Kathmandu, Nepal, November 23, 2025: A historic toran, a sacred carved wooden archway, which is believed to have been stolen more than two decades ago from the Kumari Ghar in Basantapur, has been successfully reinstated in its original location. The reinstatement of the artifact, which is a major victory for Nepal's heritage recovery efforts, took place on Friday, November 21st.
The artifact was officially transferred and installed following a decision made during the Kathmandu Metropolitan City (KMC) meeting held on November 17. The toran was moved to the Kumari Ghar in Basantapur from the National Museum in Chhauni, where it had been kept for approximately two years after its return to Nepal.
The historic toran, which was believed to have been stolen around 1999 (2056 BS), was discovered at the Barakat Gallery in the United Kingdom. The official transfer was formalized after KMC Deputy Mayor Sunita Dangol, along with other committee coordinators and the Kumari House caretaker, visited the museum to sign and stamp the necessary handover documents. The successful restoration process was the result of coordinated efforts by the local government, cultural activists, Guthi Sanstha (Trust Corporation), and the community.
The semi-circular wooden toran, featuring a distinctive ‘Chhepu’ design (a mythical creature often used in Newari architecture), dates to the 17th-18th century. It measures 104.55 cm and was placed above the fifth window from the left on the ground-floor façade of the Kumari Ghar, the residence of the Living Goddess. Officials remarked that this successful restoration marks the beginning of a positive practice for the recovery of other lost and stolen artifacts from various heritage sites in the country.
