KATHMANDU: The third International Watercolor Festival is set to take place at the Nepal Art Council in Kathmandu on Saturday.

The event’s inauguration, scheduled for 11 am in Babarmahal, Kathmandu, will be presided over by Minister for Youth and Sports, Dig Bahadur Limbu.

With over 200 participants, including 30 individuals from 39 different countries, the five-day festival promises a display of 340 watercolor artworks, as shared by NB Gurung, the Festival Coordinator.

Coordinator Gurung highlighted the arrival of artists from various countries such as India, Bangladesh, Thailand, Myanmar, the UK, and Austria, who are prepared to create and showcase their artworks during the event.

Among the 340 artworks exhibited, 115 will be contributed by Nepali artists, Gurung added.

Organized by the International Watercolor Society, Nepal, the event aims to exhibit diverse watercolor artworks and facilitate the exchange of knowledge among artists specializing in this medium.

During a press meeting in Kathmandu on Friday, Gurung mentioned that the artists would visit heritage sites in Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Bhaktapur to create artworks inspired by these locations.

Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to create artwork inspired by the sunrise and sunset during their visit to Nagarkot in Bhaktapur district.

The estimated budget for the event stands at Rs 1.3 million, and an award distribution ceremony is planned as part of the Festival, according to the organizers.

D Ram Papali, the senior Vice-Chairperson of the Society, highlighted that the Festival aims to showcase Nepal’s artistry on the international stage, potentially contributing significantly to promoting tourism.

Previously, similar events were successfully organized in Lumbini, Pokhara, and Kathmandu.