Nostalgia in Singha Durbar
Never did I expect to feel nostalgic in Singha Durbar—a place that remains
Shailee Manandhar,23rd August,2024,
elusive to common Nepalis. My day at Singha Durbar started as it does for most
visitors entering the grand palace - now a mini-city housing various ministries
- waiting in line for the so-called pass that has to be arranged by someone
inside the Durbar. Initially called in for a morning meeting, I was later invited
to another meeting in the afternoon. With three hours to spare, I decided to
venture out and explore the premises.
Never did I expect to feel nostalgic in Singha Durbar—a place that remains elusive to common Nepalis. My day at Singha Durbar started as it does for most visitors entering the grand palace - now a mini-city housing various ministries- waiting in line for the so-called pass that has to be arranged by someone inside the Durbar. Initially called in for a morning meeting, I was later invited to another meeting in the afternoon. With three hours to spare, I decided to venture out and explore the premises.
Having missed the main building on my first visit, this time I was determined to see the beautiful face of the palace. As I approached the main building, I was a bit disappointed to see it under renovation. However, the main face looked majestic. I wondered what the building was used for back then and how different it is now. The stately building overlooking a fountain—also under renovation—and having a direct view of Dharahara was perfectly situated. I also remembered my grandfather’s story about the fire in 2030 BS that engulfed the place, and how they bombed it to save the front part of the building. Noticing the different windows on the front and sides brought his story to life.
Recalling my grandfather’s stories brought back a flood of memories about his recounts of Babar Mahal, Swayambhu, Taudaha, Hanuman Dhoka, and other places in the valley. I clearly remember the afternoons he would take me to Hanuman Dhoka, watching me, I believe in awe, as I ran up and down the temples. Despite my pleas for him to join me, he always declined, citing his knee problems. There is a huge stone plate carved with words from various languages in Aagen Chen near the entrance of Hanuman Dhoka, with a spout at the bottom. He told me that if someone could read all the lines, milk would come out of the spout. As a child, I told him that I would learn all the languages to see that tale come true. Kid Shailee was naive. This stream of thoughts then shifted to how time changes everything. The places I used to roam are not the same anymore, and the faces I once knew have changed. Caught up in the hustle and bustle of life outside the country, I sometimes forget that it’s not just me who changes, but the places and people around me as well. The familiar faces now have wrinkles, some people are no longer with us, and there are new births adding fresh life. There is a certain image set in my mind about people and place, but with such visible changes, I am constantly reminded that a few years can make a big difference. It’s a bittersweet realization that while I have been evolving and growing, so has everything and everyone around me.
Taking in these thoughts, I walked along Radio Nepal and Gallery Baithak to find a little outlet of DDC. For nostalgic reasons and the sunny weather, I stepped in to grab some ice cream. To my surprise, the little ice cream cup now costs Rs 65! I used to get it for Rs 25 when I was growing up. Inflation aside, the little vanilla ice cream cup took me back to my childhood again when I had those ice creams on my way home from school with my mom. The smooth texture and creaminess of DDC’s vanilla ice cream is unbeatable - so indulgently rich and milky! After savouring my last bite, I headed to the canteen for lunch before my afternoon meeting.