The Culture Studies Group Nepal (CSGN) was established in the late 1990s as a platform to share knowledge on the culture, heritage and arts of Nepal. Although the group attracts a good number of expats, it also has many Nepali members who can learn and share more about their heritage. I am a member of this group. But as there is increasingly so much to do in Kathmandu and some things get ‘lost in the pile’, I thought I would alert those who don’t know about CSGN to its existence.

 

CSGN is run by a committee of like-minded people who want to share their combined knowledge, and/or learn (and share) more about the different facets of Nepal. Concentrating mainly on the rich artistic environment of the Kathmandu Valley, the group also brings in interesting guest speakers from around the country and the world. Talk programs take place once a month, on a Friday morning, in the Shanker Hotel, Lazimpat. The topics can be as diverse as restoring heritage after the earthquake and taking a look at the unique of murals in Lo Manthang, to climbing Everest and the plight of the under-privileged in Nepal. These talks are open to the public and enjoy a patronage from students, lecturers, and lay people alike.

 

Once a month CSGN also hosts studio visits. These are member-only events which take place around the Valley. Some of the past visits include to stone carvers in Patan; vertical shaft brick kilns on the outskirts of Kathmandu; an architectural heritage walk to Sankhu; a visit to the Himalayan Cheese Factory near Dhulikhel; a trip to a silver jewellery workshop; and a trip to see restoration work in old Panauti town. Free to members (with a small charge for transport, if required) these studio trips offer a good insight into various aspects of the history, art and every-day life of the Kathmandu Valley.

 

Mainly attracting expats, these studio visits also see a smattering of Nepali members who wish to find out more about their own cultural past and present. Like the talks, the studio visits are guided by an expert from the ‘studio’ being visited, providing a good deal of knowledge we might never gain from visiting, say, Panauti, alone.

 

Having been a long-term member, I have seen some of the visits come round again. For example, to lokta paper or pashmina factories, or to thanka painting workshop in Patan. But for the newcomers it is invaluable to have some visits repeated every three or four years so everyone can benefit from the experience.

 

Naturally, not everyone is interested in every visit—probably just as well. Otherwise, studio visits would be overflowing! But when talking to members, I can honestly say that in the 10 months of the year that the group runs (September- June) there is usually around 7 or 8 studio visits that the average member is interested in. As well as many talks.

 

In December there is also a lunch for members so that they can relax and really get to know each other without distractions. On the topic of socializing, there are normally some refreshments during the studio visits, depending on the venue. For example, at a recent visit to a new hotel, members were treated to pastries, donuts and coffee. Not to mention the wine and cheese flowing liberally on the cheese factory tour! Overall I can say this is an excellent way to learn much about what we see around us in a very informative but also fun and relaxed way.

 

Membership is open to all and the group has a membership tea in September. This event allows for old, new and potential members to gather and discover mutual interests. With an annual membership of Rs 3,000 allowing free access to programs twice a month, it’s not outlandishly expensive. Students and senior citizens are half price.

For further information please see Culture Studies Group Nepal’s FB page or contact them on csgninkathmandu@ gmail.com