SATV, Kathmandu, August 25 | Nepal is preparing to welcome visitors to a nearly month-long celebration of art, heritage, and traditions this September. The Nepal Art and Culture Festival 2025, jointly organised by the Nepal Tourism Board, Nepal Art Council, and Hotel Association Nepal, will take place from September 5 to 27 in four historic cities of the Kathmandu Valley.
Planned to coincide with Indra Jatra, one of the valley’s grandest annual festivals, the programme has been designed to highlight Nepal’s vibrant cultural identity while drawing both domestic and foreign audiences. Organisers believe that linking the new festival with an event already celebrated by tens of thousands will create an added layer of attraction.
The festivities will unfold in Kathmandu, Bhaktapur, Lalitpur, and Kirtipur, each offering distinctive experiences. The inaugural event on September 5 will begin in Kathmandu with the Kathmandu Mahangar Jatra Yatra and an art exhibition titled Roots and Reflections at the Nepal Art Council Gallery. Traditional Newa feasts and cultural performances by the Nepal Army will also mark the official launch at Hanuman Dhoka.
Bhaktapur will take centre stage on September 7 with a heritage walk through its medieval squares, pottery workshops, and an evening lamp-lighting ceremony. Kathmandu will then host the Made in Kathmandu fair from September 8 to 10, showcasing locally produced goods alongside a photography exhibition inspired by Indra Jatra.
The programme will also spotlight Hadigaun for the first time on September 13, offering guided tours of one of the valley’s oldest settlements and tastings of local cuisine. From September 18 to 20, visitors can explore Kirtipur, known for its narrow streets, traditional music, and Newa delicacies. On September 21, the spotlight shifts to Thamel, where tourists will be introduced to the area’s dynamic nightlife through a guided walk with complimentary refreshments.
The final week, from September 23 to 27, will transform Patan into a cultural hub. Highlights will include Dhime drumming, Lakhe masked dances, night markets, and live craft demonstrations of woodcarving and Paubha painting. Exhibitions on Kumari traditions and Buddhist rituals will add depth to the experience. The festival will officially close at Patan Museum with a cultural procession and farewell dinner.
Speaking about the vision, Sagar SJB Rana, president of the Nepal Art Council, emphasised that the initiative aims to position Nepal’s cultural wealth on the global stage. Likewise, Deepak Raj Joshi, CEO of Nepal Tourism Board, underlined that the event will present Nepal not only as a land of mountains and adventure but also as a country where food, art, and living traditions serve as its strongest ambassadors.
