Valentine’s Day: Couples reaching Rani Mahal today

KATHMANDU: Today, Valentine’s Day, also known as Lover’s Day, is being celebrated worldwide, including in Nepal, with expressions of love and affection. This annual event is observed on Feb 14.

A significant gathering of couples can be seen at the historic and tourist attraction, Rani Mahal, located in Palpa.

According to locals, thousands of young couples flock to Rani Mahal on Valentine’s Day.

Initially, people visited the palace for sightseeing, but now, the place witnesses a large presence of the younger generation, says local resident Deepak Pandey.

People from Palpa, Rupandehi, Syangja, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu, and Gulmi regions often visit Rani Mahal.

Located 13 kilometers north of the district headquarters, Tansen, the palace was inaugurated in 1950 and completed in 1954.

The palace, situated on the banks of the Kaligandaki River, is considered a symbol of love, which draws many romantic couples.

Rani Mahal, also known as Ranighat Palace, is a historic Rana palace constructed by General Khadga Shamsher Jang Bahadur Rana in 1893.

The palace was built in memory of his wife, Tej Kumari Devi, who passed away in 1892. To honor her last wish of constructing a place of pilgrimage, Khadga Shamsher decided to build the palace, which literally translates to “Queen’s Palace.”

The palace, designed by a British architect, took four years to complete, using labor from army platoons and local villagers. The surrounding area was also named Rani Ban (Queen’s Forest), and the nearby ghats were named Rani Ghat.

In 1902, Khadga Shamsher fled to India, leaving the palace abandoned.

After decades of neglect, Rani Mahal was on the verge of ruin by the end of the 20th century.

Recognizing its historical value, the Government of Nepal allocated funds for its restoration in 2017, bringing it back to its original state. A museum was established, and a new road was built to boost tourism.

Every year, on Valentine’s Day, couples visit the palace to celebrate their love. Initially, visitors came primarily for sightseeing, but now the palace attracts a large number of young couples from regions such as Palpa, Rupandehi, Syangja, Nawalparasi, Kapilvastu, and Gulmi.

Rani Mahal, often referred to as the “Taj Mahal of Nepal” due to its romantic legacy and riverfront location, continues to be a symbol of enduring love.

It is accessible by a motorable road from Tansen or via a foot trail from Kailash Nagar near Batase Danda.