Russian House in Kathmandu

10/04/2026

Cosmonautics Festival in Kathmandu: 65 Years Since the First Human Spaceflight
Kathmandu, April 8–10, 2026
Honoring the Pioneer at Gagarin's Bust

On the clear morning of April 10, participants and guests of the three-day Cosmonautics Festival gathered in Kathmandu's central Ratna Park to pay tribute to the world's first cosmonaut. Chargé d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Nepal Rinchen Rakshaev was the first to lay flowers at Yuri Gagarin's bust, followed by Russian House Director Anastasia Khokhlova, CEO of The Squad of ChangeMakers Sushil Dev Bhattarai, members of the alumni association of Soviet and Russian universities "Mitra Kunj" led by Mahesh Pandey, students from the school at the Russian Embassy, and representatives of the Battaraya Aerospace School.

In his speech, Rinchen Rakshaev noted: "65 years ago, on April 12, one of the most significant events in human history took place — Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin on the Vostok 1 spacecraft made the first manned flight into space. The world will remember this date a hundred years from now, and a thousand years from now. Yuri Gagarin became a symbol of humanity's aspirations and daring, of the achievements and pride of our country. We proudly continue moving upward". The ceremony was complemented by schoolchildren's performances: the children recited touching poems about Gagarin and humanity's first steps to the stars.

Scientific Program at the Russian House

The final lectures and meetings took place at the Russian Center for Science and Culture. About a hundred students and teachers came to hear reports by Alan Baral ("The Magnitude of the Cosmos") and Harish Shrestha ("The Future of Space Travel"). The ChangeMakers team held a quiz with 35 questions and prizes for participants.

Academician of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology Madan Lal Shrestha emphasized the importance of developing science and technology education in Nepal and the role of youth in space research. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony for masterclass participants and an exhibition of aerospace models.
The Cosmonautics Festival in Kathmandu became a vivid example of scientific and cultural partnership between Russia and Nepal, inspiring Nepalese youth to conquer the starry skies.

09/04/2026

On the second day of the three‑day Cosmonautics Festival, April 8–10, 2026, dedicated to the 65th anniversary of humanity’s first human spaceflight “Yuri Gagarin’s Legacy”, a lecture titled “Stages of Development of Nepal’s Space Program and Policy and Their Place in the Global Space Sphere” took place at the Russian House in Kathmandu.

The event was organized by Mitra Kunj in collaboration with the Russian House in Kathmandu within the framework of the Cosmonautics Festival.

At the beginning of the program, participants were shown the documentary film “Russia’s History in Space. Dedicated to the 65th Anniversary of Humanity’s First Steps into Space”, devoted to Russia’s historical achievements in space exploration. The film set the tone for the subsequent discussion.

The main presentation was delivered by Professor Nanda Bikram Adhikari, Associate Professor and Doctor at the Department of Electronics and Computer Engineering, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University (Pulchowk Campus). He presented a detailed analysis of the development of Nepal’s space research initiatives, the formation of relevant policies, and the country’s integration into the international space community. In addition, the speaker outlined the history of space exploration by the major space powers: Russia, the USA, China, and India.

The speaker noted Nepal’s growing interest in space technologies, stressing the need to consolidate scientific potential and to build regulatory foundations for long‑term cooperation. He also highlighted the opportunities opening up for developing countries in the global space ecosystem.

08/04/2026

Cosmonautics Festival in Kathmandu: 65 Years Since the First Human Spaceflight

The Cosmonautics Festival has kicked off in Kathmandu, celebrating the 65th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin’s historic flight into space.

First Stage: Rockets Built by Students

On April 8, a robotics and aeromodelling workshop was held at the Bishal Milan Kendra Youth and Sports Center, with 25 students from five Nepali schools selected through a contest. The project, supported by the Kathmandu Municipality, was organized by the Nepal–Russia Society for Science and Technology, the Association of Alumni of Soviet and Russian Universities “Mitra Kunj” (Club of Friends), and the NGO Squad of ChangeMakers, in partnership with the Russian House in Kathmandu.
Students were divided into teams, attended introductory lectures on aerodynamics and rocket engineering, assembled model rockets, tested launch trajectories in the OpenRocket simulator, and conducted practical launches under the supervision of engineers.

April 9: Discussion on Space Exploration

Tomorrow, April 9, the Russian House will host a presentation and panel discussion dedicated to the first human spaceflight, space exploration, and prospects for Nepal’s own space program.

