Kathmandu: A centuries old idol of Gautam Buddha has been reinstated at its original site in Nhuchhe Baha after nearly five decades.

The historic statue, dating back to the 13th century had been stolen in the 1980s from the monastery located in Jorganesh Ombahal Tole, Ward-13 of Kathmandu. It was repatriated to Nepal on March 2, 2022 from the Tibet House Collection in New York, United States and had since been preserved at the Department of Archaeology.

The idol was ceremoniously reinstalled on May 1, marking the 2570th Buddha Jayanti. The event was attended by Acting Mayor Sunita Dangol, Ward Chair Macharaja Maharjan, heritage conservation activists and local Guthi members. The ceremony featured traditional music and community participation.

Speaking at the event, Dangol emphasized that heritage idols of Nepal Mandal carry deep cultural and social significance, urging communities to remain vigilant in preserving such artifacts.

National Museum Chief Aruna Nakarmi, along with conservationists Ganapatilal Shrestha and Sanjay Adhikari, highlighted ongoing efforts to recover and safeguard stolen heritage items as a positive step forward.

In recent years, other significant artifacts have also been repatriated and restored. These include the Toran of Kumari Ghar, reinstalled in November 2025 and a 13th century idol of Mahagauri (Parbati) from Suryamukhi Mahadev Temple which was returned from the United Kingdom and reinstalled in April 2026.

Kathmandu Metropolitan City has played a key role in facilitating the legal and administrative processes required for the recovery of these stolen cultural treasures.