and Mandap means “covered shelter”. This temple, also known as Maru Satta: in the Newar language, was built in 1596 by Biseth in the period of King Laxmi Narsingh Malla.