Tourism Info Nepal

Development of Sagrahawa Sculptural Park Emphasized for Tourism and Heritage Conservation

Development of Sagrahawa Sculptural Park Emphasized for Tourism and Heritage Conservation

Residents and stakeholders have been urged to take the lead in managing and preserving the sculptures created during the Sagrahawa Sculptural Workshop, with the vision of developing the area into an attractive garden. This sentiment was highlighted during a discussion program organized by the Lumbini Development Trust on Sunday in Sagrahawa.

The event focused on the preservation of sculptures that reflect the historical significance of the Sagrahawa region. Representatives of the Lumbini Development Trust, Kapilvastu Municipality, and other organizations emphasized the importance of local initiatives in safeguarding heritage sites.

Province Assembly Member Bishnu Panthi stressed that transforming Sagrahawa into a scenic park featuring these sculptures could significantly benefit the local community. He remarked that extending the stay of tourists visiting Lumbini could be achieved through the appeal of Sagrahawa’s historical and artistic attractions.

Dhundiraj Bhattarai, Treasurer of the Lumbini Development Trust, underscored that the sculptures belong to the local community and can only be preserved through their active involvement. He urged the local government and residents to take ownership by decorating and developing the area into a beautiful park.

Sanuraja Shakya, Member Secretary of the Lumbini Development Trust, encouraged Kapilvastu Municipality and the local community to devise a clear plan for preserving these sculptures. He highlighted the need for collaborative efforts to ensure the long-term protection of the site’s cultural assets.

Local leaders, including Lalit Bahadur Gurung, Devendra Pokhrel, Hiralal Paudel, and Dr. Abdul Rashid Khan, also expressed their views, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment for conservation. They called on the Trust to provide necessary resources and facilities.

Sagrahawa holds a pivotal place in Buddhist history. According to accounts, the site is associated with the mass killing of thousands of Shakyas by King Virudhaka of the Kosala Kingdom. This tragic event, a result of revenge against the Shakya lineage, is believed to have occurred during the later years of Shakyamuni Buddha’s life.

Chinese traveler Xuanzang, in his travelogue from 636 CE, described the construction of hundreds of stupas by the Shakya people on the western and southern parts of Sagrahawa Lake to commemorate the massacre.

The historical and artistic value of Sagrahawa presents a unique opportunity to promote cultural tourism. Developing the area as a sculptural park could attract visitors and contribute to the socio-economic development of the local community while preserving its rich heritage. The Lumbini Development Trust and local stakeholders are committed to ensuring the site becomes a focal point for both cultural preservation and tourism.

This initiative aligns with Nepal’s broader efforts to highlight its historical and cultural treasures to the world.

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