By Our Reporter
The galleries of the prestigious Nepal Art Council in Babarmahal are set to come alive with spiritual and creative energy as Deities of Nepal III: Lores & Legends. To be officially open to art lovers, cultural enthusiasts and general public, the exhibition will run from September 17 to October 10, 2026 and will welcome visitors daily from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm for an unforgettable journey through the heart of Nepali sacred art.
A cultural event of this immense scale requires remarkable vision, passion, and dedicated patronage to just organize. The prominent civic figure, Chairman of NIMB Prithvi Bahadur Pande’ who is the Vice President and Treasurer, was among the top contributor whose pivotal support, leadership, and unwavering commitment made this exposition a reality. Speaking in a conversation with our reporter, Pande’ revealed that the team mobilizes around NPR 10 million annually to fund these grand exhibitions. He also ensured that Nepal’s rich artistic legacy receives the high-caliber platform it deserves. Pande’ highlighted that this initiative has evolved into an annual tradition reflecting an ongoing long-term commitment to sustaining the country’s living art practices. They worked alongside the Nepal Art Council as their efforts have provided a vital platform to celebrate, preserve, and elevate Nepal’s rich artistic legacy for generations to come.
Susan Vaidya Shrestha, Managing Director, Agni Incorporate, and executive member of the Nepal Art Council, said that the event is being organized to promote Nepali heritage, culture and tradition through art works.
This third iteration of the acclaimed Deities of Nepal series features a grand display of 285 distinct artworks crafted by 157 talented artists. In belief that the divine in Nepal is not an abstract concept confined to distant temples, the exhibition explores how sacred forces dwell within everyday landscapes. The curatorial vision positions participating artists as active “lore keepers” who breathe contemporary vitality into timeless spiritual traditions rather than treating ancient mythologies as static relics of the past. Each piece serves as a visual threshold by inviting viewers to reflect on shared identity, rituals, and collective memory within today’s fast-paced world.
The exhibition is led by Lead Curator Swosti Rajbhandari Kayastha and Co-Curator Pranab Man Singh, supported by a dedicated curatorial team comprising Rajani Sinkhwal, Rashmi Manandhar, and Shreya Chitrakar. Together they have curated not only a visual feast but also a comprehensive calendar of public programs that offer deep cultural immersion.
The visitors to the Nepal Art Council can look forward to a diverse range of interactive events throughout the month-long showcase. The highlights include rare Charya sacred dance performances on Saturday, September 19. It features thematic portrayals of Saptalochan Tara, Mahakal, and a special performance by the former Kumari of Patan, Chanira Bajracharya. The public is also invited to attend guided gallery tours led by heritage scholar and author Rishi Amatya. A holistic wellness in sessions on astrology, healing, and meditation led by Jimmy Thapa can also be explored and oral storytelling sessions with artist Tenzin Norbu, who will share sacred tales from the remote region of Dolpo can be experienced.
By bridging ancient spiritual folklore with cutting-edge contemporary artistic practice, “Deities of Nepal III: Lores & Legends” stands out as one of the year’s most significant cultural milestones. The exhibition offers a unique invitation to slow down, reconnect with ancestral wisdom, and celebrate the enduring brilliance of Nepalese art.
Founded in 1962, the Nepal Art Council (NAC) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the promotion, preservation, and development of art and artists in Nepal. Established with King Mahendra as its patron, NAC was created with the vision of providing a platform for artists while contributing to the growth and recognition of Nepalese art.
Presently, Sagar SJB Rana chairs as the President of the Council.
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