The “Nepal Festival 2026” was held in a festive atmosphere at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy with the aim of deepening the historic friendship, cultural harmony, and mutual cooperation between Bangladesh and Nepal.

The festival was formally inaugurated by Cultural Affairs minister of Bangladesh Nitai Roy Chowdhury as the chief guest.

Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu hosts networking dinner in honor of Nepali and Bangladeshi businessmen attending South Asia Trade Fair 2026

In his inaugural speech, the minister stated that the relationship between Bangladesh and Nepal extends far beyond diplomatic formalities; it is rooted in mutual respect, shared traditions, cultural values, and human connection between the peoples of the two countries. Although geographically separated, both nations are united by a common spirit of culture, harmony, and hospitality.

He further noted that in today’s world, marked by divisions and intolerance, culture can serve as one of the strongest mediums for peace, empathy, and human connection. Diversity should never be viewed as a source of division; rather, it is a powerful source of beauty, creativity, and unity. Such international cultural events play an important role in enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between peoples.

Praising Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, breathtaking natural beauty, and mountainous landscape, the minister emphasized that Bangladesh highly values its longstanding friendly relations with Nepal. He expressed hope that bilateral cooperation would expand further in the fields of culture, tourism, education, youth exchange, and regional connectivity in the coming years.

He extended his sincere thanks to the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh, Ghanshyam Bhandari, for organizing the festival through the Embassy of Nepal in Dhaka. He also congratulated the artists, performers, chefs, and organizers from both countries for making the festival successful.

He added that through this festival, the people of Bangladesh are getting the opportunity to experience Nepal’s traditional cuisine, music, dance, and colorful cultural performances, which will elevate cultural exchange between the two countries to a new height.

Special guests at the event included the Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari, and the Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Distinguished guests from home and abroad, representatives of cultural organizations, media professionals, and a large number of audiences were also present at the event.

At the end of the programme, the chief guest enjoyed various cultural performances and wished overall success for “Nepal Festival 2026.”

The Festival featured a ‘Food Fest’ as well as a ‘Cultural Programme’ aimed at showcasing Nepal’s diverse culinary and cultural traditions.

Speaking at the inaugural session, Ambassador of Nepal to Bangladesh Ghanshyam Bhandari said the objective of the Festival was not only to promote the richness and diversity of Nepal’s culture and cuisine, but also to celebrate the artistic, musical, and culinary affinities between Nepal and Bangladesh.

He emphasised that these shared cultural heritages constitute a strong foundation for the multifaceted relationship between the two countries and continue to reinforce enduring people-to-people ties and mutual understanding.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury appreciated the initiative and expressed confidence that the event would play a crucial role in bringing the peoples of the two countries closer.

He also highlighted the importance of promoting cultural and people-to-people exchanges to consolidate the bonds of friendship and explore further avenues of collaboration.

Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy SK Rezauddin Ahmed, Chancellor of Pokhara Academy Padma Raj Dhakal, and President of Bangladesh-Nepal Friendship Society Moshiur Ahmed also spoke during the inaugural session.

The Cultural Programme featured 14 artistic performances, including traditional dances, folk songs and musical presentations by visiting artists of Pokhara Academy, artists from the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and Nepali students studying in Bangladesh.

Nepali artists showcased traditional music and cultural dance forms, including Sorathi, Sakhiya, Lathi, Salaijo Jhyaure, and Kaura, among others. Bangladeshi artists also presented a Nepali dance and a Nepali gazal, alongside Bangladeshi folk dances and musical performances.

The chief guest, accompanied by other guests present on the occasion, visited the stalls of the ‘Food Fest’. A variety of authentic Nepali delicacies were served across eight different stalls, set up primarily with the contribution of Nepali students studying in Bangladesh.

The Festival brought together representatives from government and non-government agencies, cultural and culinary enthusiasts, friends of Nepal, media persons, and members of the Nepali community in Bangladesh.