September 15, 2005

U.S. Embassy Grants Help Restore Temples

 

The U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu is providing $73,094 in grants to restore two temple sites in Kathmandu Durbar Square. Through the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation, the Embassy is providing the money to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust, which has overseen the restoration of many public and private historical sites in the Kathmandu Valley. A grant of $42,500 will help rebuild the Lakshmi Narayan Temple, and a grant of $30,594 will help rebuild the Mahadev Temples.  Under terms of the grants, the work on both sites is to be completed by summer 2006.

"Grants from the Ambassador's Fund for Cultural Preservation underscore the commitment of America and its people to help others - in this case Nepalis - to preserve their national cultural heritage," said Laura Lucas, assistant public affairs officer at the U.S. Embassy.  Her office arranged the grants.

With these new funds, the Embassy has now committed more than $120,000 over the past three years to cultural preservation projects in Nepal. The first project, the restoration of Kal Bhairav in Kathmandu Durbar Square, was completed this year and re-dedicated July 1 by Ambassador James F. Moriarty. The second project, the restoration of Kageshwor Temple, also in Kathmandu Durbar Square, will be completed this year. Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust is overseeing those projects.

 

*******