Nepali MelaBack to the Streets of KTM
A vibrant cultural district inside the Live At Present Stage festival — authentic food, a curated marketplace, a startup spotlight, and community impact initiatives. Included with every festival ticket.
Culture, food, entrepreneurship & community — from KTM to NC
Nepali Mela introduces festival-goers to the culture, food, creativity, and community spirit of Nepal. It is a cultural experience, a small-business marketplace, a startup showcase, and a community impact initiative — all in one. Our goal is to build real connections between emerging Nepali businesses and consumers throughout North Carolina and the United States.
One district. Three experiences.
Taste of KTM
Authentic Nepali food experiences featuring momo, traditional teas, street snacks, and regional specialties — straight from the streets of Kathmandu.
The Bazaar
A curated marketplace of handmade products, crafts, clothing, art, sustainable goods, and cultural merchandise from Nepali makers and small businesses.
Startup Spotlight
A dedicated stage for Nepali-led startups, tech companies, digital platforms, and innovative businesses to connect with consumers, partners, and investors.
A marketplace woven into the festival grounds
Nepali Mela is integrated into the Live At Present festival grounds as a vibrant cultural marketplace and gathering space. Guests will explore food vendors, retail booths, startups, community organizations, and cultural displays throughout the day — all as part of the overall festival experience.
The atmosphere reflects the energy, colors, and community spirit found throughout Kathmandu's streets and marketplaces.
"The aroma of momo, the buzz of bargaining, and the spirit of a bustling bazaar—a slice of Kathmandu in North Carolina."
Giving Back Through Education
Nepali Mela partners with nonprofit organizations focused on educational opportunities in Nepal. A portion of proceeds generated through Nepali Mela activities will support educational initiatives and community development projects.
Nonprofit partners will be announced as we finalize 2026 alliances.
Funds raised, scholarships supported, and schools reached — published post-festival.
Subscribe to the festival newsletter for ongoing updates on our giving partners.
Become a Nepali Mela Vendor
Submissions flow through the existing Live At Present vendor team — same review, dedicated Mela category.
- ✦ Food, retail, artisan & nonprofit booths
- ✦ Curated cultural marketplace inside the festival grounds
- ✦ Reach an engaged Triangle audience all day
- ✦ Reviewed by the same vendor team as the main festival
Apply to showcase your startup
Nepali-led startups, technology companies, digital platforms, and innovative businesses are invited to connect with consumers, partners, and potential investors throughout the day.
- ✦ Dedicated showcase area inside the Mela
- ✦ Audience of festival-goers, partners & investors
- ✦ Reviewed by the Nepali Mela startup team
Sponsor the Mela
Partner with Nepali Mela to support small businesses, cultural exchange, and educational initiatives in Nepal — while reaching an engaged Triangle audience inside Live At Present 2026.
- ✦ Supporting small businesses
- ✦ Community engagement
- ✦ Cultural exchange
- ✦ Educational initiatives in Nepal
Questions, answered
Is Nepali Mela a separate event?+
No. Nepali Mela is a cultural district inside Live At Present 2026 — included with every festival ticket, on the same grounds, on the same day.
Do I need a separate ticket?+
No. Your Live At Present festival ticket includes full access to Nepali Mela.
Where does the proceeds support go?+
A portion of Nepali Mela proceeds supports nonprofit partners focused on educational opportunities in Nepal.
How do I become a vendor?+
Use the Nepali Mela vendor form above — it flows through our existing vendor management process with a dedicated Mela category.
Can my startup participate?+
Yes — apply through the Startup Spotlight form above. Nepali-led startups across industries are welcome.
Come for the music. Stay for the Mela.
Get your Live At Present 2026 ticket — Nepali Mela is included.