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Hāthu Dyah Idol Replica Returns To Kirtipur In Revival Effort

Devotees transport the newly cast replica of the historic Hathu Dyah (Bhairav) idol back to Kirtipur following its bronze casting at a workshop in Thimi, Bhaktapur, on June 27, 2026. The approximately eight-foot-tall idol is being recreated through a community-funded restoration initiative to revive a centuries-old Newar tradition that disappeared after the fall of the Malla period. The project was launched after a copperplate inscription discovered during the restoration of the Bagh Bhairav idol in 2013 documented the historical practice of displaying the Hathu Dyah idol during the annual Bagh Bhairav Jatra and distributing ritual offerings from its mouth. The original idol is no longer extant, but the committee has stated that the tradition gradually disappeared following the decline of the Malla era. The reconstructed idol will undergo final carving and decoration before its ceremonial unveiling during a future Bagh Bhairav Jatra. (Photo by Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto)

Photo ID	#13894126
Date Taken	27 June 2026
Location	N/A
Photographer	Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto
Category	Religion and Belief
Copyright	© 2026 NurPhoto - Safal Prakash Shrestha/NurPhoto

No People Bagh Bhairav Jatra Bhairav idol Bhaktapur Hathu Bhairav Hāthu Dyah June 2026 Kathmandu Kirtipur Malla period Nepal Nepal culture Newar culture Newar tradition Ritual Practice Safal Prakash Shrestha Thimi bronze casting community project copperplate inscription cultural heritage cultural revival heritage conservation heritage restoration idol reconstruction lost tradition medieval Nepal metal casting processions religious festival religious tradition replica idol sculpture temple tradition