Kathmandu, July 6 — Daya Foundation held a colourful cultural program, “A Tapestry of Nepali Culture & Heritage,” at the Nepal Tourism Board on Monday, gathering artists, scholars, educators, cultural practitioners, students and distinguished guests to celebrate Nepal’s rich cultural diversity and artistic excellence. The event was a celebration of tradition and a platform to inspire meaningful conversations on how to preserve Nepal’s cultural identity in a rapidly changing world.
The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the Panas, a symbol of knowledge, wisdom and continuity of cultural traditions.The event was inaugurated by Prof. Kedar Bhakta Mathema, former Vice Chancellor of Tribhuvan University with an address where he underlined that culture is one of the strongest pillars of national identity. He said it is important to keep the diversity of Nepal’s traditions alive and at the same time inspire the younger generation to value the values, ethics and knowledge contained in them.
Neeva M. Pradhan, Founding Member and former President of Daya Foundation delivered one of the most memorable addresses of the evening. Through a series of thought-provoking and heartwarming stories from her lifelong involvement in culture, education and community service, she reminded the audience that heritage is not limited to monuments or museums but is lived in everyday practices, languages, festivals, songs and family traditions.
She highlighted initiatives ranging from traditional arts and literature to youth engagement, heritage education and cultural awareness programs. Through inspiring stories, she emphasized that culture remains alive when it is practiced, shared and passed on to future generations.
The program also recognized the winner of Daya Foundation’s cultural video contest. Siddika Pathak delivered a short speech on the role of youth in preserving Nepal’s cultural heritage, followed by a screening of her award-winning video. The literary segment was enriched by Sushila Rai, who recited a heartfelt poem celebrating the beauty and significance of Nepal’s culture.
Meekha Mathema, President of Daya Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s long-standing contributions to education and community development. She shared the organization’s efforts to promote quality education, youth empowerment, leadership development and cultural awareness through various initiatives, emphasizing that education and culture must go hand in hand in nurturing responsible and compassionate citizens.
The celebration featured a diversed range of different artistic performances showcasing the cultural richness of Nepal. Students from Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School performed a graceful Kumari dance, illustrating the symbolism and spiritual significance of the Living Goddess tradition. They also took part in an ethnic costume show representing the many different communities of Nepal, demonstrating how traditional dress is a reflection of history, craftsmanship, identity and social values passed down through generations.
The event also commemorated the connection between literature and culture with musical performances of poems written by the late Dayaram Bhakta Mathema, patron of Daya Foundation. Audiences were also introduced to the intricate beauty of Paubha art, one of Nepal’s most revered classical painting traditions, and alongside contemporary Chhimwali art, demonstrated how traditional artistic expressions continue to evolve while remaining rooted in Nepal’s cultural heritage.
The program’s literary importance was further underscored by the official launching of the original Newari-language edition of a book on traditional Newari rituals, highlighting the importance of conserving indigenous rituals from birth to death in Newa civilization.
Cultural icon, comedian and celebrated actor Madan Krishna Shrestha, regaled the audience with an emotional speech that was laced with humour, wisdom and sentiment. He shared a moving personal story, reflecting on the importance of cultural values, compassion and collective memory in shaping society. His message was that the traditions of Nepal should be preserved not as a kind of historical inheritance but as a living source of inspiration for the future generations. He also sang a song which made the evening very personal with nostalgia and warmth taking over the hall.
One of the messages that was constantly stressed by the speakers over the course of the program was that culture is not something static or belonging to the past. But they called it a living heritage that develops through the engagement of communities and the creativity of younger generations. They emphasised the importance of the partnership between families, educational institutions, artists, policymakers and the youth to safeguard the tangible and intangible cultural heritage so that the traditions of Nepal continue to flourish and adapt to today’s society.
The program concluded with musical performance by artist Yaman Shrestha and vote of thanks by Yadav Bhattarai. As the evening came to a close, Daya Foundation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting cultural awareness, supporting artistic expression and creating opportunities for meaningful dialogue on Nepal’s heritage. By bringing together stories, music, art and tradition under one roof, “A Tapestry of Nepali Culture & Heritage” stood as a powerful reminder that Nepal’s greatest cultural treasures are not only preserved in its monuments but also in the people who continue to live, celebrate and pass them on to future generations. #nepal
