Kathmandu Approves Construction of Residence for Living Deities Ganesh and Bhairav
Kathmandu , Authorities in Nepal’s capital have agreed to move forward with the construction of a dedicated residence for the living deities Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairav, a project officials say will strengthen Kathmandu’s cultural heritage and civic identity.
The decision was reached at a coordination meeting chaired by Acting Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Sunita Dangol, which approved the initiation of legal and administrative procedures related to land acquisition and usage. The proposed site lies south of Basantapur Dabali and previously housed buildings belonging to Tribhuvan University and Nava Adarsha Secondary School.
Senior representatives from key institutions attended the meeting, including officials from Kathmandu Metropolitan City, Tribhuvan University, Guthi Sansthan, the Department of Archaeology, security agencies, ward leadership, heritage conservation groups, and local community organizations.
Speaking at the meeting, Acting Mayor Dangol said the project would enhance Kathmandu’s cultural dignity and reinforce its identity as a living heritage city. She noted that the initiative follows the long-standing tradition of the Living Goddess Kumari and highlighted the ceremonial role of Lord Ganesh and Lord Bhairav during Yeñya, also known as Indra Jatra, one of the city’s most important annual festivals.
Dangol emphasized the need for a shared governance and ownership model involving municipal authorities, Tribhuvan University, Guthi Sansthan, heritage agencies, security bodies, and local guthi members to ensure sustainable management of the site.
Tribhuvan University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dipak Aryal told participants that the university would advance the land transfer through its formal institutional decision-making process.
Participants said the project would contribute to the preservation of traditional practices, boost local pride, and support cultural tourism. Representatives from Guthi Sansthan also confirmed that decisions have already been taken to reconstruct the chariots used during Indra Jatra processions.
The site previously contained a severely dilapidated structure damaged in the 2015 earthquake, which authorities said posed ongoing risks to public safety. Kathmandu Metropolitan City had earlier demolished the building to eliminate potential threats to life and property.
The land transfer process is being carried out in line with Nepal’s 2079 (2022/23) Procedure on Registration, Use, and Lease of Government Land. A coordination committee led by Dangol had been formed earlier to facilitate inter-agency cooperation.
City officials described the agreement as a significant step toward safeguarding Kathmandu’s living traditions and reaffirming its historic and cultural legacy.
