Photo Courtesy: Yangal Club

KATHMANDU

When it comes to civilization, we take pride in talking about Newa Civilization. It is our country's pride and identity. Meanwhile, hiti (ancient stone spout), one of the specific structures in that civilization also commonly known as dhunge dhara in Nepali, are one of the marvels of it. However, these ancient structures of Newa civilization have been victim of unplanned urbanization.

Due to the urbanization and overpopulation, these hitis are either encroached or ignored. One of them is Yanga Hiti, which is perched at Yangal, Kathmandu. Yanga Hiti is believed to be built during Lichchhavi period. Carrying cultural and historical importance, this hiti’s premise also has religious and artistical stone sculptures of various hindu gods and goddesses.

Because of the ignorance and negligence, this hiti was in disrepair which was clogged with murky water, weed and garbage. Thankfully, it has come on the spot light of youths from Yangal Club in the recent time. And it has been cleaned and restored in its old form.

According to Raghu Raj Rajbhandari, the coordinator of Hiti Samrakshyan Samiti, it took eight months for the team to clean the hiti area and restore it in current form. He shared, “The restoration became a reality only after the collaboration of locals, youths and government body-ward number 21. Firstly, we consulted with the technicians. They figured out that the hiti is still alive. Moreover, the problem is blockage of outlet drainage which still exists and we are searching for its solution.”

It is believed that Yanga Hiti is the same stone spout from where Bhimsen Thapa and his warriors drank the water and won the battle against British during Anglo Nepal War, Rajbhandari comments.