Nepal Hosts 13th International Tattoo Convention, Blending Tradition with Modern Ink Art

Apr 13, 2026

Lalitpur (Nepal), April 12 (ANI): The sound of buzzing tattoo machines filled the air at every stall as artists worked on intricate designs blending traditional deities with modern artistic concepts at the 13th International Nepal Tattoo Convention, which continues to celebrate body art and global tattoo culture in Lalitpur. The ongoing convention has brought together over 250 tattoo artists from around 25 countries, showcasing a diverse mix of styles, techniques and cultural influences. The event, which began on Friday, features artists inking a wide range of designs, including Hindu deities such as Ganesh, Hanuman, Lord Buddha, the Living Goddess Kumari, as well as contemporary and abstract concepts that fuse tradition with modern aesthetics. Tattoo culture in Nepal is one of the oldest traditions practised widely by Newa, Tharu, Gurungs, and Magar, the aboriginals of the Himalayan nation. As per the younger generation, traditional tattoos lacked precise details, linking them more to communities and spiritual beliefs, but modern tattoo designs focus more on aesthetics.