April 10: Festival Finale and Official Ceremony

The final day will begin with an official ceremony at 10:00 a.m. near the bust of Yuri Gagarin in Ratna Park, the central park of Kathmandu. The event will include a flower-laying ceremony, student performances, and addresses by Rinchin Rakshaev, Acting Chargé d’Affaires of the Russian Federation in Nepal, and Madan Lal Shrestha, Academician of the Nepal Academy of Science and Technology. Teachers and students of the Russian Embassy School in Kathmandu are also invited to participate.
At the Russian House (11:00 a.m.–2:25 p.m.), the program will continue with presentations by Alan Baral (“The Grandeur of the Cosmos”) and Harish Shrestha (“The Future of Space Travel”). A highlight of the day will be the Space Quiz organized by the ChangeMakers team — 35 questions and 35 prizes. The awarding of participants from the April 8 workshop and presentation of commemorative souvenirs to honorary guests will conclude the official part.

Exhibition: A Legacy Beyond Earth

Visitors to the Russian House will be able to explore a photo exhibition marking the 65th anniversary of the first human spaceflight, a themed book zone, and the RT documentary Becoming a Cosmonaut, about Roscosmos’ open call for new astronaut candidates.

Join us at the Russian House! Together, we’re closer to the stars!

08/04/2026

On April 7, Russian House in Kathmandu hosted a one-day symposium "Nepal Studies in Russia", organized by Shaili Theatre at the initiative of playwright, writer, and Tribhuvan University professor Mahesh Paudyal. Dedicated to the 70th anniversary of Nepal-Russia diplomatic relations, the event reaffirmed strong bilateral partnership and outlined prospects for cultural, academic, and educational cooperation.

Special guest — Rinchen Rakshaev, Chargé d'Affaires of the Russian Federation in Nepal — presented an overview of Nepal studies in Russia and emphasized the role of cultural and academic collaboration in strengthening ties.

Key speaker — former Nepalese Ambassador to Russia, Kathmandu University professor, author and translator Jangab Chauhan — delivered a compelling account of cultural and academic connections, current research, and the historic Moscow visit of renowned Nepali poet Lakshmi Prasad Devkota, calling it a landmark in cultural diplomacy.

He highlighted generations of Nepali students trained in Russia in medicine, engineering, management, and other fields, stressing their vital contribution to Nepal's national development. Drawing from his academic and diplomatic experience, Chauhan underscored literature, education, and scientific exchange as pillars of mutual understanding and long-term Nepal-Russia relations.

Shaili Theatre director Nabaraj Budhathoki showcased Russian plays staged by the theatre, noting 17 years of partnership with Russian House. He detailed over 15 productions based on Russian authors, positioning theatre as a powerful tool of cultural exchange, and pledged to continue collaboration, including projects marking the 250th anniversary of the Bolshoi Theatre.

Russian House Director Anastasia Kholkhova acknowledged the Institute of Oriental Studies RAS Himalayan Studies Center's annual conference, inviting Nepali researchers to participate. Thanking speakers, she reaffirmed Russian House's commitment to educational and cultural exchange and expressed hope for more such events.

Video greeting came from Dipesh Dahal of the Nepal-Russia Friendship and Cooperation Society. Attendees included researchers, university faculty, and literary figures.

Media coverage (10+ outlets):
- Dhipri Media dhipri.com/posts/2428
- Himalayan Tribune himalayantribune.com/2026/04/07/14375/
- DC Nepal dcnepal.com/2026/04/751949/
- Nagarik News nagariksewa.com/news/i3uNILPN-2026-04-07
- Drisya Khabar facebook.com/share/p/1C9ouFxFM1/
- Business 360 Nepal b360nepal.com/detail/28267/symposium-on-nepal-studies-in-russia-held-at-russian-house-in-kathmandu
- Sahitya Post english.sahityapost.com/symposium-on-nepal-studies-in-russia-held/
- Sanghu News facebook.com/share/p/17AnfUyxDB/
- Nabeen Samachar naveensanchar.com/2026/04/07/74131/
- Revo Science revoscience.com/en/nepal-studies-in-russia-symposium-highlights-academic-and-artistic-cooperation/

07/04/2026

🎬 NIFF-2026: Kathmandu announces winners of 9th International Film Festival

Kathmandu, April 7, 2026 — The 9th Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) concluded with awards for the best films from 40 countries. Russian Film Days, organized by Russian House Kathmandu (t.me/nepalforeva) and ROSKINO (roskino.org), celebrated the 70th anniversary of Russia-Nepal diplomatic relations. 🇷🇺🇳🇵

Russian Presence in the Jury
Marina Smirnova (online) served on the feature film jury (World Panorama, Nepal Competition) — screenwriter, producer, Triumph Award laureate, founder of "Living Classics" contest. With her were: Tulsi Ghimirey (president, Kusume Rumal, Deuta), Farjad Nabi (Pakistan, Zinda Bhaag), Narendra Bandabe (FIPRESCI, Golden Globes), Samipya Raj Timalsena (Nepal Film Critics president).

