Ashma Lama, ECCA Counsellor

During ECCA Children Camp in Mangtar, Ward 2, Benighat Rorang Rural Municipality, Dhading, I had one of the most memorable experiences of my life – visit to “Bhumisthan Temple”, a cultural heritage site. It wasn’t just about visiting a place, it was about connecting with our roots, cleaning a sacred site, and preserving the essence of our heritage for the future.

To raise awareness about cultural conservation and community engagement, our team selected Bhumisthan Temple for cleanliness and awareness campaign. With brooms in hand and hearts full of purpose, we gathered early in the morning and made our way to the temple. The atmosphere was serene, and the morning mist made the temple surroundings feel even more sacred.

While cleaning the premises, I got the opportunity to talk to the locals, especially the elders, who shared with us the legend of Bhumisthan. I was told that this temple holds a deep spiritual significance and has been a symbol of protection, healing, and local faith for generations. The story of how the temple came into existence through devotion, sacrifice, and deep cultural beliefs moved me deeply. As I listened to the story, I felt a powerful connection to the past, as if the temple itself was whispering to us to take care of it, to keep its memory alive. It wasn’t just a physical structure. It was a living part of our identity.

What made this session even more meaningful was the genuine interest shown by all the participants. Everyone was eager to learn about the temple's history and cultural importance. We asked questions, listened carefully, and even discussed how we could help protect similar heritage sites in our communities. It was not only an educational experience for us, but also a valuable moment for the local stakeholders who felt seen, respected, and supported by our efforts.

This heritage visit was truly worth it, for the participants and for the local community as well. Together, we didn’t just clean a temple; we revived a story, respected a tradition, and planted the seeds of awareness that will hopefully grow far beyond Mangtar.

Thanks to the ECCA Children Camp, we now carry a new sense of pride in our culture and a mission to protect it. Because when we preserve our heritage, we preserve our story.