The National Dance Competition concluded its five-day run at the Rastriya Naachghar in Kathmandu, bringing together over 500 dancers from all seven provinces. The competition featured 12 categories spanning classical, folk, contemporary, and fusion dance styles.

Gandaki Province's ensemble won the grand prize in the traditional folk category with a breathtaking performance combining Gurung Ghatu dance with elements of Thakali ritual dance. The judges praised the choreography's respect for tradition while incorporating innovative staging.

In the contemporary category, a solo performance by 19-year-old Shreya Maharjan from Kathmandu addressing themes of gender identity and social pressure through modern dance earned a standing ovation and the top prize.

The Nepal Academy of Fine Arts announced that the competition will become an annual event with increased funding of 50 million rupees, and winning performances will be documented in a national cultural archive for preservation.