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CCO Awarded UNESCO Memory of the World Grant to Document Stone Inscriptions

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The Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) is delighted to share an exciting milestone in our journey of heritage preservation. This year (2025), CCO has been selected as a recipient of the Memory of the World (MOW) Grant , awarded by the Asia Culture Center (ACC) and the Memory of the World Committee for Asia and the Pacific (MOWCAP) . The Memory of the World Programme , launched by UNESCO in 1992, is a global initiative dedicated to safeguarding, preserving, and facilitating access to the world’s invaluable documentary heritage. By supporting projects that document and protect fragile records, manuscripts, and inscriptions, the program ensures that humanity’s shared memory is passed on to future generations. With this grant, CCO will document 100 stone inscriptions across the Kathmandu Valley , working closely with expert epigraphists. These inscriptions, many of which are centuries old, are not only vital historical records but also reflections of the Valley’s diverse cultural, religio...
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Walking with Heritage: UBC Students Join CCO in Kathmandu

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At Chiva Chaitya Organization, we had the privilege of welcoming students from the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, for a special learning session in Kathmandu. Our CEO, Mr. Amar Tuladhar, shared insights into the conservation challenges and heritage values of the Kathmandu Valley, while students engaged directly with the living heritage around them. This experience reminded us of a simple truth: heritage itself is a classroom, and learning often happens far beyond four walls. During their time here, the students joined us in heritage walks, observations, and reflective discussions that connected academic study with real-life heritage stewardship. By experiencing Chivas (stone stupas) and Hitis (stone spouts) within the city’s daily rhythm, they witnessed how these ancient structures—blending religious, historical, and practical functions—continue to serve communities today. From courtyards and public squares to narrow alleys, Chivas and Hitis revealed themselves not as reli...
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Restoration of Chiva near Ason

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 A Chiva near Ason, requiring restoration and with many missing parts including Gaju, four Buddhas was restored. CCO (Chiva Chaitya Organization) team completed the restoration, and we want to thank the community members for supporting and facilitating during the restoration works. Completed date: 20250423
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Celebrating Achievement: CCO Honors Future Guardians of Hitis

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Celebrating Young Researchers of Kathmandu’s Hitis The Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) proudly concluded its Heritage Research Program for Students – Research on Hitis with a special certificate and prize distribution ceremony. The event was graced by Chief Guest Sunita Dangol , Deputy Mayor of Kathmandu Municipality, who expressed her happiness with the work CCO has been doing to preserve and promote heritage. She praised the dedication of the students, noting how such programs contribute to safeguarding Kathmandu’s unique cultural treasures. Another distinguished guest, Padma Sundar Joshi , author of Hiti Pranali – a landmark book on the Hiti system – lauded the research and documentation carried out by the participants. He highlighted the importance of such work in raising awareness of traditional water systems and ensuring their preservation for generations to come. His appreciation reflected the deep connection between expert knowledge and youth involvement in heritage protec...
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Restoration of Chiva at Bhotahiti

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Some Chivas come with a design where above the four Buddhas (in each cardinal direction) a stone roof appears. Similar roof (called Pākhā) were missing in a Chiva at Bhotahiti, Ward-27, Kathmandu. We thank all our supporters including ward-27 office in Kathmandu. Completed date: 20250614
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Restoration of Tamsipakaha Chiva Completed

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A Chiva(Chaitya) has developed from simple architecture and iconography to complex formation with 2000 years of development. With development of the philosophy of Buddhism, different deities appeared in the Chivas. One of the prominent deities appearing in the Chivas are four Bodhisatvas in four cardinal directions namely: Manjushri, Padmapani, Avalokiteswor and Maitriya. A chiva at Tamsipakha (Ward-18 of Kathmandu) 3 of the 4 deities were stolen, only one is remaining. Three Manjushri, Padmapani and Maitriya. were carved as per the iconography and placed on the Chiva, giving philosophical completeness to the Chiva at Tamsipakha. Here we can see deities being fitted and also ward officials visiting the restoration works can be seen here. We thank all our supporters and ward office for their continued support in our endeavor in heritage preservation and promotion. Completed: 20250418
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Young Explorers Dive into the Legacy of Kathmandu’s Hitis

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Exploring the Living Heritage of Hitis As part of the Heritage Research Program for Students , Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) recently organized a unique learning experience centered on Kathmandu Valley’s historic hiti (stone water spout) system. Following the orientation session, students set out to explore various hiti sites, equipped with knowledge about their history, architecture, and cultural significance. This initiative aimed to inspire young minds to connect with heritage not just as observers, but as active researchers and future custodians. Hands-On Learning in the Field Over several days, students visited a range of hiti sites across the city, from the centuries-old spouts still flowing with water to neglected structures awaiting restoration. They documented each site through photographs, sketches, and interviews with local residents. Their observations covered aspects such as construction materials, traditional water management techniques, and the community’s relation...
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