NEPAL: Bharatpur Streetart Festival - Urban Art Event by My Friend's Hostel, Spacio & Nepalu

The first phase of the BHARATPUR STREET ART FESTIVAL took place from 8th to 15th February in 2026. The event featured outstanding local and international artists who embellished the walls of the Balkumari Girls Secondary School at the Campachaur Cricket Pitch with colorful artworks in various styles, including spiritual, figurative, portraits, characters and calligraphy. However, this was only the pilot and first part of this extensive project; plans are in place to paint many more walls, ideally at all schools in the city, and then, following a successful implementation, to launch the master project: The painting of the large Pulchowk Narayani Bridge. This could thus become the country’s largest urban artwork and a creative landmark of the city. This amazing festival project is organized by MANISH KURMI from MY FRIEND’S HOSTEL, by CALYPSO LAROSSE from the cultural support organization NEPALU, and by SANAM MAHARJAN from the architectural agency SPACIO.

The organizers about the project: The festival began with a simple idea. To use art as a tool to shift how people see their city. Streetart creates visibility, invites conversation, and helps communities connect with public space in new ways. The pilot project took place in a school area, using outer walls, gates, and sidewalks as shared canvases. By bringing art outside the classroom, we opened creativity to the wider community. Artists were invited to respond to the core theme: “Reimagining the city through art.” Artworks embody one or more of the following ideas: Creating a more people-friendly city with safe, inclusive, and accessible public spaces. Encouraging urban development that respects nature and sustainability. Promoting art as meaningful career option for young people, encouraging creativity as a tool for social and economic growth. Empowering youth as active contributors to the city’s growth. Addressing mental health, well-being, and community care.

The City We Imagine: Over time, the dream is to create a network of painted paths and bike lanes connecting Bharatpur’s cultural and natural landmarks. From temples to markets to quiet riversides. A city made for walking, cycling, and slowing down. A city that respects the river flowing through it and the land around it. One that grows alongside nature, not at its expense. Not just a stop on the way to the jungle, but a place worth staying in. This festival only works if it belongs to the people. From the beginning and as it grows, the community shapes the ideas, the spaces, and the outcomes. Public places are reimagined together. Local businesses are supported through collaboration and foot traffic. Residents are guided to take part in the art, not just observe it. The result is pride. And a more decentralized form of tourism.

Want to get involved? We’re looking for artists, musicians, volunteers, and anyone who wants to be part of this journey. Whether you’re local or from abroad, there’s a place for you here. Come visit or lend a hand, share your music or your paintbrush and help us spread the word. Or donate, if you can. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Flyer – Made by BUDDHA CAT

Festival Map – Planned Walls

ROJAN MAHARJAN

Based in Dhunge Dhara, Kathmandu, ROJAN MAHARJAN is an emerging visual artist and a Fine Arts graduate from Lalit Kala Campus. His practice is rooted in drawing and design, and is steadily expanding into murals and public art. With a quiet dedication to learning and growth, he approaches each wall as both a challenge and an opportunity to evolve.

As a young artist finding his voice in Kathmandu’s growing art scene, Rojan is committed to creating work that connects with people in a direct and honest way. His focus remains on improving his craft and allowing each project to push him a little further.

For this mural, Rojan paints two hands rising from the ground. One hand holds a pencil. The other holds a guitar pick. Together they stand for art and music. The image speaks of strength through creativity. In difficult moments, art and music can hold us up. They give us language when words fall short. They remind us that even from the ground, we can rise. A simple and powerful reflection on how creativity sustains us. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: ROJAN MAHARJAN

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rojan_mhrjan

Collaboration – UTSAV & SEAMAN

UTSAV

Based in Kathmandu, UTSAV is an artist whose work comes straight from personal emotion. He creates what he feels and what he wants to express, often making pieces that others can relate to in their own way. His practice is fueled by nostalgia. He likes to think back. He remembers in colors. Memories, wishes, and imagination shape much of what he does.

He often uses himself as a figure in his work, turning his paintings into reflections of what he hopes to experience and become in real life. He also likes to dwell in beautiful imagery, working with subjects such as beauty and grace. It gives him a sense of gratitude for life and the people around him.

In this mural, Utsav reflects on the innocence of childhood. A child exploring different artistic mediums and hobbies becomes the heart of the piece. It is a reminder of his own early days, and a gentle invitation for passing adults to reconnect with theirs. UTSAV collaborated with SEAMAN on this work. The figures were created by UTSAV, with calligraphy messages around them by SEAMAN. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: UTSAV – UTSAV GHIMIRE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/axceller8

SEAMAN

Rooted in the old city of Patan, SEAMAN is shaped by the streets and driven by a strong, restless energy. His work is instantly recognizable for its bold hand style, confident strokes, and raw emotion. Each wall becomes a reflection of his lived experience. Without revealing his personal struggles, he channels them into his art, turning challenge into strength and presence into mark. For him, art is not separate from life. It is life, fully felt and expressed.

