Repatriated Historic Buddha Statue Returns To Original Shrine On 2570th Buddha Jayanti In Nepal

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Repatriated Historic Buddha Statue Returns To Original Shrine On 2570th Buddha Jayanti In Nepal

The Nepal Police Band performs music as officials carry the historic stone Buddha statue known as Kwapa Dyah from Hanuman Dhoka Museum in Kathmandu, Nepal, back to its original shrine at Nhuchhe Baha (Bajradhatu Vihar) in Jor Ganesh, Ombahal, on May 1, 2026, during the 2570th Buddha Jayanti. The Vajradhatu Buddha statue, which is archaeologically and religiously significant, was previously stolen and later found at the Tibet House Collection in New York, United States. It was repatriated to Nepal approximately four years ago and kept at the Chhauni National Museum through efforts by the Department of Archaeology, heritage activists, and related institutions. Following legal procedures under the Ancient Monument Preservation Act 2013 (Section 20A), the statue has been formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)


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