After witnessing the controversial Massacre of the Royal Family of Nepal where the Family of King Birendra was completely wiped out, the Narayanhiti palace famed its name in the world’s most popular monuments. It’s again back toping media’s headlines telling its part of the story about the mystery and importance of its standing among Nepalese people and the world.
On 27 February, 2009, the Current Prime Minister of Nepal, Puspa Kamal Dahal Inaugurated the Narayanhiti Palace as a Museum to open for general Public.
The palace with its history of belonging to the Shah dynasty has witness several Shah Kings and is live testimonial to the Famous Royal Massacre of 2001 of King Birendra and his family at Tribhuvan Sadan.
Amidst, the rise of republican in the country, the monarchy system was abolished in the country nationalizing all properties of then King Gynandra including the Narayanhiti palace.
The Narayanhiti palace was built 40 years back with a rigorous construction of six years. The palace spread in 753 ropanies where the museum occupies only 318 ropnies with 54 rooms where only 19 have been made accessible to the public .Similarly, the abode also shares the space with Nepal’s Foreign Ministry and Security bodies.
The main attraction of the museum is the golden and silver Ceremonial throne, Banquette hall and other vivid items used by the royal family.
The museum would open five days a week except on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and public Holidays from 11 AM to 3 PM. Likewise, the entrance fee for the Narayanhiti Museum has been allocated as followed: Nepali Student Nrs 20, Other Nepalese Nrs 100, Chinese and SAARC Tourist Nrs 250, other tourist Nrs 500 and fee has been leaved for children below 3 years of age.
After the inauguration the museum has been crowed with long lines of people to witness the history of Nepalese culture and to eyewitness the place where they lost their King Birendra who was very popular among the public.
Rama Pandey, a student who was excited to see the palace said, “This is a part of our history and stand live witness for the royal massacre. I’m too excited to see the palace. I strongly believe that it’s a part of our culture and tradition where making it a museum certain gives an edge to understand the culture and tradition of Nepal and its past history.”
A security personnel at guard of the palace said, “From Friday, it has been hell managing the crowd. We expect foreign tourists but moreover, the Nepalese public have flocked the place to witness the where they lost their beloved king and his family.”
By Shreedeep Rayamajhi