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18th Himalayan Mela 2026: A Celebration of Culture, Community, and Unity
On Saturday, August 8, 2026, thousands of community members, friends, and dignitaries gathered at Nathan Phillips Square in Toronto, from 1 PM to 11 PM, to celebrate the 18th Himalayan Mela — proudly billed as Nepal's biggest festival and one of the largest annual gatherings of the Nepalese community in Canada. What began nearly two decades ago as a small community celebration has grown into a signature multicultural event that showcases the rich heritage, art, music, and spirit of the Himalayan region right in the heart of the city, and this year's free-entry celebration was no exception.
On behalf of the entire NCCS team, our volunteers, sponsors, and partner organizations — thank you to everyone who made this year's Mela such a memorable success. Special thanks to our Title Sponsor, Pokharel Law Professional Corporation, our Platinum Sponsor, LemFi, and many more others for helping bring this year's celebration, "Together We Serve, Together We Grow," to life.
A Community Parade to Kick Things Off
The day opened with a spirited community parade, bringing together representatives from over 40 community organizations, sports clubs, cultural associations, and local partners, including the Nepalese Canadian Heritage Centre, Pashupatinath Nepali Canadian Culture Centre, Chitwan Society of Canada, Toronto Nepalese Sports Club, NRNA Canada, the City of Toronto, and many more. Their presence and energy set a joyful, unifying tone for the celebrations ahead.
Honouring the Land and Remembering Those We Lost
Following a land acknowledgement recognizing the traditional territories of the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishinaabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee, and the Wendat peoples, the program turned to a moment of quiet reflection. NCCS paid tribute to the ten mountaineers, including six Nepali climbers, who tragically lost their lives in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan on July 30. Our community extended heartfelt condolences to their families and to the global mountaineering community for this profound loss.
Opening Ceremony and Distinguished Guests
The formal program was proud to welcome an extraordinary list of guests, including:
- His Excellency Bharat Raj Paudyal, Ambassador of Nepal to Canada, who served as Chief Guest
- Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto
- Jagan Sapkota, President of NRNA Canada
- Doly Begum, MPP for Scarborough Southwest
- Kristyn Wong-Tam, MPP for Toronto Centre
- Nathan Shan, Councillor for Scarborough–Rouge Park
- Leadership from NRNA ICC and the Canadian Multicultural Council
The event was proudly emceed by Tika Ram Paudyal, NCCS General Secretary, with Bimal Basnet serving as Chairperson of the program.
A special highlight of the ceremony was honouring John and Judi Bertholet, who dedicated approximately 45 years of service to Nepal, including their pivotal work in the late 1970s establishing and supporting hospital services at Aampipal Hospital in Gorkha — care that continues to touch thousands of lives to this day.
The ceremony continued with the traditional Diya lighting, joined by our Panchakanya, symbolizing unity, hope, and the passing down of culture and tradition to the next generation — followed by the national anthems of Nepal and Canada.
Voices from Our Leaders
Guests heard welcome remarks from Sudarshan Sapkota, NCCS President and Coordinator of the 18th Himalayan Mela, whose leadership and tireless dedication brought this year's celebration to life. Mayor Olivia Chow, Ambassador Paudyal, and elected officials from all levels of government spoke to the strength, unity, and growing contributions of the Nepalese Canadian community — including the recognition of April as Nepalese Heritage Month in the City of Toronto.
Cultural Performances
With the formal ceremony complete, the celebration moved into a vibrant afternoon of cultural performances hosted by Anil Bhusal and Shristi Shrestha, featuring music, dance, and traditions from across Nepal's diverse regions and communities — a joyful showcase of the heritage that connects us all.
Thank You
The Himalayan Mela is only possible because of the generosity and dedication of our community. NCCS extends its sincere gratitude to every sponsor, volunteer, performer, community organization, and guest who came together to make the 18th Himalayan Mela 2026 such a meaningful and memorable celebration.
We look forward to seeing you all again next year!
For the pictures from 18th HM, please click the links below:
