Kathmandu — The Himalayan Art Festival 2025 is alive with colour, conversation, and creativity as it enters the final days of its week-long run in the capital. Organised by E-Arts Nepal, the festival has transformed the gallery space into a vibrant meeting point for artists, collectors, and art lovers.
Now in its eighth year, the festival brings together more than 140 contemporary Nepali artists, with works ranging from traditional paubha paintings to modern sculptures, ceramics, installations, and printmaking.
When I visited on August 12, the energy was unmistakable—visitors moved slowly between the exhibits, pausing to study brushstrokes, photograph details, and discuss the pieces with friends. A mix of seasoned art enthusiasts and curious first-timers filled the rooms, reflecting the festival’s wide appeal.
In addition to the exhibitions, the festival’s programme has featured a tribute to Shyam Das Ashanta, senior artist and designer, and the presentation of the Prashanta Scholarship Award 2025, which supports emerging young talents from Nepal’s leading fine arts institutions. Earlier days also saw a lively children’s art workshop and thought-provoking panel discussions.
The Prashanta Scholarship Award, first established in 2003 in memory of pioneering artist Prashanta Shrestha, remains a highlight of the festival, encouraging the next generation of artists to push creative boundaries.
Organisers say the aim is not only to showcase Nepali art but also to strengthen its presence in the global market and encourage corporate investment in the arts. Since its launch in 2017, the Himalayan Art Festival has become a cultural calendar fixture, blending heritage and innovation in one space.
The festival continues until August 14, offering two more days for visitors to immerse themselves in Nepal’s artistic landscape.
