Kathmandu. It seems that the plateau of Mustang across the Himalayas is an oil painting on canvas. Its centuries-old rich tradition is still attractive to the world.
In the last 20 years, the Himalayan geography of Mustang came under the double pressure of development and climate change. However, the Himalayan beauty here is becoming an equally interesting subject for many people. Famous photographer Kishore Kayastha has captured this dimension in his lens.
The exhibition of panoramic pictures of attractive and charming Mustangs taken by Kayasth from 2004 to 2024 has started at the Art Council in Babarmahal in the capital from Monday. 30 photographs taken by Kayastha and photographs of cultural heritage including monasteries restored through the Ambassador Fund of the American Embassy are also on display.
US Embassy Deputy Chief of Mission Jason P. Mix opened the exhibition. The exhibition started with Buddhist lamas chanting and praying. Jason mentioned that the United States of America has been protecting cultural heritage in Mustang for decades through the American Himalaya Foundation.
Also included are 15 photos of cultural heritage restoration under the American Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP) project in Mustang. According to the embassy, the United States has so far contributed $4.54 million to 28 cultural heritage restoration projects in Nepal.
Photographer Kayasth said that he captured the scenes and feelings he saw and experienced in the Mustang. He said that it is the place where Lord Mustang lives and said that he was happy to photograph the place rich in natural beauty. Kayastha has been embracing the photography profession independently for a long time.
Local residents of Mustang were also present at the Art Council to see his photo exhibition.
Gehendra Dhimal Foundation has organized a photo exhibition in collaboration with the American Embassy. The name of the exhibition is ‘Mustang Nostalgia: A Two Decade Odyssey’. Gautam Dhimal, chairman of the foundation, said that the exhibition is of great importance in increasing awareness about climate change and cultural preservation.
The secretary of the foundation, Savin Basnet, said that the photo exhibition was also organized to convey the message that urbanization and climate change have affected the beauty of the Mustang. The exhibition will run from 7 to 14 January from 11 am to 4 pm.
