Chiva Chaitya - Respect, Promote, Protect

Project Site Visit at Yenga Hiti by WMF and AFCP Representatives April 4, 2025 | Kathmandu On April 3, 2025 , the Yenga Hiti site —one of the key restoration locations under Chiva Chaitya Organization’s ongoing two-year water heritage conservation program—was visited by representatives from the World Monuments Fund (WMF) and the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) . The visiting delegation included Hunghsi Chao from WMF, and Mike , Erica , and Dhruba representing AFCP/US Embassy Kathmandu. During the site visit, the team observed the ongoing restoration and rehabilitation work at Yenga Hiti and interacted with local stakeholders and project team members. They expressed appreciation for the community engagement, technical quality , and the progress made so far under the project. The site exemplifies the collaborative spirit of the initiative, which integrates traditional water systems with modern conservation approaches. The visit served as a moment of encoura...

Without a Gaju, a Chiva is not complete. It represents the spiritual pinnacle, guiding devotees toward the ultimate goal of liberation. A Chiva at Tenga, ward 18 was without Gaju. Chiva Chaitya Organization is happy to be able to install the Gaju. A group photo after Gaju installation We would like to thank ward official, community members for their support. Our special gratitude to Hanumandhoka Durbar Kshhetra Karyakram, Kathmandu Municipality for supporting our initiative in heritage preservation. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 37 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Way-1, ShobhaBhagavati Way- Near KarnaDip Gate-1,   Samimuga Galli -1, Tenga-1(this) Completed date: 20241201

Without a Gaju, a Chiva is not complete. It represents the spiritual pinnacle, guiding devotees toward the ultimate goal of liberation. A Chiva at Samimuga Galli, ward 18 was without Gaju. Chiva Chaitya Organization is happy to be able to install the Gaju. We would like to thank ward official, community members for their support. Our special gratitude to Hanumandhoka Durbar Kshhetra Karyakram, Kathmandu Municipality for supporting our initiative in heritage preservation. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 36 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Way-1, ShobhaBhagavati Way- Near KarnaDip Gate-1,   Samimuga Galli -1 (this) Completed date: 20241201

Without a Gaju, a Chiva is not complete. Its intricate design reflects the artistic mastery of the Newar community, blending beauty with spirituality. A Chiva at ShobhaBhagavati Way, near KarnaDip gate, ward 15 was without Gaju. Chiva Chaitya Organization is happy to be able to install the Gaju. After Gaju Installation Chiva becomes complete We would like to thank ward official, community members for their support. Our special gratitude to Hanumandhoka Durbar Kshhetra Karyakram, Kathmandu Municipality for supporting our initiative in heritage preservation. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 35 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Way-1, ShobhaBhagavati Way- Near KarnaDip Gate-1 (this) Completed date: 20241201

Chiva Chaitya Organization continues to explore the possibility of usage of technologies in heritage preservation. Here we can see a team from CCO looking inside a Hiti for blockages. New tools like GPR and endoscopy will be added to the arsenal for heritage preservation. These are non-invasive tools, which CCO hopes will help in long term and sustainable conservation of ancient Hiti System of Kathmandu Valley. The Hiti system, an ancient water management network in Kathmandu Valley, reflects Newar ingenuity, sustaining communities with water and cultural heritage. The preservation of hiti systems, the traditional stone spouts of the Kathmandu Valley, faces significant challenges due to their underground infrastructure. These ancient water systems rely on a network of subterranean canals, reservoirs, and natural springs that are highly vulnerable to urbanization, construction activities, and land use changes. Encroachment and unregulated development often disrupt or block these underg...

Without a Gaju, a Chiva is not complete. The Gaju is the crowning ornament of a Chaitya, symbolizing path to enlightenment and the attainment of nirvana. A Chiva at ShobhaBhagavati Way, ward 15 was without Gaju. Chiva Chaitya Organization is happy to be able to install the Gaju. Chiva without Gaju Installing Gaju Chiva with Gaju We would like to thank ward official, community members for their support. Our special gratitude to Hanumandhoka Durbar Kshhetra Karyakram, Kathmandu Municipality for supporting our initiative in heritage preservation. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 34 Gaju installation includes: 12(Shreegha), BhindyoTwa-1, LakhaTirtha-2,Chaga-1, Jhochhen-1, Chikamuga_1-1, Makhan-1, Chikamuga_2-1, KangaAjima-6, ChivaKhyo-2, LukuPhalcha-1, MaruDhwakha-1, Basantapur-1, Bijeswori-1, Bijeswori to Swoyambhu Way-1, ShovaBhagawati Way-1 (this) Completed date: 20241201