The Aurora History Museum in Colorado, the US, is currently hosting ‘Confluence of Festivals: Temple Town to the World’, an immersive visual exhibition that brings the festivals of Nepal to an international audience. The exhibition, captured by Youbesh Dhaubhadel, honours the vibrant cultural heritage of Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Lalitpur, featuring photographs that capture the spirit of Nepal’s most iconic festivals.

Dhaubhadel is an economics and finance student at the University of Idaho. He started his artistic journey with painting but ultimately chose photography. He shared, ‘‘My works are rooted in the philosophy of exploring the commonality of humanity, aiming to bridge the visible with the invisible through cultural storytelling.’’

The exhibition features over a decade’s worth of Dhaubhadel’s works, aiming to depict fleeting moments of celebration and convey the deeper cultural narratives behind each festival. Visitors can experience the interplay between tradition and modernity in Nepal’s cultural landscape through immersive displays.

Dhaubhadel’s lens documents festivals such as Gai Jatra and Indra Jatra and the cultural significance of Lumbini Province, the birthplace of Lord Buddha.

He shared that the Colorado Nepalese Community is pivotal in bringing depth to the exhibition. Their contributions, including cultural artefacts, stories, and educational insights, enrich visitors’ understanding of the festivals and their significance within Nepali communities.

‘Confluence of Festivals: Temple Town to the World’, which runs until June 8, 2025, celebrates the beauty and diversity of Nepal’s festivals and emphasises the importance of preserving cultural traditions in an ever-changing world.