Nepal Arts and Culture Festival 2025

Why it is in the news ?

Nepal will host its first-ever Arts and Culture Festival from 5th to 27th September 2025.

About the Nepal Arts and Culture Festival 2025

• The festival will be held for 22 days, aiming to showcase Nepal’s rich cultural heritage.
• It will take place in the following key cities and cultural centers:
  • Kathmandu
  • Bhaktapur
  • Kirtipur
  • Lalitpur
  • Hadigaon
• These locations have been selected based on their cultural and historical significance.
• All these cities are renowned for their ancient art, architecture, and traditions.

Key Attractions

• The festival coincides with Indra Jatra at Basantapur Durbar Square, where the Living Goddess Kumari, Living Ganesh, and Bhairav are paraded on wooden chariots throughout the city.
• Nepal expects that the combination of the Indra Jatra procession and the Arts and Culture Festival will attract both domestic and international tourists.
• Special attractions include:
  • Living Goddess Kumari on wooden chariots – a unique glimpse of Nepal’s traditional goddess worship.
  • Display of Ganesh and Bhairav statues – highlighting religious and cultural significance.
  • Cultural performances – lively showcases of dance, music, and folk art.

Objectives

• Cultural Preservation: To preserve Nepal’s ancient arts, traditions, and folk culture, and present them to the younger generation and international audiences.
• Promotion of Tourism: To attract both domestic and international tourists.
• Cultural Exchange: To promote collaboration in arts and culture between Nepal and other countries.
• Empowering Local Art Communities: To provide a platform for artists and craftsmen to showcase their talent.

Special Focus

• The festival is planned to synchronize with the Indra Jatra festival.
• Indra Jatra is a major religious and cultural festival in Nepal, featuring chariot processions, dances, and traditional ceremonies across different parts of the cities.
• The festival provides an opportunity to present Nepal’s cultural heritage on a global stage.

Significance and Analysis

• Cultural Significance: The festival highlights Nepal’s diversity and the rich tradition of its ancient arts.
• Economic and Tourism Impact: The festival is expected to boost tourism, benefiting the local economy and handicraft industries.
• International Collaboration: Participation of foreign artists and cultural institutions will strengthen Nepal’s cultural diplomacy.
• Promotion of Local Identity: Local citizens and artists can showcase their culture to a global audience.