"Step back"

#13649162

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

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#13649164

1 May 2026

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.

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#13649165

1 May 2026

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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#13649166

1 May 2026

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.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#13649168

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
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#13649171

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649172

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649173

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649174

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649175

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649176

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649177

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649178

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649179

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649180

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.

#13649181

1 May 2026

Devotees and 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 sculpture, significant both archaeologically and religiously, 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 is now formally returned to its original guthi custodians, marking a step in the recovery of cultural heritage and reinforcing community-based conservation practices.

Restricted to Editorial Use Only.
Commercial use is not permitted without prior authorization.
Please contact us for more information.