On the occasion of World Heritage Day-2009, Nepal Heritage Society opened different courtyards of Basantapur Durbar Square in Nepali capital Kathmandu, a United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization World Heritage site, to public on Sunday.

Prior to this, the courtyards were restricted.

"To mark the occasion, we decided to open Mul Chowk, Mohan Chowk, Trishul Chowk and Nasal Chowk of Basantapur Durbar Square for the public to appreciate and embrace the importance of such historical monuments," informed Besh Narayan Dahal, chief of National Museum. Nasal Chowk is the courtyard where new kings used to be crowned.

The World Heritage Day-2009 was celebrated Sunday in Nepal with the slogan of "Heritage and Science" for this year.

Dahal said the day was important as it would help create awareness among people about the importance of historical monuments of the country.

He added that the World Heritage Day was celebrated to share the wealth of mankind stating that protecting and preserving such invaluable assets needed collective efforts of both national and international communities.

"Our objective is to raise awareness about the diversity of cultural heritage and the efforts that are required to protect and conserve it," said Dahal.

-- (Xinhua News, Apr.20, 2009)