A grand event, the Nepal Festival, is set to take place on April 20, 2025, at the Cricket Park in Dubai. The festival, themed “Celebrating Nepali Arts, Culture, Sports, Business, Tourism, and Nepali Identity,” will bring together an exciting mix of cultural showcases, performances, and promotional activities centered around Nepal’s rich heritage. The event is expected to draw approximately 15,000 attendees, both Nepali and international visitors, and promises to be one of the largest gatherings of Nepali communities in the UAE.
The festival is organized under the patronage of the Nepali Embassy in Abu Dhabi, with support from the Nepal Association – NRNA NCC UAE, the Nepali Society UAE, the Nepal Indigenous Nationalities Federation UAE, the Nepal Journalists Federation, UAE Branch, and various other cultural, social, and regional organizations. The festival will also feature contributions from ethnic, religious, and community-based associations in the UAE, making it an inclusive celebration of Nepali diversity.
Nepal’s Ambassador to the UAE, His Excellency Tej Bahadur Chhetri, emphasized that the festival is organized for both Nepal and Nepali citizens abroad. “This festival will showcase Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, including its art, culture, attire, and food, while promoting Nepal as a prime tourist destination,” Chhetri stated. He also highlighted the importance of this festival in fostering deeper cultural understanding and strengthening Nepal’s ties with the international community, particularly within the UAE.
At the heart of the festival is the promotion of Nepal’s tourism. Nepal’s picturesque landscapes, historical landmarks, and cultural wonders will be showcased through multimedia presentations, including videos highlighting iconic sites such as Mount Everest, Lumbini – the birthplace of Lord Buddha, and other scenic tourist destinations across the country. This, according to the organizers, is a pivotal moment to inspire international tourists to explore Nepal.
In a recent meeting held on Sunday in Bur Dubai, Nepal’s Deputy Chief of Mission in UAE, Ranjita Dahal, discussed the festival’s preparations and shared insights into its upcoming execution. Dahal assured that the Nepali Embassy would leave no stone unturned to ensure the festival’s success. She emphasized the importance of maintaining transparency in the event’s financial management and urged all parties involved to work together for the smooth running of the event.
One of the key highlights of the festival will be the vibrant cultural displays, with community showcases of traditional Nepali attire and the display of local craftsmanship. Additionally, the event will feature live performances by popular Nepali artists. Comedian Sandeep Chhetri and renowned actress and model, former Miss Nepal Namrata Shrestha, will host the event. The entertainment lineup includes performances by Shanti Shree Pariyar, Arjun Sapkota, Chakra Bam, Eleena Chauhan, Bam Bahadur Karki, and others. There will also be a concert by the popular Kavya Band, offering a delightful musical experience for the attendees.
Dahal also highlighted that the festival would serve as a platform for connecting Nepali businesses with the international market, creating new networking and business opportunities for entrepreneurs in the UAE and abroad. She stated that the festival would present a chance for local communities to promote Nepali cuisine and products, which would enhance Nepal’s cultural footprint on the global stage.
Ram Moktan, President of the Nepali Society UAE, emphasized that this festival was designed to create a sense of unity and pride among the Nepali diaspora. “This festival is an opportunity for all Nepalis to come together and celebrate our shared heritage, and for the international community to learn about the beauty of Nepal’s culture,” Moktan explained.
A significant aspect of the festival’s organization has been the collaboration with various Nepali and international organizations. Ekendra Bahadur Thapa, Treasurer of the Nepal Business Council, UAE, and a key member of the organizing committee, acknowledged the invaluable support of community groups and individuals who have offered both financial and moral support. He also pointed out the importance of such events in promoting Nepal’s global identity and facilitating collaboration between various sectors.
The event’s organizing committee also received assurances of financial contributions from several business leaders and prominent organizations. During the meeting, more than 50 representatives from active organizations in the UAE attended and committed to supporting the festival. These included key figures from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), Nepal Journalist Federation UAE, Nepal Indigenous Federation UAE, and other Nepali community organizations.
The program will be led by Development Shah, the President of the Nepal Association – NRNA NCC UAE, while the proceedings will be managed by Bhuwan Kumar Bagle, the General Secretary of the organization. The collaborative effort aims to make this festival a landmark event for the Nepali community in the UAE, not just in terms of entertainment, but also in strengthening bonds, fostering business ties, and promoting Nepal as an attractive destination for tourists worldwide.
The Nepal Festival promises to be an unforgettable celebration, filled with cultural pride, unity, and an enhanced global recognition of Nepal’s identity. As the event approaches, the anticipation grows within the Nepali community, eager to celebrate their heritage in the heart of Dubai.
