Kathmandu, November 1

The US Embassy awarded USD 150,000 through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust for conservation of the octagonal Krishna temple that was severely damaged in the 2015 earthquakes.

During a ceremony organised at Patan Durbar Square today, US Ambassador to Nepal Randy W Berry, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan, and Director General of Department of Archaeology Damodar Gautam commemorated the beginning of restoration and conservation work, states a press release issued by the US Embassy.

AFCP funding will support seismic strengthening and conservation of the shikhara style octagonal Krishna temple. Built in 1723, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and uses an innovative form of stone masonry that is unparalleled in South Asia. The conservation work is expected to be completed within two years.

“This programme shows the depth of America’s respect for the cultural heritage of Nepal,” said Ambassador Berry. “From our first AFCP project, Kal Bhairab, in 2003 to this latest Krishna temple restoration, America has been a proud partner of Nepal in its effort to conserve the unique and irreplaceable heritage in Nepal.”

Director General Gautam highlighted the lasting effects of the US Embassy’s efforts. “We are grateful for the US government’s support in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage sites in Nepal. From Gaddi Baithak to Patan Royal Palace to this temple, the funding received through the AFCP has greatly helped the Government of Nepal’s post-earthquake cultural heritage restoration efforts.”