Himalayan Culture — A Living Legacy of Prosperity

4th International Conference on Rigveic Himalaya (ICRH-026)
 

December 7 & 8, 2026 | Pokhara, Nepal

Looking Ahead: ICRH-026 – Continuing the Rigvedic Himalaya Journey

Following the successful completion of the Third International Conference on Rigvedic Himalaya (ICRH-025), preparations are now underway for the Fourth International Conference on Rigvedic Himalaya (ICRH-026). Building on the intellectual momentum, academic collaborations, and cultural dialogues fostered over the past three years, ICRH-026 aims to further deepen interdisciplinary engagement with Rigvedic thought and Himalayan cultures.

The forthcoming conference will continue to explore the intersections of Vedic knowledge, Himalayan ecology, living cultures, spirituality, governance, and sustainable tourism, while expanding methodological and thematic approaches informed by lessons learned from earlier editions. Particular emphasis will be placed on translating scholarly insights into practical perspectives relevant to contemporary social, environmental, and cultural challenges in the Himalayan region.

At present, the Conference Organizing Team is engaged in technical preparation and institutional consultations. A series of meetings are being scheduled with key partner institutions, including the Institute of Forestry (IoF), Pokhara Campus, Pokhara Metropolitan City, and other co-organizing and collaborating institutions. These discussions will finalize the academic framework, partnership modalities, logistical planning, and thematic focus of ICRH-026.

A comprehensive conference plan—covering the theme, dates, venue, call for papers, keynote speakers, panels, and associated academic and cultural activities—will be announced soon, following the completion of these consultations and internal reviews. As in previous editions, ICRH-026 will prioritize inclusivity, interdisciplinary dialogue, student engagement, and meaningful collaboration among scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and local communities.

We warmly invite scholars, institutions, and interested partners to stay connected as we move toward the next phase of the Rigvedic Himalaya initiative. Updates will be shared through the Mukta Foundation website, the Journal of Rigvedic Himalaya, and official conference communication channels.

The journey of Rigvedic Himalaya continues—rooted in ancient wisdom, grounded in living cultures, and oriented toward a sustainable Himalayan future.

—
Conference Organizing Team (COT)
International Conference on Rigvedic Himalaya (ICRH)
Mukta Foundation, Pokhara

Conference Overview:
Mukta Foundation Pokhara, in collaboration with leading academic and cultural institutions in Nepal, is pleased to announce the Third International Conference on Rigveda and Himalaya (ICRH-025), to be held in Pokhara on December 7 and 8, 2025. Following the success of ICRH-023 and ICRH-024, which brought together scholars, researchers, policy-makers, and students from Nepal and abroad, this conference continues to explore the cultural and intellectual richness of the Rigveda and the Himalayan region.

The conference offers a unique platform to discuss current research and scholarship on ancient Vedic perspectives and Himalayan cultures from the diverse lenses of the humanities, social sciences, and environmental sciences, set against the beautiful natural backdrop of Pokhara, in the lap of the mother Annapurna.

Objectives:

• To deepen scholarly engagement with the diverse cultures of the Himalayas through research, dialogue, and documentation.
• To explore and critically reflect on the interlinkages between Himalayan cultures and Vedic values and philosophies.
• To highlight the cultural significance of the Kaligandaki River Basin—its ancient settlements, religious pathways, and ethnographic richness.
• To facilitate interdisciplinary discourse among social scientists, environmentalists, linguists, archaeologists, Vedic scholars, and community leaders, aimed at conserving Himalayan cultures and promoting sustainable tourism.
• To encourage young researchers and students to engage in Himalayan studies and cultural preservation initiatives.

Conference Highlights:

• Keynote and plenary speeches by eminent Vedic scholars and Himalayan researchers.
• Over 30 research papers and presentations on themes related to Himalayan cultures, Vedic ideals and traditions, spiritual ecology, language and rituals, indigenous knowledge, and more.
• A dedicated panel discussion on the cultural dimension of the Kaligandaki River Basin as the cultural cradle of the Himalayas.
• Interactive sessions and networking opportunities for academics, students, and policy-makers.

Proposed Panels & Sessions:

• Panel: Rigveda and Vedic Cultures
• Panel: Kaligandaki River Basin—Cradle of Himalayan Cultures
• Academic presentations on the listed themes
• Panel: Himalayan Cultures & Sustainable Tourism
• Networking sessions for students, young researchers, and professionals

Call for Abstracts:
We invite abstract submissions (max. 500 words) from scholars exploring the topics listed below or related subjects, preferably through comparative or interdisciplinary lenses. Topics may include, but are not limited to:

• Philosophical interpretations of Rigvedic and other Vedic texts and discourses
• Vedic civilization in the ecological, cultural, and historical contexts of the Himalayas
• Rigveda’s influence on the culture, politics, and economics of South Asia
• Himalayan cultural diversity
• New perspectives on the Kaligandaki River Basin and its cultural heritage
• Living Himalayan cultures: ontology, worldviews, nature worship, rituals, festivals, Himalayan womanhood, pilgrimage, health & medicine
• Rigvedic/Vedic perspectives on contemporary global challenges: poverty & unemployment, migration, climate change, ethnic conflicts, power and politics
• Modern technology, biotechnology, AI, and the Vedas
• Other related topics

We particularly welcome proposals from individuals with expertise in Rigvedic studies and familiarity with Himalayan culture and society. Please submit your abstract along with your CV.

Submission Details:

Email:
Submit your abstract and CV to:
 info@muktafoundation.com.np or mfpokhara@gmail.com (for submissions and inquiries)

Important Dates:

• Abstract Submission Deadline:                August 15, 2025
• Abstract Acceptance Notification:           August 31, 2025
• Full Paper Submission:                              October 16, 2025
• Full Paper Acceptance Notification:         October 31, 2025

We kindly request your support in sharing this call within your networks to reach other potential participants.

We look forward to welcoming you to Pokhara on December 7 & 8, 2025!

With warm regards,
ICRH Conference Organizing Team (COT)
Mukta Foundation, Pokhara