Heritage Structure in Nepal Restored with Indian Grant Assistance
Shree Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Ghar, damaged in the 2015 earthquake, restored under India’s post earthquake reconstruction grant
KATHMANDU, Aug 24: Two important cultural heritage structures in Nepal’s Lalitpur district, Shree Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Ghar, have been restored with financial and technical assistance from India and formally inaugurated.
The heritage sites, located around 8 km east of Kathmandu, were severely damaged during the devastating 2015 earthquake. Their restoration was undertaken through India’s post-earthquake reconstruction grant of around NRs 50 million.
Indian Ambassador to Nepal Naveen Srivastava, Lalitpur Metropolitan City Mayor Chiribabu Maharjan and Member of Parliament Jagdish Kharel jointly inaugurated the restored structures on Monday.
The inauguration ceremony included the unveiling of a plaque and traditional rituals, according to a press release issued by the Indian Embassy in Kathmandu.
The restoration project was implemented by Nepal’s Central Level Project Implementation Unit, Building and Housing. The New Delhi-based Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) provided design and project management consultancy services.
Significance of Kumari Chhen
Kumari Chhen, also known as the Kumari house, holds immense religious and cultural importance in Nepal. It serves as the residence of the Living Goddess Kumari, regarded as the human manifestation of Taleju Bhawani.
The Kathmandu Valley has three Living Kumaris, associated with Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur. The tradition of worshipping Kumaris dates back centuries to the Malla period.
During the inauguration, Mayor Maharjan praised India for its contribution to the reconstruction and conservation of heritage sites in Lalitpur and other parts of Nepal.
Ambassador Srivastava underlined the longstanding cultural and civilisational links between India and Nepal. He also highlighted India’s continued support for preserving Nepal’s historic monuments.
He said the restored structures represent the shared cultural heritage and enduring friendship between the two neighbouring countries.
Extensive earthquake damage
Nepal’s April 25, 2015 earthquake and subsequent aftershocks caused extensive destruction to the country’s historic and cultural heritage.
According to UNESCO, 691 historic buildings across 16 districts were damaged, with 131 structures completely destroyed.
India has supported the restoration and conservation of 30 cultural heritage sites in eight districts of Nepal under its post-earthquake reconstruction assistance programme.
The initiative covers a range of historic and religious structures, including temples, monasteries, ancient buildings and Dharmashala facilities.
Among the prominent projects supported by India are the Seto Machhindranath Temple in Kathmandu, Kumari Ghar and Jestha Varna Mahavihar in Lalitpur, Jangam Math in Bhaktapur and Tarkey Ghyang Gumba in Sindhupalchowk.
INTACH has played a key technical role in several of these projects by providing expertise in heritage conservation and project management.
The restoration of Shree Kumari Chhen and New Kumari Ghar is expected to help preserve Lalitpur’s historic architectural legacy while strengthening cultural ties between India and Nepal.
