Minister Kharel explores Patan Durbar Square

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Dec. 8: Patan is considered one of the oldest cities in the Kathmandu Valley and holds a rich cultural heritage, architecture, and temples.

In ancient times, the city was known by various names, including Yala, Manigal, Lalitpatan, and Lalitapuri. It is believed that King Bardeva founded the city. At the centre of ancient Patan lies Patan Durbar Square, which stands as an iconic symbol of historical monuments and cultural heritage.

To appreciate the city's rich heritage and beauty, Minister for Communications and Information Technology, Jagdish Kharel, explored Patan Durbar Square on Saturday.

 During his visit, he emphasised the need to preserve and promote Nepal’s unparalleled natural beauty and its historic cultural heritage.

While observing the historic and archaeological heritage site of Patan Durbar Square, Minister Kharel expressed commitment to prioritising the preservation of Lalitpur’s traditional heritage, art, and culture. 

Minister Kharel said, “We must protect Nepal’s history, art, architecture and culture, and through this, promote Nepal at the global level. The cultural heritage and food culture of Lalitpur should be internationalised.

Stating that various castes, languages, cultures, and heritage represent Nepal’s unique identity, he highlighted the need for collective efforts to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of Lalitpur, which is widely known at home and abroad as a heritage city.

He further added that strong coordination and cooperation among the federal, provincial, and local governments is necessary for the holistic development of Lalitpur, a city known for its tangible and intangible heritage as well as its religious, cultural, and historical significance.

Minister Kharel visited Patan Durbar Square, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site. He also explored the historic Krishna Mandir and Patan Durbar Museum and observed the Sundari Chowk, Mul Chowk, Keshav Narayan Chowk, and Bhandarkhal garden area, among others, inside the museum premises. He also observed the ongoing ‘Craft and Cultural Festival’ at the museum premises.