NIFF 2026 Closing Results
⦁ Gautama Buddha Award (Best Feature): "Pooja, Sir" by Deepak Rauniyar — Detective Puja investigates child abductions amid 2015 Southern Nepal protests, overcoming racism and sexism.

⦁ "Gunyo Chulo (The Dress)" by Samundra Bhatta swept major national awards: Best Film, Directing, Actor — Nair Hussen. Epic tale of honor, tradition, and personal happiness struggle in patriarchal society.

⦁ Best South Asian Film — "Jaar" (dir. Phurba Tshering Lama, India/Nepal) — 19th-century historical saga of forbidden love and tradition vs. modernity clash.

⦁ IFFS Don Quixote Award — "My Daughter's Hair" (dir. Hesam Farahmand, Iran) — Family drama about fighting for freedom of choice amid social restrictions.

⦁ Mt. Everest Award (Documentary) — "The Ground Beneath Our Feet" (dir. Yrsa Roca Fannberg, Iceland/Poland) — Poignant story of lonely elderly in nursing homes.

⦁ Bagmati Award (Short) — "Sheep" (dir. Hadi Babaeifar, Iran) — 13-min film about a girl saving a sheep from sacrifice in Tehran.

⦁ Manjushree Award (AI) — "Spirit of the Mountain" (dir. Pang Jia, China) — Futuristic parable of wisdom and survival in a mysterious mouse village.

⦁ National Short — "Rihanna" (dir. Suraj Paudel, Nepal) — 13-year-old girl changes name to pop star, facing condemnation and self-discovery.

See you at the 10th anniversary NIFF-2027!

03/04/2026

Russian Film Days Opened in Kathmandu
Kathmandu, April 3, 2026
The grand opening of the Russian Film Days as part of the 9th Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) brought together a wide audience at the Russian House, including film enthusiasts, representatives of cultural organizations, officials from Nepalese government agencies and the diplomatic corps, as well as leadership and senior diplomats from the embassies of China, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and others.
Ms. Indu Ghimire, Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation of Nepal, attended the event as the chief guest.
They became the first viewers of the Russian Film Days – Roskino's program dedicated to the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Russia and Nepal.
K.P. Pathak:
Cinema is a universal language that crosses borders and brings people together. In honor of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations, we are launching Russian Film Days for cultural exchange. Russian cinema is a legend that has gifted the world masterpieces. Thank you Roskino, the Russian Ministry of Culture, and the Russian House – all screenings are free! Let the films become an inspiring journey into Russian life.
Rinchen Rakshaev:
We see how the world is changing, how concepts of goodness, love, family, and patriotism are being eroded. In today's conditions, the issue of preserving traditional values and passing them on to the younger generation has become extremely relevant for society. It is essential for us to defend historical truth. That is why we tell again and again about the events of World War II, which we call the Great Patriotic War, about the first human flights into space, about our scientists and poets, and simply about ordinary people.
Anastasia Kholkhova, Director of the Russian House, thanked K.P. Pathak and his team for their support and enthusiasm, expressing readiness to further develop cooperation and make Russian Film Days an annual event.
The opening film was "August", a new adaptation of Vladimir Bogomolov's novel "In August of '44...". Directors Nikita Vysotsky and Ilya Lebedev transported viewers to 1944: SMERSH counterintelligence prevents a strike against the advancing Red Army.
Nikita Kologrivy in the role of Lieutenant Tamantsev called the character "the most complex role in my career." Alongside him – Sergey Bezrukov (Captain Alekhine) and Pavel Tabakov. Some guests admitted they had seen the film for the second time. The Nepalese audience appreciated its historical accuracy and emotional depth.
Roskino's program offers Nepalese viewers a rare glimpse into contemporary Russian cinema. In addition to "August", the program features:
• "The Challenge" (dir. Klim Shipenko) – the first film shot in space, where a doctor performs surgery in zero gravity;
• "Doctor Dinosaurs" (dir. Maksim Volkov) – a family adventure about a girl in the dinosaur era;
• "Worst of All" (dir. Aleksandra Ivanova) – a drama about school bullying;
• "The Prophet. The Story of Alexander Pushkin" (dir. Felix Umarov) – a biography of the genius.
Russian Film Days have become a cultural bridge across the Himalayas in the year of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations – cinema truly unites.

