The connection between Hong Kong and Nepal runs deep - woven through decades of shared history. Gurkha Nepalese soldiers serving in the British Army first arrived in the city in the late '40s. Many of them, and their descendants, chose to stay on in Hong Kong after its return to the motherland in 1997. Per the 2021 population census in Hong Kong, over 29,000 people of Nepalese ethnicity reside in the city.

Despite those figures, how much do Hong Kong people know about Nepal? Did you know that while Nepal is roughly 1/65th the size of China, the country is home to over 140 ethnic groups? Or that over 120 languages are spoken in Nepal? The organizers of the inaugural Nepal Fest in Hong Kong, which kicks off on Saturday, are looking to fill these gaps in the perception of Nepalese culture.

"Our vision and mission is to bring together communities, both Nepalese and non-Nepalese. We want to share with everyone how rich and diverse the Nepalese culture is through music, dance performances, workshops and lots of food," says Bina Limbu, administrative manager of the event organizer, Ace of Spades Entertainment.

Aiming to attract audiences of different backgrounds and ages, the team has curated a diverse lineup that includes iconic Nepalese rock bands 1974 AD and Albatross, the former celebrating its 30th anniversary this year; Nepalese supergroup Sabin Rai & The Pharaoh; rising singer-songwriter Rachana Dahal, making her international debut and innovative Norwegian string trio, Trio no Treble. Some of the local Nepalese musicians will also get a chance to take the stage at Nepal Fest.

"We want to unite people through music because it is one medium where you don't need to know all the words but can still connect. Everyone can come to Nepal Fest to enjoy, learn and just have fun," says Deepmala Kharel Dhakal, who is cohosting some of the shows.

Celebrity appearances include Harka Sampang, the popular mayor of the city of Dharan, and TV personality Malvika Subba, who will anchor the stage shows.

Setting a precedent

Hong Kong's Nepalese community is eagerly awaiting the chance to take the celebration of its culture from community halls to a large stage at a prominent outdoor venue. Limbu anticipates drawing crowds of 9,000 to 10,000, including non-Nepalese attendees, over the two days of the festival.

"I think an event like Nepal Fest 2025, which promotes cultural exchange, is wonderful in building cultural harmony. If someone learns about my culture and where I'm from, we can become good friends," says Binay Shah, director of the Hong Kong Integrated Nepalese Society Ltd, a non-profit organization founded in 2004 to facilitate integration and understanding between the local Chinese population and the Nepalese community. He adds that the festival will also help acquaint younger Nepalese people who might have been born or grew up in Hong Kong with certain aspects of their heritage.

Kharel Dhakal says that besides a celebration of Nepalese culture, the event is meant to remind audiences that the Nepalese people's connection with Hong Kong is a long and sustained one. "We're sending out a strong message that this is also our city," she says.

She adds that from the point of view of its organizers, the festival is also about realizing an ambitious dream and demonstrating how inclusive and multicultural Hong Kong supports the pursuit of such dreams.