On the occasion of World Environment Day 2025, the team from Hotel Shambala united for a cause that blended environmental responsibility with cultural preservation. We visited the Bhadrakali Temple located in Budhanilkantha, and organized a large-scale cleaning and restoration campaign in and around the temple grounds.
This sacred space, surrounded by lush greenery and ancient heritage, served as the perfect setting to reflect our commitment to environmental sustainability and community engagement. The temple is not just a place of worship, it is a symbol of tradition, spirituality, and harmony with nature.
What We Did
More than 150 man-hours of collective effort went into transforming the temple environment. Our activities included:
- Thorough cleaning of temple premises, surrounding pathways, and open spaces.
- Sweeping and collecting waste, ensuring the temple grounds were litter-free and safe for devotees.
- Scrubbing and polishing traditional oil lamp stands and metal fixtures used for daily rituals.
- Draining and clearing clogged water areas, which had collected debris over time.
- Cleaning of the Cremation ground (ShamshanGhat)area.
- Repainting plant pots, fences, and benches, revitalizing the aesthetic of the space.
- Installing waste bins and water dispensers, promoting hygiene and cleanliness for future visitors.
- Community involvement and awareness, inspiring locals to maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of such sacred spaces.
Everyone wore protective gloves and masks and participated with heartfelt enthusiasm. The temple began to shine again, reflecting the energy of our commitment and the blessings of the goddess.
Sustainability Is Our Everyday Commitment at Hotel Shambala
Our work doesn’t stop on World Environment Day. At Hotel Shambala, sustainability is woven into our daily operations. Some of our key practices include:
Eliminating Single-Use Plastics in our Rooms
- We have completely phased out single-use plastic bottles, straws, and cutlery across all departments.
- Guest rooms are equipped with glass water bottles and refillable toiletry dispensers to reduce plastic waste.
Promoting Clean Transportation
- Our hotel uses Electric Vehicles (EVs) for guest transfers and deliveries, reducing our carbon footprint.
Water Conservation
- We collect and reuse rainwater and drain water for cleaning purposes.
- Our swimming pool is maintained with minimal use of eco-friendly chemicals that are safe for the environment.
- All water faucets have been adjusted to reduce water flow and promote water conservation.
Waste Management
- To support responsible waste management and reduce our environmental footprint, we are also partnered with Doko Recyclers to ensure proper recycling and disposal of waste materials.
- Food waste is either composted or donated where appropriate.
Supporting Local and Organic
- We source local, seasonal produce and partner with eco-friendly suppliers.
- Our spa products and amenities are natural and biodegradable.
A Brief History of Bhadrakali Temple – Budhanilkantha
The Bhadrakali Temple of Chunikhel is a lesser-known yet deeply revered temple located in Bhangal, Budhanilkantha within the Kathmandu Valley. Dedicated to Goddess Bhadrakali, a fierce manifestation of Goddess Kali, this temple is an important cultural and spiritual site for local communities.
Bhadrakali, meaning “gentle yet powerful,” is worshipped as a protector against evil forces and a symbol of feminine power. While Bhadrakali temples exist in several parts of Nepal, this particular shrine stands out for its peaceful natural surroundings and traditional Newa-style pagoda architecture with ornate wooden carvings and a golden-tiered roof.The temple is believed to be centuries old and has long been a place of daily worship, rituals, and seasonal festivals. Devotees come here to offer prayers for protection, healing, and strength. It’s a cultural gem hidden within Budhanilkantha’s greener stretches, where nature and spirituality coexist beautifully
Why This Matters
Cleaning the Bhadrakali Temple wasn’t just about beautification; it was a conscious effort to:
- Promote eco-consciousness by caring for our surroundings.
- Preserve cultural heritage that connects us to our identity.
- Inspire community participation and responsibility.
- Celebrate World Environment Day with real, impactful action.
We believe that protecting heritage sites like Bhadrakali Temple is just as important as planting trees or reducing plastic use. It fosters cultural pride, promotes spiritual mindfulness, and deepens our relationship with the natural and spiritual world.
Final Thoughts
As we cleaned, painted, and restored, we didn’t just change the environment; we also reconnected with purpose. . Let’s continue to act together for the planet, for people, and for the preservation of what truly matters.
Before & After
