KATHMANDU, Jan 30: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Yogesh Bhattarai, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry and Director General of the Department of Archaeology Damodar Gautam celebrated the restoration of the Char Narayan Temple amidst a special event organized at Patan Durbar Square on Wednesday.

The 16th century temple, one of the finest expressions of Newari architecture, collapsed from the 2015 earthquakes and required a complete restoration.  Because the project utilized salvaged materials, while also incorporating international earthquake-resistant conservation norms, it is a model for future restoration projects, according to a press statement issued by the US Embassy in Kathmandu.

The US Embassy, through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP), contributed $100,000 for the seismic strengthening and comprehensive restoration of the Malla-era temple.  The project, implemented by Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust (KVPT), was also supported by the World Monument Fund (WMF), the Japanese Embassy, the German Embassy, and the South Asia Institute – Heidelberg. 

“Our work through the AFCP serves as a symbol of the strong and vibrant partnership between our nations,” the statement quoted Ambassador Berry as saying.  “As we celebrate ‘Visit Nepal 2020,’ my hope today is that a fully restored Char Narayan Temple is seen as another testament to our commitment to a prosperous Nepal.”

The AFCP is the only US government program that provides direct support for the preservation of cultural heritage in developing countries, according to the statement.  Since 2003 AFCP has supported twenty-four projects and contributed $3.52 million in Nepal.  AFCP has supported other projects in Patan, including the restoration of the Palace, Mul Chowk, Sundari Chowk, and 17th century water architectures.

 
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