Barcelona, April 12: The Nepali community in Spain has raised more than Rs 50 million to build a Nepali house, or temple, in Barcelona.
According to Ramesh Khanal, spokesperson for the Non-Resident Nepali Association Spain, over 300,000 euros, around Rs 52.1 million, was collected during the five-day “Spain Spiritual Festival 2026” held in Barcelona.
The event turned deeply devotional as spiritual discourses delivered by Pandit Dinbandhu Pokharel inspired attendees. Members of the Nepali community openly pledged financial contributions, which they have been asked to deposit into the organization’s account within the coming month.
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On the opening day, a ceremonial procession carrying 108 sacred water vessels filled from the nearby sea created a festive atmosphere. The association credited months of preparation, along with coordination by 28 subcommittees and 14 co-coordinators, for the event’s success.
A special devotional music and dance performance by a local ISKCON temple in Barcelona added to the celebratory mood during the inaugural ceremony.
Association President Santosh Shrestha said the main goal of the initiative had been achieved. He explained that while fundraising for the temple was important, the greater aim was to provide mental peace and spiritual energy to Nepalis living abroad under stressful and busy conditions.
More than 15,000 people attended the festival.
Pandit Pokharel described the event as one of the most successful and unique spiritual gatherings in Europe’s history. At the closing, he urged organizers to maintain transparency in handling donations and to begin construction without delay, calling the fundraising achievement historic.
Khanal said a clear procedure will be developed to ensure transparency in purchasing and managing the building.
Among the contributors, Mallorca-based businessperson and social worker Balkrishna Tiwari and Ramkala Tiwari donated 15,555 euros, becoming the largest individual donors. The couple runs a Himalayan restaurant.
Organizers also highlighted the strong participation in managing food distribution throughout the festival. Thousands of attendees were served pure vegetarian meals, supported by generous contributions from businesses and donors, reflecting a strong spirit of service within the Nepali diaspora.
The association expressed gratitude to volunteers, artists, media personnel, and the entire Nepali community in Spain for helping make the event a success.
