Kathmandu, Magh 26, 2082
The inauguration ceremony of the 17th National Children’s Drama Festival–2082, organized by the Russian House and Shaili Theatre Nepal, has been successfully held. The festival, which runs from Magh 26 to Falgun 2, is being staged at the Russian House, Kamalpokhari, Kathmandu.
The festival was inaugurated under the chairmanship of Shailee’s President Nabaraj Budhathoki by poet and short-story writer Mr. L. B. Chhetri, President of the Kavidanda Society, as the chief guest. Speaking at the inauguration, he congratulated the organizers for hosting the National Children’s Drama Festival and noted that theatre is a powerful medium for society, culture, and national identity. Praising theatre practitioners for their continued creativity and dedication despite various challenges, he expressed his hope that such events would inspire the younger generation and help promote and sustain Nepali art and culture.
Director of the Russian House, Anastasia Khokhlova, stated that the Russian House has consistently promoted cultural cooperation between Nepal and Russia, and that theatre serves as a strong medium for cultural exchange. In her remarks, she highlighted that the children’s drama festival helps develop children’s self-confidence, creativity, and acting skills, while strengthening cultural relations between the two countries at the grassroots level. She also extended congratulations and best wishes to the organizers, ar
tists, trainers, parents, and audiences, expressing happiness over the successful conduct of the program.
Shaili Theatre advisor, writer, and critic Mahesh Paudyal emphasized that children’s drama is not merely about acting, but a powerful medium for developing children’s self-confidence, creativity, sensitivity, and social awareness. Highligh
ting the important role of children’s theatre in fostering responsible and conscious citizens by addressing educational, cultural, and social themes, he expressed commitment to further strengthening children’s theatre through collaboration, continuity, and innovation.
The festival opened with the non-competitive children’s play Parvati, which added further vibrancy for the audience. A total of 16 plays will be staged until Falgun 1, while the award distribution and closing ceremony will take place on Falgun 2.
The jury for the festival comprises theatre practitioners Ashant Sharma and Kedar Shrestha.
