SATV, Kathmandu Feb. 18 – A grand Chinese New Year Lantern Festival has been successfully held at the historic premises of Patan Durbar Museum. Organized on the occasion of the 2026 Chinese New Year and Spring Festival, the Lantern Festival conveyed a strong message of deepening Nepal–China cultural ties.

The event was jointly organized by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in Nepal and Lalitpur Metropolitan City.

Distinguished guests included Nepal’s Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Anil Kumar Sinha, Chinese Ambassador to Nepal Zhang Maoming, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City Chiri Babu Maharjan, President of the Nepal Olympic Committee Jeevan Ram Shrestha, Member Secretary of the National Sports Council Ram Charitra Mehta, President of the Overseas Chinese Association in Nepal jin Xiaodong along with representatives from diplomatic missions, entrepreneurs, artists, media personnel, and members of the public.

During the Inauguration session, Minister Sinha, Mayor Maharjan and Ambassador Zhang jointly lit the ceremonial lamp to formally inaugurate the festival. The dazzling display of illuminated lanterns transformed the Patan Durbar area into a mesmerizing spectacle.

Alongside lantern viewing, Chinese and Nepali artists delivered special song and dance performances. The event also featured traditional Chinese Tai chi demonstrations, cultural art experiences, calligraphy, paper-cutting art, and opportunities to try on traditional costumes.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Anil Kumar Sinha extended heartfelt New Year greetings and best wishes for peace, prosperity, and happiness to President Xi Jinping, the Chinese government, and the people of China on behalf of the Government of Nepal and personally.

Ambassador Zhang Maoming described the Lantern Festival as an important highlight among the series of Chinese New Year celebrations and expressed sincere appreciation to all friends who have continuously supported the development of China–Nepal relations. He noted that the lighting of the New Year lanterns symbolizes auspiciousness and new beginnings and expressed confidence that China–Nepal friendship will grow even stronger.

He also mentioned that 2026 is celebrated as the Year of the Horse according to the Chinese zodiac, where the horse symbolizes strength, energy, courage, perseverance, and success in Chinese culture.

The Minister further expressed Nepal’s gratitude for China’s continued support in tourism, infrastructure, agriculture, energy, and technology sectors.

The program concluded with guests and artists taking a group photo and exchanging New Year greetings.

According to the organizers, the Lantern Festival will remain open to the public free of charge until March 3.

With lanterns shining brightly over Patan Durbar, the event concluded with a heartfelt message: may Nepal–China friendship remain forever bright and steadfast.