03/04/2026

02/04/2026

9th International Film Festival NIFF opened its doors in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, April 2, 2026. The grand opening of the 9th Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF) gathered hundreds of guests in the capital, turning Kathmandu into the true film capital of South Asia for five days — from April 2 to 6. The festival, which has become a key platform for Asian cinema over eight years, showcased 88 films from 40 countries — from Cannes, Berlin, Tribeca, and Locarno laureates to world-class Nepali premieres.

World hits and Nepali sagas: a program you can't miss

The NIFF-2026 program impresses with its diversity: family dramas, epic sagas, arthouse, and thrillers. Among the absolute must-sees is "My Daughter's Hair" (1h 49m, April 2), an emotional family drama about generational legacy through the lens of love and choice. The Nepali epic "Gunyo Cholo" (128 min, April 3) — an epic saga about honor and traditions where ancient customs clash with modernity. And the psychological thriller "Tel Visa" (154 min, April 5, in two parts) keeps you in suspense until the last minute, reminiscent of Hitchcock masterpieces. "The Prophet. The Story of Alexander Pushkin" — a film about the great poet who became a symbol of Russian culture.

Special mention for films that change your worldview: "White Snail" (1h 55m, April 3), Locarno laureate, turns the theme of loss into a poetic visual trance. The comedy "I Accidentally Wrote a Book" (97 min, April 4) combines laughter with deep immersion in creative processes. The festival finale on April 6 will feature the Nepali action film "Kosedhunga" (127 min, in two parts) — a perfect grand closing with a powerful emotional finale.

Russia at NIFF: Days of Russian Cinema start tomorrow

The Russian House in Kathmandu and Roskino are official information sponsors of the festival. This unique cultural exchange presents contemporary Russian cinema to the Nepali audience for free, marking the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Russia through cross-cultural storytelling. Starting April 3, the special Days of Russian Cinema program begins — exclusive screenings of Russian blockbusters and arthouse films outside the main competition. This is an important step in cultural exchange, giving the Nepali public a chance to discover high-level Russian cinema. At the screenings organized by ROSKINO as part of the Nepal International Film Festival (NIFF), you can see: war drama based on Vladimir Bogomolov's novel "August", teen life dramedy "The Worst of All", the world's first film shot in space "The Challenge", engaging family animation "Doctor Dinosaur".

Legend of the Nepali screen and diplomatic corps

The opening was a true celebration of film history: honorary guest Chaitya Devi Singh, star of "Kumari" (1977) — Nepal's first color film and VGIK graduate. The legend congratulated the NIFF team, expressed gratitude to participants, and confirmed full support for the festival, emphasizing the connection of generations in Nepali cinema.

The hall gathered representatives of Kathmandu's diplomatic corps — ambassadors, counselors, and attachés. Russia was represented by:
- Chargé d'Affaires Rinchen Rakshaev
- Counselor of the Russian Embassy in Nepal, Head of the Rossotrudnichestvo Representative Office in Nepal Anastasia Khokhlova

Conclusion and prospects

NIFF-2026 is more than cinema: a global forum for exchanging ideas, discovering new talents, and strengthening cultural ties. More details at festival venues.

02/04/2026

Follow our April events – exciting cultural meetings and exclusive projects ahead!

Russian House in Kathmandu – your guide to Russian culture!
🔗 nepal.rs.gov.ru

30/03/2026

March 30, 2026
Kathmandu: Russian House and Mitra Kunj Launch Joint Environmental Initiative During Earth Hour

Today, the Russian House in Kathmandu successfully organized an environmental initiative in partnership with Mitra Kunj, marking Earth Hour with a plantation program at Manjushree Park in Chobar. Earth Day is a United Nations-recognized day celebrated at the end of March, and Earth Hour serves as part of this global effort to raise awareness about environmental conservation.

During the program, seasonal fruit trees were planted to promote environmental sustainability and community awareness. The event featured active participation from:
⦁ Director of Russian House Anastasia Khokhlova
⦁ President of Mitra Kunj Sushma Khatri
⦁ General Secretary of Mitra Kunj Sanjay Shrestha
⦁ Russian House staff and volunteers

The tree-planting ceremony was symbolically led by the Director of Russian House and President of Mitra Kunj Sushma Khatri, demonstrating their shared commitment to environmental responsibility and collaborative action.

This meaningful initiative highlights the importance of collective efforts in preserving nature and contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.