[3] The name Kirtipur comes from the Sanskrit terms Kirti (glory) and pur (city) as well as Kirat Kingdom of Yalamber's dynasty.

[4] In terms of ethnicity/caste, 37.3% were Newar, 24.2% Hill Brahmin, 20.4% Chhetri, 5.2% Tamang, 3.0% Magar, 1.3% Rai, 1.0% Tharu, 0.9% Thakuri, 0.8% Gurung, 0.7% Yadav, 0.6% Kami, 0.5% Limbu, 0.4% other Dalit, 0.4% Damai/Dholi, 0.4% Sarki, 0.3% Musalman, 0.3% other Terai, 0.2% Gharti/Bhujel, 0.2% Koiri/Kushwaha, 0.2% Majhi, 0.2% Sanyasi/Dasnami, 0.2% Teli, 0.1% Terai Brahmin, 0.1% Chepang/Praja, 0.1% Dhanuk, 0.1% Gaine, 0.1% Hajjam/Thakur, 0.1% Halwai, 0.1% Kalwar, 0.1% Kathabaniyan, 0.1% Kayastha, 0.1% Kumal, 0.1% Kurmi, 0.1% Sherpa, 0.1% Sudhi, 0.1% Thakali and 0.3% others.

Due to the presence of Tribhuvan University, Kirtipur is a popular area for out-of-town students and professors to rent houses and they are major contributors to the local economy.

It was part of the territory of Lalitpur at the time of the invasion of the Kathmandu Valley by the Gorkhali king Prithvi Narayan Shah in the 18th century.

[11][12] This was the site of an inspirational peaceful demonstration of the people in the 2006 mass uprising that overthrew the powers of the king.

Ceremonial rituals in relation to the important events of life such as rice-feeding, puberty, marriage and even the construction of houses cannot be done without propitiating this deity in most of the towns and cities of Nepal.

The present three storeyed temple of Bagh Bhairab, probably built in the 16th century, stands in the brick-paved rectangular courtyard with rest houses around it.

Wooden posts with the carving of Hindu gods, and goddesses adorn the temple in addition to supporting its roof.

At the right side of the main gate of the temple there is Hifa Dyo, the god of blood sacrifice is allowed directly to Bagh Bhairab, all animal offerings here are made to this deity just like the animal sacrifices are made to Kumari, a stone idol, placed at the second gate in the left side of Chandeswori in Banepa and to the Chhetrapal which is at the very beginning of the final series of the steps to the temple of Khadga Jogini in Sankhu.

In the western wall of the temple there is a hollow space regarded by the local people as Nasa Dyo, the god of music, and dance.

The three glass-eyed tiger-god is tongue-less and tooth-less but covered with silver and copper plates and heavily ornamented.

This deity as mentioned in the stone inscriptions has been called Bagheswor (the tiger god), Bhimsen Bhattarak(Bhimsen, the governing deity), Gudei Sthanadhipati (the lord in the form of tiger) and Ajudyo(the ancestral god).

[14] The local people regard this deity as the embodiment of prudence, knowledge, productivity and strength to resist all evils.

[15] Uma Maheshwor temple (locally, Kwacho Dega) is one of the important heritage sites of Kirtipur.

Since this temple is at the top of the hill, one can enjoy picturesque view of the Kathmandu valley and mountains like Langtang, Dorge Lakkpa, Chobhu Bhamure, and Gaurishankar.

[16] The temple was constructed in 1655 A.D. by Rautra Vishwanath Babu, a son of king Sidhhi Narsinga Malla.

[14] The wooden doors, pillars, and beams are crafted with artistic figures of different gods and goddess such as Astamatrika and Asta Bhairav.

[14]A Theravada Buddhist monastery built in traditional Thai architectural style, is situated near the entrance to the city.