Singha Durbar: Rising from Ruins with Hope

September 15, Kathmandu: Singha Durbar, reduced to ruins by arson and vandalism during the Gen Z protests, stands with the national flag bearing the sun and moon still flying high.

Amid the devastation, it carries hope and resilience. Surveying the charred remains, Professor Keshav Basyal of Tribhuvan University expressed sorrow but remained optimistic. “My eyes struggle to witness this, yet I’m confident Singha Durbar will rise again,” he said, his voice heavy with emotion.

The flag atop the wreckage symbolises national unity and the call for reconstruction.

Lawyer Devmaya Ghimire, capturing the scene, shared, “The sight of Singha Durbar burning breaks my heart.” Similarly, Sumitra Shrestha, another legal professional, lamented the destruction of public heritage. The fire-damaged walls, once adorned with intricate art, await restoration.

A historical landmark from the Rana era, built in 1903 by Chandra Shumsher, Singha Durbar housed 1,700 rooms and was Asia’s largest palace at the time.

Despite a 1973 fire, it has endured as Nepal’s administrative heart. Employees returned to work on Sunday, determined to rebuild.

With collective resolve, Singha Durbar will stand tall again, embodying Nepal’s rich history and aspirations.