Shahid Gate, Kathmandu

Shahid Gate, also known as Sahid Gate or Martyr's Gate, is a prominent monument located in Kathmandu. This historic gate serves as a tribute to four revered Nepalese figures—Dharma Bhakta Mathema, Gangalal Shrestha, Dashrath Chand, and Shukraraj Shastri—who are celebrated as martyrs for their resistance against the autocratic Rana Regime, which lasted for 104 years. These martyrs are honored with statues positioned above their arms at the gate.

Additionally, a statue of King Tribhuvan once adorned the top of the gate, commemorating his pivotal role in the year 1950 (B.S. 2007), when he aligned with the Nepalese populace to usher in democracy. The gate itself was inaugurated on April 13, 1961, by King Mahendra, who originally named the monument Nepal Smarak. Despite this official designation, it became popularly known as Shahid Gate, a name that continues to be widely used.

The design of the gate was crafted by Shankar Nath Rimal. Over the years, it stood as a symbol of the nation's struggle for democracy and its historical transition. However, in a significant alteration decided by a Nepali cabinet meeting in 2012, it was resolved to move King Tribhuvan's statue to the Narayanhiti Museum. This decision was made to focus the gate solely on the figures of the martyrs, further emphasizing their legacy and the sacrifices they made for Nepal's democratic aspirations.