Author: explore_nepal
Kathmandu . For the first time in Nepal, the “Nepal Art and Culture Festival–2025” began on Friday at the Nepal Art Council, Babarmahal. The festival was officially inaugurated by President Ram Chandra Paudel in a special ceremony.
Addressing the event, President Paudel highlighted the importance of art, culture, and heritage as defining elements of Nepal’s identity in the global arena. He emphasized the need for both the government and the private sector to work together in safeguarding and promoting Nepal’s rich cultural heritage. “In a democracy, every individual has equal opportunities. Utilizing this principle, it is our shared responsibility to preserve and promote our ancient heritage, art, and culture,” he remarked, noting that millions of tourists visit Nepal each year for cultural study and exploration.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister for Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Badri Prasad Pandey stressed that the festival should serve as a key platform to showcase Nepal’s cultural identity internationally. He said such initiatives would help share stories of Nepal’s culture, nature, and ancestral contributions to heritage preservation with the world. The minister also announced that the festival will be included in Nepal’s annual cultural calendar and organized more extensively in the future.
Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi pointed out that while Nepal is often recognized for mountain and adventure tourism, the festival aims to present the country as a “repository of art and cultural heritage.” He added that even during off-season periods, cultural exhibitions like this could attract international visitors, contributing directly to the nation’s economy and prosperity.
Nepal Art Council Chairperson Sagar Shumsher Rana expressed that the festival is not only important for Nepal but also holds significance on a global scale. He stated that the long-term vision is to establish it as a “global cultural festival.”
The festival will run for 23 days across Kathmandu Valley’s four cities—Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur—featuring over 40 events, including an exhibition of 273 artworks by 154 artists, cultural displays, traditional cuisine, music, dance, and live heritage experiences.
Jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Art Council, Hotel Association Nepal, and supported by local municipalities and private stakeholders, the festival coincides with Indra Jatra celebrations. Running until September 27 (Ashoj 11), the event is themed “Celebrating Nepal’s Eternal Art, Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage.” Organizers believe the festival will transform the Valley’s historic towns into vibrant cultural hubs, boosting tourism while promoting Nepal’s cultural pride on the global stage.
