Canadakhabar Desk – Kathmandu | September 9

A devastating fire has consumed the iconic Singha Durbar, one of Nepal’s most significant landmarks and a symbol of the nation’s political and cultural history.

The inferno broke out late last night, rapidly spreading through the palace’s historic halls and intricately designed architecture. By morning, much of the structure had been reduced to ashes, leaving the nation in mourning.

Built in the early 20th century by Prime Minister Chandra Shumsher JBR, Singha Durbar once stood as one of South Asia’s grandest palaces. It later became the seat of Nepal’s government and an enduring emblem of the nation’s political journey.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as heartbreaking, with flames consuming priceless artifacts, documents, and centuries of architectural heritage. “We have not only lost a palace; we have lost a part of ourselves,” one local said.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire. Fire brigades and emergency services battled through the night, but the scale of destruction has left deep scars on the nation’s collective memory.

As Nepal comes to terms with this tragedy, cultural experts emphasize the urgent need for stronger preservation and disaster-prevention measures for the country’s remaining heritage sites.