Patan – The U.S. Embassy awarded $150,000 through the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) to the Kathmandu Valley Preservation Trust for the conservation of Octagonal Krishna Temple that was severely damaged during the 2015 earthquakes. During a ceremony in Patan Durbar Square, U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Randy W. Berry, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom Sam Brownback, Director General of Department of Archeology Damodar Gautam, and Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiribabu Maharjan commemorated the beginning of restoration and conservation work.
AFCP funding will support the seismic strengthening and conservation of the shikhara style Octagonal Krishna Temple. Built in 1723 AD, the temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and uses an innovative form of stone masonry that is unparalleled in South Asia. The conservation work is expected to be completed within two years.
“This program shows the depth of America’s respect for the cultural heritage of Nepal,” said Ambassador Berry. “From our first AFCP project, Kal Bhairab, in 2003 to this latest Krishna Temple restoration, America has been a proud partner of Nepal in its effort to conserve unique and irreplaceable heritage in Nepal.”
Director General Gautam highlighted the lasting effects of the U.S. Embassy’s efforts. “We are grateful for the U.S. government’s support in the restoration and preservation of cultural heritage sites in Nepal. From Gaddi Baithak to Patan Royal Palace to this temple, the funding received through the AFCP has greatly helped the Government of Nepal’s post-earthquake cultural heritage restoration efforts.”
Photo link: https://www.flickr.com/photos/usembassykathmandu/albums/72157711588828942
For further information contact Andrea De Arment, Information Officer, U.S. Embassy in Nepal at DeArmentAJ@state.gov.
###