Kathmandu: Stakeholders have laid emphasis on preserving the originality and uniqueness of the historical site in Kathmandu-Hanumandhoka Durbar Square. They also univocally called for preserving the landmark that boasts of ancient royal palaces, Kumari Ghar, Taleju Temple, Kalbhairav Temple, museum, and several other temples and pass it down to the future generation as it is.
According to National News Agency Nepal, speakers gathered to observe the 16th establishment day of the Hanumandhoka Durbar Museum Development Committee highlighted the need to publicize the historical, cultural, and archaeological importance of the monuments and museum within this UNESCO World Heritage Site at the national and international level. On the occasion, Committee’s Executive Director Kajiman Pyakurel pledged that the inner courtyards of the palaces built during the era of Malla and Shah Kings (15th century to 20th century) within this historic landmark would be promoted nationally and internationally.
The open-air museum in Hanumandhoka Durbar Area has more than ten courtyards, four of which have already been opened to the general public. Mukunda Prasad Niraula, Chairperson of the Committee and Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, stated that the preservation of the museum buildings in their original form and the reconstruction and reoperation of the infrastructures damaged in the 2015 earthquake are the biggest challenges at present. Niraula asserted that it is a common responsibility to preserve history and hand it over to the future generation.
Also speaking on the occasion, Saubhagya Pradhananga, Director General of the Department of Archeology, underscored the importance of collaboration among the government, Committee, and other stakeholders to keep the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square alive. The historic site was enlisted in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979, in recognition of its cultural, religious, archaeological, and historical significance. The site was also used as an administrative centre in ancient times.
On the 16th establishment day, the Committee honored individuals in recognition of their contributions to the Hanumandhoka Durbar Square in various capacities. Those feted include Uddav Karmacharya, the main priest of Taleju Bhawani, and Committee’s staffers Ramsharan Bharati, Laxmi Kumari Dangol, and Ramila Deuwa. A photo exhibition displaying museum-related photos was also organized to mark the establishment day. The Committee was established on this day in 2010 with an objective to protect, maintain, preserve, and promote the site and its heritages.