Nepalese celebrate in Auckland

The country’s Nepal community comes together in Auckland for grand celebration of the Nepal Festival on Easter Saturday, April 11.

The inaugural festival, to celebrate the Himalayan nation’s culture and heritage, is expected to attract close to 1000 people, one of the organizers, Dr Anil Kumar, said.

Dr Kumar said there were about 700 people of Nepalese origin living in New Zealand, and most of them were expected to be at the celebration.

The day’s programme, which starts at 12 noon, will feature food stalls, traditional handicraft, music, traditional dances, a seminar on Nepal tourism, and also audio visuals featuring Sir Edmund Hillary’s trips to Nepal.

The Nepalese ambassador, based in Australia, and the chief of the Nepal Tourism Board, are among a list of dignitaries who are expected to attend.

Dr Kumar said the programme, sponsored by the Government of Nepal, will kick off with a welcoming ceremony for VIP guests.

Celebration of the Nepalese New Year, which actually falls on April 14, will follow the festival at 5.30pm.

For more information, please contact Dr Kumar on 09 624-0897, or 021 133-5440.