Indian ambassador to Nepal Ranjit Rae inaugurated five historical-cultural sites in Lalitpur which have been recently restored with the Government of India financial grant of NRs 2,24,09,000. These include Nagbahaltole Suddhar Cheen,Kul Devta Agan Ghar,Bhindya Lachi Chapa and Lukushi Pati and the Ganga Pokhari.These sites are centre of cultural importance to the local community.

The Ganga Pokhari at Bungmati village is considered auspicious and sign of good luck and prosperity. The pond is source of drinking water round the year and its water is also used for bathing rituals for God Rato Machhindra Nath.

The other four are Community houses for the local Buddhist communities of Patan, Lalitpur. These houses are situated around the Hiranyabarna Mahabihar (the golden temple). These community houses serve multiple purposes and are used for training, health clinic, socio-economic and educational activities and as common meeting place.

The restoration of these historical and cultural sites with the Government of India grant underlines the importance accorded by India to the preservation and promotion of the rich cultural and historical heritage of Nepal, which is in the spirit of the strong historical bonds linking the two countries. Three other projects pertaining to restoration of historical sites, rehabilitation of Rajkulo in Chapagaon and construction of a school building have been completed in this district with the total grant assistance of NRs 82.10 million by the Government of India.

“Additionally, two other projects with total commitment of NRs 96.60 million are currently under implementation.  The Government of India in the past has also gifted 13 ambulances and 07 buses to different organizations serving the people of Lalitpur. Apart from this Government of India has extended financial assistance of approx. NRs 501.53 million towards renovation, restoration, upgradation of various sites of religious, educational, cultural and historical importance in Nepal in financial year 2015-2016,” said a press release of Indian Embassy.