Chiva Chaitya - Respect, Promote, Protect

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...

  Lagan Baha-Kirti Punya MahaVihar in Kathmandu -21 is one if the most beautiful Vihar courtyards in the valley. The premises holds many beautiful and of different types of Chivas. Some of the Chivas were without the Gaju, the finial, important component of a Chiva. A Gaju, although small in size holds many detailed parts namely Harmika, Torana, Triyodasha Bhuvana, Chhatra and Ushnisha. Thus a Gaju is important and integral part of a Chiva and without a Gaju a Chiva is not complete. Chiva Chaitya Organization is proud to be able to complete the Chivas and this is part of our continued effort to highlight the importance of these heritage monuments. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 43 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 Wa...

  One of two Chivas that got restored Chiva Before Restoration Second Chiva that got restored Chiva before restoration: a makeshift cement cone was put instead of a Gaju. A Gaju consists of beautiful carving consisting of Harmika, Triyodasha Bhuvan, Toran, Chhatra and Ushnisa. Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 40 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, Ason-1, Lagan Tadhan Baha-2 (this) Completed date: 20250523

  Total Gaju restored till now since counting including this (to reach 100): 38 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, Ason-1(this) Completed date: 20250523

Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) has proudly launched this year’s Heritage Research Program for Students , continuing our commitment to educating and empowering the next generation of heritage stewards. On May 3, 2025 , an Orientation Program was organized where about 130 students from 14 schools gathered to embark on this exciting journey of learning and exploration. The orientation session was enriched by a presentation from heritage enthusiast and architect Alina Tamrakar , who provided students with valuable insights into the Hiti system — Kathmandu Valley’s ancient water management network. Students learned not just about the visible structures of the Hitis, but also about the complex internal engineering that has made these traditional systems function for centuries. Following the orientation, students have formed teams and will be assigned different Hitis across the city to conduct research and gather data. Their findings will be compiled into reports, which will later be s...

Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) has been doing restoration work has officially begun at Yenga Hiti as part of our ongoing Hiti Heritage Conservation Project . Yenga Hiti, an important historic water spout in Kathmandu, has long served as a crucial source of water and a testament to the Valley’s ancient water management expertise. Through this restoration, CCO aims to revive not just the physical structure but also the deep cultural and environmental significance of the Hiti system. We were honored to welcome Nicole Chulick, Deputy Assistant Secretary, US State Department along with officials from the U.S. Embassy in Kathmandu, Mike and Erica , to the Yenga Hiti restoration site. In keeping with Newar traditions, our distinguished guests were offered Sagun — a ceremonial offering of auspicious foods symbolizing welcome, respect, and goodwill. The Sagun ceremony reflects the deep-rooted cultural practices of Kathmandu Valley, where hospitality and spiritual blessings go hand in ha...

As part of the broader program detailed here , Chiva Chaitya Organization (CCO) recently organized a special Hiti Heritage Tour in Kathmandu. This initiative aimed to deepen understanding and appreciation of the ancient water management systems — the Hitis — that have sustained Kathmandu Valley for centuries. Guided by Alina Tamrakar, a passionate heritage enthusiast and a Masters graduate in architecture, the tour took participants to several important Hiti sites across the city. Artists, members of Rotary Club, CCO volunteers, and members of the public joined the walk, discovering not only the beautifully crafted visible structures but also learning about the intricate internal systems that make the traditional water spouts function — a knowledge often hidden from everyday view. Through this journey, participants gained valuable insight into the ingenuity and sophistication of the historic Hiti system, and the urgent need to preserve this vital part of Kathmandu’s living heritag...