KATHMANDU, APRIL 19
The Association for the Study of Culture and Religion, Nepal (ASCR Nepal), in collaboration with National College, is set to host its first-ever National Conference dedicated to advancing academic research on Nepal's rich cultural and religious heritage.
In a statement today, the organizers announced that the event, themed "Bridging Past and Present: Celebrating Culture, Understanding Religion," is scheduled to take place on 11–12 Baisakh 2082 (April 24–25, 2025) at National College, Dhumbarahi, Kathmandu. The two-day conference aims to explore how culture and religion shape individual identity, promote social harmony, and reinforce national pride.
The event will bring together emerging and established scholars, researchers, educators, and cultural stakeholders from across the country.
An Academic Writing Seminar, specifically tailored for youth researchers, will kick off the conference on 11th Baishakh (April 24). This session is designed to empower young academics with the skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to the field of cultural and religious studies, as stated in the statement.
On 12th Baishakh (April 25), a total of 32 research papers will be presented, covering a wide range of interdisciplinary topics. Participants include university professors, teachers, students, and experts from various institutions committed to the study and preservation of Nepal's intangible heritage.
As per the statement, the sub-themes of the conference reflect the breadth and depth of inquiry expected, including: 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; and Folk Traditions and Oral Heritage.
By highlighting the value of academic research in preserving Nepal's cultural identity, the conference is expected to serve as a catalyst for future scholarship, policy advocacy, and cross-cultural dialogue.
According to the statement, ASCR Nepal envisions this landmark event as a platform to inspire the next generation of researchers and reinforce the importance of culture and religion in building a tolerant, inclusive, and historically grounded society.
ASCR Nepal, is a non-governmental academic organization dedicated to the research, promotion, and preservation of Nepal's tangible and intangible cultural and religious heritage.
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), and is committed to advancing academic discourse in these fields, reads the statement.
