Nepal Tourism Board and Nepal Art Council, in collaboration with all four metropolitan cities of Kathmandu Valley, are set to jointly organize the first-ever Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025. The announcement was made during a press conference at the board’s hall on Sunday.
The festival will take place from September 26 to October 26, 2025 (Asoj 10–Asoj 20, 2082 B.S.) across Kathmandu, Lalitpur, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur.
Highlighting the festival’s objective, Nepal Art Council Chairman Sagar Shumsher Rana said that such cultural events hold great significance not only in Nepal but also internationally. He emphasized that the initiative aims to elevate Nepal’s cultural celebrations to the global stage, attracting both domestic and international tourists.
Nepal Tourism Board CEO Deepak Raj Joshi noted that while Nepal is widely recognized as an adventure tourism destination, the festival seeks to showcase the country’s immense cultural heritage and traditions. “We must preserve our unique culture and introduce the grandeur of our heritage to the world. This kind of festival will help increase tourist arrivals and contribute to the national economy,” he said.
Festival Steering Committee Head and Hotel Association Nepal (HAN) President Binayak Shah described Nepal as a premier destination for a “lifetime experience.” He expressed confidence that linking tourism with cultural festivals would contribute to developing “experiential tourism.”
Festival Coordinator Ayusha Shrestha informed that around 40 programs will be organized over the three-week period. Coinciding with the Indra Jatra celebration, the festival will serve as a comprehensive showcase of the Valley’s heritage, arts, and traditions.
With the theme “Celebrating Nepal’s Eternal Arts, Culture, Cuisine, and Heritage,” the festival will bring together municipalities, tourism organizations, cultural associations, and stakeholders. The event will feature cultural exhibitions, traditional art and crafts, music and dance, local cuisine, and opportunities to experience Nepal’s living culture.
Organizers said preparations are in the final stage to transform the historic cities of Kathmandu, Patan, Bhaktapur, and Kirtipur into festive hubs during the event.
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