KATHMANDU, April 15: Kathmandu Metropolitan City Office is organizing Hanumandhoka Durbar Square World Heritage to Swoyambhu World Heritage Walk and various other cultural programs on the occasion of World Heritage Day. The program that begins on Sunday will continue until April 21 where one will be able to observe 19 historical places on their walk.

The 2,200 meters walk begins from Hanumandhokha taking the route of Maru Ganeshsthan, Santaneshwor Mahadev, Maru Bahi, Pachhain Galli, Michya Galli, Naradevi, Dallu, Bhuinkhel to Swoyambhu. The cultural program includes; cleaning, students’ walk and wall painting, photo journalists’ walk, stamp and photo exhibition, painting workshop, among others. 

The main objective of the event is to promote the world heritage sites and make public aware about their importance. The two world heritage sites are in walking distance, which is rare. “Two different UNESCO World Heritage Sites in walking distance is rare and we aim to promote these sites and encourage the local and other stakeholders to conserve the historically, culturally and religiously important buildings and structures in this route,” shared secretary of the organizing committee, Dilli Tuladhar who is also a local from Maru.

“We are rich in terms of cultural heritage and we should conserve and protect our heritage sites. After 2015 earthquake, we lost many cultural heritages and it is high time that we do something to save heritage for our future generation,” he added.

Meanwhile, artists and students studying Fine Arts in various colleges are working on the wall painting at Pachhain Galli. They have focused on showcasing lifestyle, culture, tradition and people of Kathmandu Valley through their colors painted on the wall.