Nepal to Host First-Ever “Nepal Art and Culture Festival”
Kathmandu – For the first time, Nepal is set to host the Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025, jointly organized by the Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Art Council in collaboration with the metropolitan cities of the Kathmandu Valley.
The announcement was made during a press conference held at the Tourism Board’s auditorium on Sunday. The festival will take place from September 5 to September 26, 2025 (Bhadra 20 to Asoj 10) across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur.
Speaking about the festival’s purpose, Nepal Art Council President Sagar Shumsher Rana highlighted that cultural celebrations of this scale carry immense importance not only within Nepal but also internationally. The festival aims to showcase Nepal’s rich heritage on the global stage while attracting both domestic and international visitors.
Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi emphasized that while Nepal is widely known as a premier adventure tourism destination, this festival seeks to present the country as a repository of culture, heritage, and traditions. “We must safeguard our unique culture and share the grandeur of our heritage with the world,” Joshi said. “Such a festival will not only increase tourist arrivals but also contribute significantly to Nepal’s economy.”
Chairperson of the Festival Steering Committee and President of the Hotel Association Nepal (HAN), Binayak Shah, described Nepal as a destination for a “lifetime experience.” He noted that connecting tourism with festivals would also promote experimental tourism, offering visitors more immersive experiences.
Festival Coordinator Ayusha Shrestha revealed that the month-long celebration will feature 40 different programs. Coinciding with the traditional Indra Jatra festival, the event will serve as a grand celebration of the Kathmandu Valley’s heritage, art, and culture.
With the theme “A Celebration of Nepal’s Eternal Art, Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage,” the festival will bring together tourism-related organizations, local municipalities, and cultural stakeholders. Visitors can expect cultural exhibitions, artistic performances, music and dance showcases, traditional cuisine, and opportunities to experience Nepal’s living heritage firsthand.
The organizers also confirmed that preparations for the festival are in their final stages, with the historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur set to be transformed into vibrant cultural hubs throughout the celebration.
In addition, the National Forum of Photojournalists (NFPJ Nepal) will play a vital role by hosting photo exhibitions and promoting the festival’s highlights nationally and internationally through powerful visual storytelling.
