Bangladesh Fish Festival 2025: A Celebration of Culture and Culinary Arts in Kathmandu

Introduction

On November 29, 2025, the Embassy of Bangladesh in Kathmandu proudly hosted the inaugural Bangladesh Fish Festival. This vibrant event showcased an impressive range of both freshwater and marine fish, attracting a distinguished audience that included diplomats, government officials, and business leaders.

A Gathering of Dignitaries

The festival saw the presence of key figures such as Acting Foreign Secretary Krishna Prasad Dhakal, who served as the Guest of Honour. In his speech, Dhakal commended the festival as a powerful initiative for strengthening cultural ties and enhancing economic relations between Nepal and Bangladesh. He highlighted the increasing collaboration in various sectors, including trade, transit, energy, and particularly fisheries, aquaculture, and food security.

Celebrating Bangladesh’s Riverine Heritage

During the event, Bangladeshi Ambassador Md Shafiqur Rahman emphasized the profound significance of fish within Bangladesh’s cultural and national identity. He noted that the country’s geographical features, characterized by its vast network of rivers, play a vital role in supporting a diverse range of freshwater and marine species. This connection to the land reinforces the importance of fish in daily life and culinary traditions.

Ambassador Rahman extolled the unique flavors and quality of Bangladeshi fish, which are renowned globally. He articulated how the festival not only serves as a cultural celebration but also acts as a vital platform for fostering regional cooperation and expanding business ventures in the fields of fisheries and seafood processing.

Bridging Cultures

In a heartwarming gesture, the Ambassador invoked the phrase Maach-Daal-Vaat, symbolizing the friendship between Bangladesh and Nepal. This phrase combines the Bengali saying “মাছে ভাতে বাঙালি” (rice and fish define Bengali identity) with the quintessential Nepalese dish daal-bhaat. The festival encapsulated the shared vibrancy and cultural diversity of both nations, painting a picture of unity through culinary excellence.

Showcasing Culinary Delights

The Bangladesh Fish Festival was a gastronomic delight, featuring a myriad of iconic dishes prepared by expert chefs. Guests indulged in the star attractions, boneless smoked hilsa and mustard hilsa, along with katla curry, grilled lobster, and red snapper. Additionally, live cooking stations served up fried silver pomfret and shrimp tempura, further spotlighting the rich culinary heritage of Bangladesh.

The menu also included exotic offerings such as long-whiskered and helicopter catfish curries, whole grilled koral, and luxurious tiger prawn curry, demonstrating the extensive variety within Bangladesh’s fisheries sector.

Promoting Market Opportunities

The festival’s aim extended beyond showcasing culinary delights; it also sought to explore market opportunities within Nepal. The demand for high-quality marine products is on the rise, making the need for collaboration more pertinent. The event highlighted Bangladesh’s expertise in sustainable aquaculture and modern seafood processing, areas in which the nation has established a leadership role on the global stage.

Prior Events Leading Up to the Festival

In preparation for the festival, the Embassy held a comprehensive display of freshwater and marine fish on November 24, attended by Nepali hospitality-sector buyers and fish importers. This marked a significant first for the Embassy, offering an extensive showcase of Bangladeshi fish varieties in Nepal.

Conclusion

The Bangladesh Fish Festival 2025 not only represented a celebration of culinary art but also acted as a bridge for cultural and economic ties between Bangladesh and Nepal. As both nations look ahead, such events promise to foster stronger alliances, enhancing collaboration in fisheries and beyond.

For an in-depth look at the culinary treasures of Bangladesh, visit Bangladesh Cuisine and explore the seafood offerings available in the region.