Restoration of Itumbaha Monastery in Kathmandu

Itumbaha is one of historic Kathmandu’s oldest and most important Buddhist institutions still surviving in its original design. The social topography in the neighbourhood is still intact. Hundreds of faithful worshippers come each morning, but especially during the holy Buddhist month of Gunla (August) to pay their respects to the Buddha Aksobhya on the ground floor of the central shrine and to admire the treasures of the monastery displayed there.

After restoration of the Southern wing (2003) work is to be continued on the West wing which was badly damaged during the earthquake of 1934. A portion of the building is to be converted into a small museum for the collection of unique ritual items where they can be displayed to the public while at the same time being protected from theft or further deterioration by unsuitable storage. A detailed documentation of the restoration activities and the meaning of the religious ceremonies in book form will serve as a model for the community to envision how other endangered monuments can be restored and preserved.

The project offers opportunities for local workers and craftsmen to acquire new or improve existing skills in restoring historic buildings.

In addition, an outreach campaign to raise public awareness of ancient artefacts includes the creation and distribution of posters, a map/guide to Buddhist Kathmandu as well as information in the local media.