Guthi Australia works towards the conservation of heritage in both Australia and Nepal. Guthi Australia aims to undertake a restoration project in Nepal once every two years. In 2011, Guthi Australia will be involved in the restoration of the Imla Ganesh temple in Sankhu and will be partnering with Friends of Sankhu (Implementing Agency) and Vereniging Nepal Nederland (Co-funding agency).

Guthi Australia believes in working with the local community and empowering them to enable the continual maintenance of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage. The rituals, customs, traditions, festivals, music, dances are just as important as the monument/structure itself. Guthi Australia will therefore, work to ensure that both aspects of heritage (physical and non-physical) will be conserved.

To achieve this aim, Guthi Australia is also looking into the possibility of having a heritage workcamp at Sankhu in 2011 where various interested individuals from all around the world can take part in the restoration process. This will enable a better appreciation of Nepali cultural heritage and will provide this opportunity to individuals outside Nepal. The heritage workcamp will also be integrated with various other cultural tours in Kathmandu and short treks such that one can fully experience Nepal’s cultural and natural diversity. More information on this will follow shortly. If you are interested in attending such a heritage workshop in Nepal next year, then do write to Neelam Pradhananga at neelam@guthiaustralia.org.