Sunita Kunwar Honored as ‘Popular Tattoo Artist’ at International Icon Award 2026
Kathmandu — What was once viewed primarily as body decoration has gradually evolved into a powerful form of art, identity, memory and personal expression. In Nepal, tattoo artist Sunita Kunwar has been part of that evolving artistic journey, carving out a distinctive identity through creativity, dedication and innovation.
That journey received international recognition at the Third Edition of the International Icon Award 2026 and the Second Edition of the Gandhi Peace International Motivational Award 2026 & Peace Summit, held at the historic Rastriya Nachghar, Jamal, Kathmandu, on Tuesday, Ashoj 20.
The grand ceremony brought together prominent personalities from Nepal and abroad, representing diverse fields including art, cinema, music, sports, fashion, medicine, engineering and social service.
Organized by ABM India, the event was held in collaboration with Samari International Pvt. Ltd., Aabha Foundation Nepal, S. Raj Productions, Kamala Mai Entertainment Pvt. Ltd., and Manavsewa Foundation Trust.
The program was chaired by Amol R. Bhagat, while Dr. C. K. Raut, Chairman of the Janamat Party and a scientist, attended the event as the chief guest.
A Recognition of Dedication to Tattoo Art
One of the notable highlights of the ceremony was the recognition of Nepalese tattoo artist Sunita Kunwar, who was honored with the ‘Popular Tattoo Artist’ Award under the Third Edition of the International Icon Award 2026.
According to the organizers, Kunwar was recognized for her contribution to the development, promotion and professional advancement of tattoo art in Nepal.
For Kunwar, tattooing is more than simply creating an image on the skin. It represents a creative language through which art, identity, emotion and memory can be expressed.
Through her innovative approach, creativity and years of continuous dedication, Kunwar has established a distinctive presence in Nepal’s growing tattoo-art scene.
As tattoo culture continues to gain popularity in Nepal, artists such as Kunwar are contributing to its recognition not merely as a trend, but as a professional and creative art form. Her recognition at an international award platform further highlights the growing visibility of Nepalese tattoo artistry.
Prominent Figures from Nepal’s Art and Entertainment Sector Honored
The award ceremony also recognized several prominent personalities from Nepal’s entertainment and creative industries.
Among those honored were veteran artist Rashmi Bhatta, Nepal’s first female film director Suchitra Shrestha, film director Madhab Raj Kharel, and veteran fashion designer and Suitmala entrepreneur Raj Karki, among other distinguished personalities.
The participation and recognition of individuals from different professional backgrounds added diversity and significance to the ceremony. Bringing together personalities from the arts, entertainment and social sectors, the event provided a common platform to acknowledge their respective contributions.
The ceremony was also attended by notable personalities including music composer Santosh Raj Sahani, former Member of Parliament Binod Pahadi, and former Member of Parliament Chhiring Lhamu Gurung.
Beyond an Award: A New Responsibility
For Sunita Kunwar, the International Icon Award represents more than a personal achievement. It also marks another significant milestone in her continuing journey to establish tattoo art as a creative and professional discipline in Nepal.
Her work demonstrates how tattooing can go beyond a visual design on the body and become a medium connected to personal stories, emotions, memories and identity.
The recognition at Rastriya Nachghar has added another dimension to Kunwar’s artistic journey, giving her work greater visibility on an international platform while drawing attention to the growing potential of Nepal’s tattoo-art community.
The ‘Popular Tattoo Artist’ Award presented to Sunita Kunwar at the International Icon Award 2026 therefore stands not only as a recognition of an individual artist, but also as a reflection of the creativity, evolving identity and international potential of tattoo art in Nepal.
