- Sunday, 10 May 2026
The Rising Nepal
Local levels delay distributing grant to Jajarkot quake victims
Local levels have delayed the distribution of the grant sent by the federal government for the construction of temporary housing for the earthquake-affected victims in Jajarkot district.
Sculptors in Sagarhawa carving historical events on rocks
By Bhuwan Karki Kapilvastu, Jan. 24 In the vicinity of Lambusagar Lake in Sagarhawa, in the archaeological site of Kapilvastu, a group of sculptors were diligently shaping lifeless stones into vibrant artworks. Using iron tools on challenging rock surfaces, they endeavoured to convey a message of historical diversity, etching reminders of past events onto the enduring stones. Dineshwor Mahato, the head of the Sculpture Department at the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, enthusiastically participated in a 15-day sculpture workshop organised by the Lumbini Development Trust. Reflecting on his experience, Mahato expressed joy in creating statues that vividly capture historical narratives. Another sculptor, Sushmita Moktan, also shared her satisfaction after investing considerable effort in infusing the stones with artistic expressions. During discussions with the media, Mahato delved into the historical and archaeological significance of Sagarhawa. This location is recognised as the site where, towards the end of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life, the Sakyas faced a massacre orchestrated by King Virudhaka, the son of Prasenajita Raja of Kosala, seeking revenge. Situated 9 km away from the Kapilvastu’s district headquarters Taulihawa, 6 km north of Tilaurakot, and 7 km from Bangai on the East-West Highway, Sagarhawa also stands as the second bird reserve of Nepal, located south of Jagdishpur Lake. In the 7th century, Chinese pilgrim Huian Tsang mentioned in his travelogue the construction of numerous stupas on the west and south sides of Lake Sagarhawa in memory of the massacred Shakyas. The first excavation in 1897 AD by Dr. Alois Anton Fuhrer revealed 17 large square stupas and numerous smaller stupas at Sagarhawa, containing materials like bone, gold, silver, crystal, and ruby. The area of Sagarhawa near Jagadishpur Lake spans in 52 bighas of land. Seventeen idols depicting characters involved in the Shakyas massacre have been crafted during the 15-day workshop from January 8 to 22. Dhundiraj Bhattarai, treasurer of Lumbini Development Trust, shared that 15 sculptors, aided by 15 helpers, dedicated their efforts to crafting these statues. Emphasising collaboration with the local community, Bhattarai highlighted the innovative approach taken to showcase the historical significance of the archaeological site and boost tourism. Naradamani Hartmchhali, the Chancellor of Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, characterised the sculpture workshop in Kapilvastu as a comprehensive endeavour encompassing academic, cultural, technological and historical dimensions. He emphasised the need for establishing academic institutions at provincial and local levels to support such artistic and academic endeavours. Sudip Paudel, the Mayor of Kapilvastu Municipality, said that the Trust’s initiative in conducting the sculpture workshop was lauded. Supported by various organisations, the sculpture workshop, as noted by Kapil Gyawali, Secretary-General of Lumbini Tourism Journalists Association, has not only engaged the local community but also generated excitement. Financial support for the sculptors' expenses was provided by the Lumbini Development Trust through the Nepal Academy of Fine Arts, amounting to Rs.2.6 million.
Land acquisition process for Lower Arun Hydropower Project begins
The land acquisition process for the 669-MW Lower Arun Hydropower Project, to be built in the district, has started. The process of acquisition has started with the publication of the details of the land to be acquired in the Gorkhapatra daily.
Judges’ Role In Mediation Services
Alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms, especially mediation, have become massively popular in Nepal. Mediation has been made institutionally an integral part of dispute resolution in the courts across three levels – District C
Ensure Effective Role Of NAM
The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is the biggest group of nations after the United Nations (UN). The movement was founded in 1961 in Belgrade based on the principles adopted at the Bangdung conference
Monument Restoration
Rapid urbanisation is the trend of modern society. People are migrating to cities so that they have easy access to basic amenities. This has naturally put pressure on the cities that are steeped in rich cultural her
Check Youth Exodus
The number of people going abroad for foreign employment has significantly increased these days. Every day many people can be seen at the international airport, leaving the country for better job opportunities. With the skilled workers flying off to foreign lands, the country has been left with very limited proficient minds and an aging population only. Employment opportunities have been scarce at home, co
Count of homeless residents begins in LA
Los Angeles County’s annual count of homeless residents began Tuesday night — a crucial part of the region’s efforts to confront the crisis of tens of thousands of people living on the streets.
Herb collectors spend three months in caves
The locals of the southern villages of Changkheli Rural Municipality in Humla district have to stay in caves for months while collecting herbs from the forests. The herb collectors have been staying in the caves at night due to a lack of houses in the area and tents to spend the nights.
Nepal suffers 5-wicket loss to Pakistan
Nepali young guns suffered a consecutive second loss after going down to Pakistan by five wickets in the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup Cricket at the Buffalo Park Cricket Ground in East London, South Africa on Wednesday.
Loyang Sherpa wins World Rising Star
Loyang Sherpa emerged winner in the ‘World Rising Star 2024’ a children's competition held in Georgia. Loyang, a seventh-grader at Trijyoti Secondary School in Kapan, clinched the top title by surpassing contestants from 40 countries.
US strikes militia sites in Iraq
The U.S. military struck three facilities in Iraq and two anti-ship missiles in Yemen operated by Iranian-backed militias that have attacked U.S. personnel and ships in the region as the United States tries to keep the Israel-Hamas war from spilling over into a wider conflict.
Sagarmatha Lokmarga in sorry state due to negligence of contractor
Three decades have passed since the construction of the Sagarmatha Lokmarga began, yet the blacktopping remains incomplete.The then Prime Minister, Manamohan Adhikari, laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Sagarmatha Lokmarga (highway) in 1995.
Jhapa solar plant aiming to attract tourists
Jhapa Energy Limited's solar power plant in Bolochowk, Shivasatakshi Municipality-4, is going to both generate electricity and attract tourists. The plant will be formally inaugurated on February 6 by CPN-UML Chairman and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli.
National Assembly election today
Election to the National Assembly is being held on Thursday. Voters have reached the provincial capitals of all seven provinces to cast their votes. Altogether 549 members of the provincial assemblies and 1,498 chiefs and deputy chiefs of local levels will cast their votes to elect 19 members of the Upper House of the Federal Parliament.
