Editorial photo #13649166 Religion and Belief

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)

Photo details

Photo ID: #13649166
Date taken: 1 May 2026
Location: —
Photographer: Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category: Religion and Belief

Related keywords

Medium Group of People Full Length Full Body Action Shot 2570th Buddha Jayanti Bajradhatu Vihar Buddha Jayanti Buddha statue Buddhist site Buddhist tradition Department Of Archaeology Nepal Dhime Baja Hanuman Dhoka Museum Jor Ganesh Kathmandu Kathmandu valley Kwapa Dyah Nepal New York Newar heritage Nhuchhe Baha Ombahal Repatriation Ritual procession Safal Prakash Shrestha Stolen Artifact Stone Buddha Tibet House Collection Vajradhatu Buddha antiquities return artifact reinstallation ceremonial procession community custodianship community ritual cultural heritage cultural identity cultural revival devotional practice guthi system heritage conservation heritage justice heritage preservation law heritage protection heritage recovery historical repatriation intangible heritage living heritage monument restoration museum return processional carrying religious ceremony religious ritual restoration sacred object shrine installation traditional music urban heritage