The Association for the Study of Culture and Religion, Nepal (ASCR Nepal), in collaboration with National College, successfully hosted its first-ever National Conference on Nepal’s cultural and religious heritage on Baisakh 11–12, 2082 (April 24–25, 2025) at the National College premises in Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu.
Held under the theme “Bridging Past and Present: Celebrating Culture, Understanding Religion,” the two-day academic event brought together scholars, researchers, educators, students, and cultural practitioners from across the country. The conference served as a vibrant platform for knowledge exchange and in-depth dialogue on the role of culture and religion in shaping identity, promoting social cohesion, and fostering national pride.
The conference commenced on April 24 with an Academic Writing Seminar tailored for young researchers. The session focused on equipping emerging academics with essential tools and techniques for conducting impactful research in cultural and religious studies.
On April 25, the second day of the conference featured the presentation of 32 research papers, addressing a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Contributors included university professors, independent researchers, educators, and students committed to the preservation and promotion of Nepal’s intangible cultural and religious heritage.
Conference themes reflected the rich diversity of Nepal’s traditions and included:
- Pilgrims and Pilgrimage
- Beliefs and Symbolism
- Cultural Heritage in Nepal
- Philosophical Ideas and Thoughts
- Ethnicity and Indigenous Peoples of Nepal
- Gender, Religion, and Culture
- Monuments of Nepal
- Language and Literature: Depicting Regional Beliefs and Sacredness
- Culture and Religion of the Diaspora
- Cultural Tourism and Nepali Hospitality
- Archaeology and Heritage Preservation
- Museology and Museography
- Folk Traditions and Oral Heritage
The conference highlighted the critical role of academic research in preserving Nepal’s cultural identity and encouraged greater policy engagement and intercultural understanding.
ASCR Nepal expressed its vision of the conference as a foundational effort to nurture the next generation of scholars while reinforcing the value of culture and religion in building an inclusive, tolerant, and historically conscious society.
ASCR Nepal is a non-governmental academic organization dedicated to the study, promotion, and preservation of Nepal’s tangible and intangible cultural and religious legacy. It is affiliated with the International Association for the History of Religions (IAHR) and the South and Southeast Asian Association for the Study of Culture and Religion (SSEASR), contributing actively to global scholarly discourse in these areas.
