Art, Culture & Culinary Highlights: A Roundup of Nepal’s Most Remarkable Events
Gallery MCUBE Presents “Sacred City” by Christine Mace
As part of the AIR_MCUBE International Artists Residency 2025, Nepal Gallery MCUBE hosted Christine Mace, a talented photographer based in New York City. She is a self-taught social documentary photographer and her work is deeply tied to her struggles with being ‘put into a box’ and the feelings of being ‘unseen’.
In 2019, her series ‘Dominoes in Havana’ received the first place winner award in the Black and White Category from the jurors of the 14th Julia Margaret Cameron Awards. Christine’s photography has been exhibited across the United States and internationally.
Her exhibition called “Sacred City” was open from October 26 to 30 where audiences got a chance to explore Christine’s visual reflections on the sacred rhythms and layered histories of our cities.
An Eternity of Reflection by Binod Pradhan
Siddhartha Art Gallery presentd yet another remarkable exhibition showcasing the beautiful drawings and paintings of artist Binod Pradhan. The exhibition was inaugurated on November 7 by Cabinet Shrestha, Managing Director of Agni Group, at Baber Mahal Revisited.
In this latest body of work, Binod delves deeply into themes of emotion, time and introspection, inviting viewers to embark on a contemplative journey through his artistic vision. His creations serve as a profound medium of self-expression. Through his art, Binod explores the delicate relationship between human emotion and the passage of time, emphasising how art not only sustains him personally but also endures as a timeless vessel of meaning.
The exhibition is open to the public until December 5. Visitors are welcome to explore the collection Sunday to Friday from 11am to 5pm, and on Saturdays from 12pm to 5pm.
The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest: Nepal’s First Horror, Fantasy & Folklore Film Festival
For the first time, a film festival dedicated entirely to the genres of horror, fantasy and folklore took place in Nepal. The Kathmandu Horror Film Fest ran from October 31 to November 2, perfectly timed to coincide with the Halloween celebrations. The event was jointly organised by the Nepal Film and Cultural Academy and the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF). It showcased a hand-picked line-up of internationally recognised and award-winning feature films and shorts, including titles previously screened at world-renowned festivals like Berlinale and Cannes.
While horror took centerstage, the festival also celebrated fantasy and folklore. Although Halloween inspired the festival’s timing and atmosphere, the event maintained a distinctly Nepali identity, blending traditional costumes, food, music and folk inspired themes to create a culturally grounded experience.
The Best Feature Film Award went to “Labinak” directed by Azhar Kinoi Lubis from Indonesia, a cannibalistic horror story that captivated audiences with its bold narrative and striking visual execution.
“A Year of Marriag,” directed by Pablo Camargo Lopez from Mexico received the Best Short Film Award. The film offers an intimate exploration of emotional distance within love and time while presenting a sharp critique of patriarchy.
The Best Youth Filmmaker honour was presented to Nuhash Humayun from Bangladesh for his short film “Foreigners Only,” a darkly satirical take on colourism and social hypocrisy.
Meanwhile, “Bokshi” directed by Bhargav Saikia from India, earned a Special Jury Mention for its fearless portrayal of superstition, blending myth, folklore and technical artistry.
La Grande Bhoj 2025: A Seven-Course Symphony of Flavours
On November 9, Aloft Kathmandu transformed into a culinary wonderland for La Grande Bhoj 2025, a first-of-its-kind gastronomic celebration that brought together the artistry of internationally acclaimed Master Chefs and Michelin-starred luminaries from France and the United States.
Organised by the US-Nepal Gastronomy Association in collaboration with Eleven11, the event set a new benchmark for Nepal’s fine-dining scene. Guests were treated to a meticulously curated seven-course journey that celebrated both global technique and local essence. From barah reimagined with gourmet flair to sous vide turnips scallop and octopus scallop, every course was a revelation of texture, balance, and storytelling on a plate. The indulgence continued with wide duck confit croustillant, confit mushroom croustillant, and concluded with a stunning crispy citrus lime millefeuille, a delicate finale that left diners in awe.
“We believe this event not only elevated Nepal’s culinary identity but also spotlighted Nepali gastronomy and culture on the global stage,” shared Chef Arjun Ranabhat, President of the US-Nepal Gastronomy Association. His words echoed the sentiment of the evening that food is more than sustenance; it is a bridge between cultures, a dialogue between passion and palate.
La Grande Bhoj 2025 was more than a dinner; it was a statement that Nepal’s evolving culinary landscape is ready to stand alongside the world’s finest. With its fusion of innovation, precision, and local pride, the night marked a milestone moment for food connoisseurs and creators alike.
