DENPASAR, balitourismnow.com – Bali’s rich cultural heritage not only captivates tourists but also creates a sense of familiarity and connection for people from different parts of the world.
This was expressed by Rajesh Bahadur Shrestha, a native Newari descendant from the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, who currently resides in San Francisco.
In an interview on Friday (June 19, 2026), Rajesh said that every time he visits Bali, he feels as though he is returning home. According to him, Balinese culture shares many similarities with Newari culture in Nepal, ranging from art, language, and traditions to religious and spiritual values.
“I come from the Newari community, the indigenous people of the Kathmandu Valley. Every time I visit Bali, I feel at home because many of the traditions and rituals are similar to those we practice in Nepal,” he said.
Rajesh explained that this was his fifth visit to Bali. In addition to taking part in the celebrations of Galungan and Kuningan, he also had the opportunity to witness the 2026 Bali Arts Festival firsthand.
According to him, the festival plays an important role in cultural preservation. Through the Bali Arts Festival, various forms of artistic expression and cultural traditions can be showcased together in a well-organized and accessible setting.
“I deeply appreciate the efforts of Bali’s artists, government, and community in preserving and safeguarding their culture. Through the Bali Arts Festival, I was able to experience the diversity of Balinese culture in one place. It has been a truly memorable experience that I will never forget,” he said.
Furthermore, Rajesh believes that the historical and cultural ties between Bali and Nepal, particularly Newari culture, hold great potential for further development through artistic and cultural exchange programs.
He hopes to contribute in the future as a cultural bridge between Nepal and Bali, enabling people in both regions to gain a deeper understanding of their shared historical roots and common cultural values.
“I hope that one day Newari culture from Nepal can be showcased in Bali. This would allow the Balinese people to see firsthand the many similarities between Nepalese and Balinese cultures. I believe that cultural exchanges like this will strengthen our bonds of friendship and bring positive energy to all of us,” he stated.
For Rajesh, Bali is more than just a cultural tourism destination; it is a meeting place that demonstrates how ancestral traditions continue to thrive and be passed down from generation to generation.
He also sees the Bali Arts Festival as tangible proof of the Balinese people’s commitment to preserving their cultural identity amid the rapid changes of the modern era. [onk]