KATHMANDU: Daya Foundation hosted “A Tapestry of Nepali Culture & Heritage” at the Nepal Tourism Board on Monday, bringing together artists, educators, scholars, students, and cultural leaders to celebrate Nepal’s diverse traditions and promote cultural preservation.

Former Tribhuvan University Vice Chancellor Prof. Kedar Bhakta Mathema emphasized the importance of preserving Nepal’s cultural diversity and inspiring younger generations to value the country’s traditions.

Neeva M. Pradhan, a founding member and former president of Daya Foundation, said heritage lives through everyday practices, languages, festivals, and family traditions. She highlighted the foundation’s work in promoting arts, literature, heritage education, and youth engagement.

The program also honored the winner of Daya Foundation’s cultural video contest, featured a poetry reading by Sushila Rai, and showcased performances by students from Kathmandu Pragya Kunja School, including a Kumari dance and an ethnic costume show representing Nepal’s many communities.

Daya Foundation President Meekha Mathema said the organization remains committed to advancing education, youth leadership, and cultural awareness.

The event also featured musical performances based on poems by the late Dayaram Bhakta Mathema, an exhibition of traditional Paubha and contemporary Chhimwali art, and the launch of a Newari-language book on traditional Newar rituals.

Actor and comedian Madan Krishna Shrestha delivered a heartfelt speech on the importance of preserving Nepal’s cultural values and concluded with a musical performance.