The India-Nepal Cultural Festival, a vibrant showcase of the rich cultural tapestry shared by India and Nepal, unfolded in Kathmandu with a special focus on Buddhism. The festival, jointly inaugurated by Ambassador of India to Nepal Mr. Naveen Srivastava, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of Nepal Mr. Sudan Kirati, and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Lumbini Province Mr. Dilli Bahadur Chaudhary, celebrated the deep cultural and historical bonds between the two nations.
The festival’s diverse events spanned a Sand Mandala Drawing Art Exhibition by monk artists from Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India, a captivating photo exhibition by renowned photographer Benoy Behl, and a delectable Street Food Festival featuring a gastronomic journey through Indian and Nepali cuisines.
The inauguration ceremony included the unveiling of a photo exhibition capturing the essence of Buddhist heritage sites. The compelling photographs showcased the monumental and artistic heritage of Buddhism, spanning from ancient times to the contemporary era.
A highlight of the festival was the Sand Mandala Drawing Art Exhibition, a traditional Buddhist art form featuring intricate designs created with colored sand. This mesmerizing exhibition displayed the masterful skill and craftsmanship of monk artists from Hemis Monastery in Ladakh, India.
The evening of December 8 came alive with a vibrant cultural program featuring performances by artists from both India and Nepal. The audience was treated to the mesmerizing Cham Dance by artists from Thiksey Monastery, Leh, India, a Bharatnatyam performance by the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre of the Embassy, Tharu Dance by local artists from Lumbini, and a Sitar recital by Nepal’s Sukarma Band.
A Street Food Festival at Lumbini World Peace and Harmony Visitor Center marked the culmination of the day, offering a culinary feast with a rich variety of Indian and Nepali delicacies, including Pakora, Tharu style Taruwa, Sabudana Vada, Newari style lentils Bara, Jalebi, and more.
As part of the festival, an Academic Seminar titled “Exploring Impact of Buddhist Teachings on Community Development and Global Well-being” took place at Lumbini Buddhist University on the morning of December 8, bringing together eminent Buddhist scholars from India and Nepal. The seminar delved into the relevance of Buddhist teachings in the modern world.
This cultural extravaganza not only brought together people from India and Nepal but also served as a platform to celebrate their shared heritage, traditions, and culture. The festival underscored the enduring cultural and historical ties binding the two nations. The Sand Mandala Art and the Photo Exhibition will continue to be open to visitors on the second day of the festival on December 9, 2023.
