The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal has issued a public call for applications to list intangible cultural heritages under the newly introduced Intangible Cultural Heritage (Listing and Management) Procedure, 2081. This effort aims to preserve, protect, and promote Nepal’s diverse cultural traditions that exist in non-physical forms such as oral traditions, performing arts, rituals, traditional craftsmanship, and social practices passed down through generations. According to Bhisma Baskota, Archaeology Officer at the Ministry, individuals, communities, or organizations who wish to list their cultural elements must submit their applications to the Ministry’s Culture Division by the end of the Nepali month of Baisakh.
Applicants are required to submit a set of seven documents to support their request. These include a detailed description of the heritage as per the format provided in Schedule 1 of the procedure, written consent from the relevant community or individual, photographs, audio-visual documentation, records of intergenerational transmission, recommendations from the local government, and proof of previous listing at the local level (if any). These materials will help the Ministry accurately document and evaluate each cultural heritage item for national listing.
The Ministry emphasized that the application format and guidelines are available on its official website, ensuring transparency and accessibility. This move reflects the government’s growing commitment to safeguard Nepal’s intangible cultural assets, many of which are at risk due to modernization, lack of awareness, and limited documentation. By formally listing and managing these heritages, the Ministry hopes to foster cultural pride, promote tourism, and support sustainable cultural preservation across the country.
