The US Embassy Nepal, in collaboration with the World Monuments Fund and the Chiva Chaitya Organization, has celebrated the successful restoration of the historic Yenga Hiti in Lagan, Kathmandu.
This project was supported through the US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) grant, reaffirming the United States’ continued commitment to safeguarding Nepal’s cultural heritage and advancing economic growth in tourism to the benefit of Nepali and American visitors and businesses, states a press release issued by the US Embassy on Saturday.
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Jason Meeks joined Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Sunita Maharjan and local leaders on Saturday morning to inaugurate the newly restored hiti.
“The restoration of Yenga Hiti is more than the repair of a heritage site; it is the renewal of a living water system that has served this community—and the nation of Nepal—for over fifteen hundred years,” Meeks stated. “The US Embassy remains committed to the strong and long-lasting US-Nepal partnership.”
The traditional stone water tap or “hiti” build around 6th century AD during Lichhivi Era was an important cultural heritage of Kathmandu valley. There are three hitis at the restored heritage site located in the Yengal-Lagan area along with a 1500 year old stone inscription.
The embassy has pledged continued support for cultural preservation, community resilience, and a prosperous future for both the countries.
The ceremony marked the reopening of Yenga Hiti’s water flow for the first time in 50 years.
“The restoration is part of the Hitis of Kathmandu Valley: A Water Heritage Rehabilitation Project, supported by a $275,000 AFCP grant,” said the release. “The project aims to restore at least three traditional hitis in the Kathmandu Valley, provide hands-on training opportunities for students and heritage professionals, and support long-term conservation planning.”
According to the embassy, the restoration of Yenga Hiti was carried out through collaboration with the Yenga Club, Chiva Chaitya Organization, Department of Archaeology, and local and provincial governments. “Since 2003, the US government, through the AFCP, has supported 28 cultural preservation projects in Nepal, with nearly $4.6 million in funding, making Nepal one of the programme’s most active and valued partners.”
An art exhibition was also organized on the occasion showcasing the paintings of the Hiti created by 20 young artists.
