NEFIN to Celebrate 31st International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples with Weeklong Events and Grand Rally

Kathmandu – The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) has announced a weeklong celebration of the 31st International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples, focusing on the theme:
"Ensure Indigenous Peoples' Rights Over Natural Resources – Water, Land, and Forest; Implement the Supreme Court’s Directives on UNDRIP and ILO Convention 169."

The main celebration will be held on August 9 (Shrawan 24), with a massive cultural rally of over 5,000 participants in traditional attire, accompanied by ethnic dances, food exhibitions, and performances that highlight Nepal’s indigenous identity.

During a press conference, NEFIN shared that events will run from August 9 to August 13 (Shrawan 24–28) across Kathmandu. The grand rally will begin at 11:00 AM on August 9 at Bhrikutimandap and pass through Bhadra Kali, Sundhara, Bir Hospital, Ratnapark, and Old Bus Park before concluding at the National Assembly Hall (Rastriya Sabha Griha), where the main ceremony will take place.

According to NEFIN Chairperson Gelje Lama Sherpa, the celebration aims to raise awareness on indigenous peoples' rights, preserve their ancestral lands, promote their language, culture, and ensure meaningful participation in state mechanisms through inclusive representation.

NEFIN General Secretary Dibas Rai added that various indigenous groups will present cultural processions, exhibitions of ethnic cuisine, crafts, and songs in native languages. The program will also be broadcast live outside the Assembly Hall due to the large expected turnout.

In addition to the main event, NEFIN released the full week’s program schedule as follows:

Event Schedule (Shrawan–August 2025)
Shrawan 17 (August 2): Conference of the Federation of Indigenous Persons with Disabilities

Shrawan 20 (August 5): Women’s Federation – Dialogue and Advocacy Program

Shrawan 22 (August 7): Orientation on Indigenous Languages and Food Security
(In collaboration with Adivasi Janajati Upliftment Foundation, FAO, and UNESCO)

Shrawan 22 (August 7): Workshop on Indigenous Peoples and Artificial Intelligence by the Indigenous Nationalities Commission

Shrawan 23 (August 8): Tea Reception and Greetings Exchange by Gurung National Council

Shrawan 24 (August 9): Main Ceremony and Grand Rally by NEFIN

Shrawan 25 (August 10): Interaction Program by Nepal Magar Association

Shrawan 25 (August 10): Youth Federation – Peace Walk and Dialogue

Shrawan 25 (August 10): Students’ Federation – Interaction on "Future of Indigenous Peoples and AI"

Shrawan 26 (August 11): Dialogue on Empowering Indigenous Communities

Shrawan 27 (August 12): 26th Anniversary of Federation of Indigenous Journalists (FoNIJ) and Award Ceremony

Shrawan 28 (August 13): Art and Literature Award Distribution by Sunuwar Sewa Samaj

NEFIN claims the festival will attract over 5,000 participants and be a cultural showcase of Indigenous identity, food, arts, and traditions. In Bagmati Province, Tamang and Nepal Bhasa (Newar) have been recognized in official work, while Gurung and Magar languages hold similar status in Gandaki Province.

The celebration will serve as a significant platform for national and international dialogue on Indigenous issues, identity, and rights.