Nepal's quake-damaged Boudhanath stupa reopens

Nepal's newly restored Boudhanath stupa reopened to the public Tuesday after it was damaged by the deadly 2015 earthquake that left much of the country's cultural heritage in ruins.

The white-domed golden stupa -- the country's largest and one of the holiest sites of pilgrimage in Tibetan Buddhism -- was left with deep cracks after the powerful 7.8-magnitude quake hit in April last year, devastating the Himalayan nation and killing nearly 9,000 people.

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Restoration work began in May 2015 and cost $2.1 million -- including over 30 kilogrammes (66 pounds) of gold -- according to the Boudhanath Area Development Committee.

To mark the opening, which took place after a three-day purification ritual, colourful prayer flags and flowers covered the stupa and monks chanted prayers.