UK – Applications are now open for “Pratibha Nakshatra 2025”, a prestigious talent development program aimed at nurturing the skills of Nepali children and promoting the preservation and celebration of Nepali culture worldwide. Although the event is based in the United Kingdom, where Nepali children from any part of the world are eligible to participate.
According to Rajendra Khas, the founder and coordinator of Pratibha Nakshatra, the program is designed not only for Nepali children residing in the UK but also for young individuals around the world who have a passion for the Nepali language, arts, and traditions. The initiative aims to deepen children’s understanding of Nepali culture while offering a platform to showcase their talents. Key objectives include fostering a sense of cultural belonging, promoting mutual harmony, strengthening ties within the global Nepali community, and enhancing the international recognition of Nepali heritage.
The main event is scheduled for August 17, 2025 (Bhadra 1, 2082 B.S.) at St. George Garrison Church, 5 Millennium Lane, London SE18 6BW. Interested participants can apply online through the official Pratibha Nakshatra website or Facebook page. The competition welcomes performances in various categories, including Nepali songs, music, dance, art, literature, and painting. Besides children’s performances, the program will also feature activities aimed at familiarizing parents and youths with Nepali language, arts, and culture.
Adding further vibrancy to the event, there will be a cultural exhibition showcasing traditional Nepali cuisine, games, and household artifacts such as the madal (traditional drum), doko (bamboo basket), dalo (woven basket), dhiki (rice husker), and janto (traditional grinder). Models of traditional Nepali homes, Tharu cultural houses, and Newari, Khas, Gurung, and Magar community displays will also be featured. Traditional dances such as Lakhe dance, Kumari dance, and Panchai Baja performances will be among the highlights, along with exhibitions of Nepali arts and literature.
The competition will be divided into two categories: Child Nakshatra for children aged 6 to 11 years, and Youth Nakshatra for those aged 11 to 19 years. In the Youth Nakshatra category, the first, second, and third prize winners will receive £700, £600, and £500 respectively. In the Child Nakshatra category, the winners will be awarded £500, £400, and £300 respectively. All prize winners will also receive a trophy, certificate, and gift hamper. Participation is open to children of Nepali origin from any country, and this year has already seen online registrations from Austria, Portugal, Belgium, Japan, the United States, and more.
The event is being organized with the collaboration of notable organizations including INAS UK, Buddha Foundation UK, Jamghat Parivar, and NRNA UK. In addition, alongside the Pratibha Nakshatra event, the “Made in Nepal Expo 2025” will be organized under the theme “Promoting Local Products, Our Mission.” The expo aims to promote Nepali-made goods among both Nepali and international audiences residing in London. The exhibition will feature a wide array of products including traditional Nepali foods, garments made from allo (nettle fiber) and dhaka fabric, pickles, honey, crystal jewelry, clothing made from natural fibers such as nettle, banana, hemp, bamboo, and ketuki, along with traditional Himalayan delicacies, Nepali footwear, velvet shoes, woodcrafts, and more. The expo is being hosted by Jamghat Parivar UK, Buddha Foundation UK, International Artists Society UK, and NRNA UK.