Cultural Heritage Promotion: Minister Kharel Stresses Araniko Birthplace Publicity
Araniko Birthplace Publicity International
2nd December 2025, Kathmandu
The Minister of Communication and Information Technology, Jagadish Kharel, recently called for the promotion of the birthplace of the national luminary and master artisan, Araniko.
Araniko Birthplace Publicity International
His visit to Kanibahal, Lalitpur, underscores the vital connection between national pride and cultural heritage preservation.
The Minister stressed that Araniko Birthplace Publicity International efforts must begin immediately to bring this important historical site to the global stage.
This move, while focused on heritage, aligns with the broader national agenda of leveraging unique assets for national and international publicity and economic growth, a goal often facilitated by technology and communication channels.
Minister’s Heritage Exploration in Lalitpur
Minister Kharel’s heritage tour started with an inspection of the Ward Office at Kanibahal. He then proceeded to the historical sites of Rudravarna Mahavihar and the actual birthplace of Araniko in Okubahal, making a personal visit to the area.
He highlighted that promoting such heritage sites would not only showcase their significance nationally but also internationally, drawing in tourists.
“Araniko’s contribution to sculpture promotion, reaching all the way to China, is invaluable,” Minister Kharel said. “We are rich in culture and heritage.
Our ancestors’ foresight built extremely important assets. We must focus on the preservation and promotion of these legacies.”
The Legacy of Araniko and Artistry
Araniko, a 13th-century Nepali artisan, played a pivotal role in introducing Nepalese art and architecture to the Yuan dynasty in China. His birthplace, located in Ward No. 6 of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, remains a hub for metal and sculptural industries.
This area is recognized as a center for entrepreneurship in metallurgy and sculptural arts, directly linking the historical master with contemporary local enterprise. Minister Kharel’s call for international publicity seeks to honor and extend this artistic lineage.
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The Minister also toured other important cultural sites, including the 13th-century artistry of Rudravarna Mahavihar, Mahabuddha, and the Vidyadhari Devi Temple.
Coordination and Local Government Support
During his visit, Minister Kharel emphasized the crucial role of Ward Offices as government bodies that deliver effective daily services to the public.
He assured local officials that federal ministers are committed to coordinating and collaborating with Ward Chairpersons and their offices.
The Minister acknowledged the need to address the challenges facing the local government and assured them of his commitment to initiating solutions.
Rupendra Raj Shakya, the Ward Chairperson of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Ward No. 6, took the opportunity to raise a critical issue: the difficulty in securing federal government budgets for the Ward, especially for the preservation of tangible heritage.
He explicitly requested the Communication Minister’s assistance in facilitating funding for the conservation of these vital structures.
Local Challenges and Future Promise
Chairperson Shakya expressed his delight in meeting the Federal Minister, noting the difficulty even in meeting local parliamentarians.
He reiterated the Ward’s importance as Araniko’s birthplace and a hub for metal and sculpture businesses. His request to the Minister was clear: provide the financial support necessary to protect and promote this national treasure.
Minister Kharel’s visit served as a high-level recognition of the significance of this heritage site. His commitment to prioritizing Araniko Birthplace Publicity International efforts and addressing local budgetary constraints offers a promising path forward.
The successful blending of heritage promotion with national ICT and communication platforms will be key to achieving this international publicity.
