Himalaya Festival

A Solidarity Bridge Between Alsace and the Himalayas

The Himalaya Festival was born from the desire of the association Keta Keti Népal – Enfants du Népal, based in Mulhouse since 1995, to introduce the Alsatian public to the cultural richness of the Himalayan region while funding concrete humanitarian projects. Organized in partnership with the association Passeport Tibétain, the festival brings together eight humanitarian associations from the Grand Est region and Switzerland at the Parc des Expositions de Mulhouse, all working in Nepal, India, and Tibet. Each edition supports a specific solidarity project: in 2025, it was the funding of a medical clinic in Jurey, 60 km south of Kathmandu, benefiting 200 Himalayan families.

Mountain Cinema and Conferences

The festival offers a top-tier film program, featuring screenings of mountain films combining archival footage and testimonials from renowned directors and mountaineers. The first edition notably presented "Himalaya, Childhood of a Chief", an Oscar-nominated and César-winning film, as well as "The Walk in the Sky" with writer-traveler Alexandre Poussin and "Madness of the Heights" presented by mountaineer Bernard Muller, the event's patron. Conferences provide opportunities to meet field actors in humanitarian aid and international solidarity in the Himalayan region.

Dances, Music, and Spirituality

The cultural dimension of the Himalaya Festival unfolds through a varied artistic program: Indian and Tibetan dances, nomadic music, creation of sand mandalas by a Tibetan monk — a fascinating meditative art where complex geometric patterns are patiently composed grain by grain before being ceremoniously destroyed. Sessions of yoga, Tibetan meditation, Ayurveda, and tai-chi allow visitors to discover well-being practices from the East, in a space dedicated to relaxation and serenity.

Crafts, Gastronomy, and Workshops

Festival exhibitors showcase authentic Himalayan crafts: jewelry, textiles, incense, ritual objects, and sculptures. On-site catering offers the characteristic flavors of Nepalese cuisine, including the must-try momos — Tibetan dumplings filled with meat or vegetables — and dal bhat, the Nepalese national dish made from lentils and rice. Children's workshops, Nepalese games, and a zen garden complete the entertainment offerings, making the festival an event accessible to the whole family.

Keta Keti Népal, 30 Years of Commitment

The association Keta Keti Népal, founded in 1995 in Mulhouse, has been working for thirty years to improve the living conditions of disadvantaged children in Nepal, one of the ten poorest countries on the planet. Support for education, aid to families, and assistance to orphanages are the pillars of its action. The Himalaya Festival serves as both a showcase for this solidarity work and a fundraising tool to finance projects on the ground, carrying the voice of the Himalayas to the heart of Alsace.