TRADITIONAL STONE SPOUTS IN NEWAR COMMUNITY: INTERPRETIVE INQUIRY

Abstract

Traditional stone spouts are the cultural identity of the Newar Community. These spouts symbolize the beauty it holds and the cultural identity they carries for Newar Community. Besides its cultural value, it carries environmental and ecological value. Looking back to the past, when there was a high-volume flow of water from these spouts, the environment was calm, peaceful and healthy. But stone spouts today are in vulnerable states, so the environment is affected. The main objective of this study is to investigate the lived experiences of Newari people with traditional stone spouts and to find out how and why their connections with these stone spouts have changed over time. The study was conducted using Interpretive Inquiry for understanding the cultural and ecological background. I gathered the required data or information through interviews and field observation.Participants for the interview were selected using the following criteria: Newari citizens and Local Newar of the Banglamukhi temple area. Different traditional stone spouts sites were visited in the study area for physical observations. These include Misa Hiti, Konti Hiti and Konti Pokhari of the Banglamuki temple area. Results of this study show that the traditional stone spouts today are in critical condition. Among the reasons behind its critical state, a few things include haphazard urbanization, overpopulation, excessive groundwater extractions, lack of conservation institutions, and strong stone-spout management policies. Traditional knowledge and practices of the people regarding the construction, use , and management of stone spouts were environmentally friendly and sustainable. The cultures they followed were like rules for conserving the stone spouts during ancient times in which they were happily habituated. Traditional knowledge and practices of the local community, especially Newar communities of Kathmandu Valley, on managing stone spouts should be acknowledged, recognized and respected. Similarly,ll stone spouts should be protected and revitalised to preserve our ancient cultural heritage and solve the present water scarcity in the Kathmandu Valley.