For this mural, SEAMAN collaborated with UTSAV. The artwork reflects the innocence of children and the beauty of simple, joyful moments. Young figures are shown creating art and making music, immersed in what they love without fear or hesitation. Surrounding them are flowing calligraphy messages by SeaMan, inspired by the Saraswati mantra, offering words of encouragement and empowerment.

The work speaks about passion, creativity, and protection. It reminds us that children shine when they are free to explore what they love. It encourages young people to stay original and fearless, and calls on adults to support and protect that light as they grow. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: SEAMAN – SEA – SEA ONE

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagar_namaes

BIPIN KAINTURA

Originally from Uttarakhand, India, BIPIN KAINTURA is a fine artist working across sculpture, painting, and mixed media. His practice is rooted in themes of beauty and spirituality, drawing inspiration from both nature and human life. He has been creating art since childhood, and through his work he seeks to build a space for inner reflection and emotional intensity.

For this mural, Bipin brings together humans, nature, society, and religion as one interconnected whole. Two hands form the shape of a nest. Inside, two birds rest safely. The birds represent school children waiting for their parents at the school gate. One day, they will grow and fly into the world.

The work carries a quiet sense of hope. It speaks of care, coexistence, and the responsibility of nurturing the next generation. A reminder that children will shape the future of a healthy and compassionate society. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: BIPIN KAINTURA

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bipin.kaintura.75

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bipinkaintura

Saatchi: https://www.saatchiart.com/bipin

BUDDHA CAT

TARA HATAMI began her creative journey in 2004, studying drawing for four years under Professor Farhad Gavzan. During that time, she explored a wide range of styles and techniques, building a strong foundation in art. Between 2008 and 2013, she focused closely on traditional media, especially colored pencil, developing both her technical skill and a disciplined approach to her practice. She later moved into digital art, working with character illustration and graphic design.

Since 2015, Tara has been developing her own brand, BUDDHA CAT, creating digital illustrations and designs across different products and platforms. For her, art has always been a quiet and ongoing journey of learning and exploration. Her inspirations are rooted in nature, femininity, mythology, and traditional symbols.

For this mural, Tara created a meditative figure floating in stillness, with the heart and eye chakras open. Energy expands gently around the body, while the figure remains calm and grounded. The work reflects a sense of balance and inner peace. It speaks about flourishing from within and nurturing the soul and mind through art. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: BUDDHA CAT – AZNO UPCYCLE – TARA HATAMI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhacat.artworks

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhacat.graphicdesign

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buddhacat.photography

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azno.upcycle.handmade

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„You are beautiful“ – ???

MENUKA SHAHI THAKURI

Originally from Dailekh in mid west Nepal and now based in Kathmandu, MENUKA SHAHI THAKURI is a visual artist and printmaker. She completed her BFA and is currently pursuing her MFA in Printmaking. Her work is rooted in observing the inner landscapes of people, their emotions, silences, and unspoken tensions. In her earlier works, she explored feelings such as loneliness, insecurity, and fear through darker, muted tones.

While she remains committed to honest emotional expression, her visual language has gradually opened into more vibrant and dynamic compositions. Expressive eyes and subtle body language are central to her practice. She often brings multiple figures together within one frame, reflecting our nature as social beings and the balance between tension and harmony in human relationships.

For this mural, Menuka focused on mental health within family life. A mother, father, and child, listening and sharing. The work speaks to the importance of open communication at home and the trust it builds. At its core, it is a gentle reminder that emotional well being grows through support, understanding, and space for a child’s imagination to flourish. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: MENUKA SHAHI THAKURI

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/menuka_thakuri

RYAN RAJBHANDARI

Based in Kathmandu, RYAN RAJBHANDARI is a multidisciplinary artist and MFA student, and co-founder of the collective ARTRIO and the art group NANGRA. Over the past eight years, his practice has moved across painting, performance, installation, murals, and exhibition-making. He also serves as Art Director for Stotram. His interests are rooted in culture, philosophy, ecology, psychology, and interdisciplinary learning.

For this mural, Ryan draws from Tharu folk art. Traditional symbols, flowing lines, and tattoo-inspired temple motifs shape the work. Children on their way to school and a tuktuk carrying flowers reflect the quiet beauty of daily rhythms. A warm homage to local culture. – Bharatpur Streetart Festival

Artist: RYAN RAJBHANDARI – RYAN SUSHANT RAJBHANDARI

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sushant.rajbhandari

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ryan_rajbhandari

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nepa.solarpunk

LinkedIn: https://np.linkedin.com/in/ryan-rajbhandari-68166a285

Behance: https://www.behance.net/ryanrajbhandari

The graffiti on the far right was made by the BFTS CREW aka BORN FOR THE STREET besides the festival. For more information about that piece check out the page Graffiti Bharatpur.