Nepal Festival 2026 to further strengthen BD-Nepal Friendship

A Nepal Festival was held at the Shilpakala Academy, Dhaka on Friday.

Dhaka, 15 May - 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.

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.” - UNB