Two female dancers performing a traditional Satat Bandana cultural dance outdoors in front of spectators.

Living Heritage 2026

In collaboration with Gallery Mcube, we hosted, Living Heritage 2026, from 6th to 18th February, an art event curated by Manish Lal Shrestha, presented traditional art not as something that belongs only to the past, but as a living and evolving practice, rooted in the rich artistic traditions of the Nepal valley. The exhibition highlighted how art forms such as Pauba painting, wood carving, metal repoussé, mandalas, sacred writing, and theater continue to thrive through daily practice, ritual and shared knowledge. The exhibition also showed how artists carry inherited skills and cultural values into the present, ensuring that heritage remains active, meaningful and deeply connected to community life.

Chandra Ratharohan

Ujay Bajrachharya

This delicate Paubha depicts the Chandra (Moon) Mandala during Ratharohan (placing onto a chariot), honoring Janko, a milestone celebrating 1000th full moon of a person’s life, i.e. 80 years & 10 months. It celebrates longevity, cosmic harmony & communal blessings, capturing a timeless reflection of Newar living heritage. Also popular as Thangka painting, this art is originally known in Nepal as Pauba.

A vibrant circular Buddhist mandala Chandra Ratha Rohan thangka painting featuring concentric geometric rings and traditional deity artwork.
An ornate carved metal medallion inlaid with colourful stones, depicting a narrative mountain scene with figures and deities.

Brave Little Parrot

Rajesh Shakya

A retelling of a Buddhist Jataka tale, tells of a small grey parrot who refuses to flee as her forest burns. Carrying only a few drops of water, she returns again and again to the fire, moved by compassion rather than hope of success. Her selfless act awakens the gods, whose tears extinguish the flames and restore life. Through courage and devotion, the parrot is transformed revealing how sincere effort, however small, can change the world.

Arya Tara

Rajani Sinkhwal

In her standing form, symbolizing active and immediate compassion, she conveys readiness, protection & swift action, emphasizing Tara’s role as an ever-present savior.

The artist chose Arya Tara to honor the feminine principle within Buddhism. As a fully awakened Buddha, who attained enlightenment in a female form, Tara represents strength, fearlessness, and nurturing compassion, reflecting the artist’s reverence for feminine resilience and Tara’s enduring role in sustaining the Buddhist path.

A detailed Aarya Tara thangka artwork featuring a standing green deity on a lotus flower amidst colourful backgrounds.
A hand-carved Bhagiratha wooden statue of a traditional deity standing on a wooden pedestal against a brick wall.

Bhagiratha

Indra Prasad Shilpakar

A legendary king, revered for his devotion and perseverance. Through intense penance, he brought the sacred river Ganga from heaven to earth to purify the souls of his ancestors and grant them salvation. Today, the name Bhagiratha symbolizes extraordinary effort and selfless dedication. In Nepal, stone sculptures of Bhagiratha are traditionally placed beneath stone water spouts, Hiti, with respect to his enduring act of devotion and sacrifice.

Vasundhara Jam Bhala

Devendra Sinkhwal

An unconventional composition in which the male deity Jam Bhala is seated on the lap of the female deity Vasundhara. She is depicted with two hands, holding a sheaf of grain that symbolizes sustaining and foundational wealth. Jam Bhala, seated on her lap, represents manifested prosperity nurtured by compassion and fertility. Executed in mineral pigment, the painting expresses a balance between abundance and care.

A traditional Basundhara Jambala thangka painting depicting a seated golden deity on a lotus base surrounded by floral art.
A Newar woman cooking traditional lentil patties (Bara) on a large flat iron tawa inside a local eatery in Bhaktapur, Nepal.

Experience the Best Newari Food in Bhaktapur at The Nanee

For those seeking an authentic Newari dining experience, The Nanee in Bhaktapur offers a curated selection of both traditional and contemporary Newari flavours across its distinct dining outlets:

  • Bara Shop at The Nanee – Specialising in traditional Newari delicacies, featuring dishes like Bara, Samay Baji, and Choila, made using age-old recipes.
  • Community at The Nanee – A space for contemporary interpretations of Newari cuisine, blending classic flavours with modern techniques.
  • Rooftop at The Nanee – An exclusive Chef’s Table experience, where guests can savour an elevated Newari tasting menu, crafted with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.

Two female dancers performing a traditional Satat Bandana cultural dance outdoors in front of spectators.

Satat Vandana

Poetic Dance Drama by Sarwanam Theater

Following the success of Living Heritage 2026, The Nanee reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating and preserving Nepal's living cultural heritage through meaningful artistic and community initiatives. We look forward to continuing this celebration in the years ahead, creating more opportunities to connect people with the rich traditions of the Nepal Valley.