Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and New York City Mayor Eric Adams made a rare joint appearance at the Nepal Day Parade in Manhattan on May 18, 2025. The event, celebrating Nepali culture and heritage, was notable as it marked a rare public appearance together for the two prominent New York politicians since Adams’ federal indictment in September 2024 and the controversy surrounding his relationship with President Donald Trump.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, the vibrant streets along 38th Street and Madison Avenue in Manhattan came alive with the “Nepal Day Parade 2025,” a grand celebration of Nepali art, culture, identity, and pride. Organized by the New York Chapter of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), the parade showcased the rich heritage of the Nepali American community and served as a platform to share Nepal’s cultural legacy with the broader international community. The event drew a diverse crowd.
The Nepal Day Parade 2025 was a colorful spectacle, featuring traditional Nepali music, dance, and intricately designed floats that highlighted the diversity of Nepal’s cultural traditions. Attendees included representatives from various Nepali organizations in the U.S., local elected officials from Nepal, and members of the Nepali American community, one of the fastest-growing immigrant groups in New York City.
Senator Chuck Schumer and Mayor Eric Adams officially inaugurated the event, jointly kicking off the proceedings and symbolizing their support for the Nepali American community. Their presence was a focal point of the parade, given the political context surrounding Adams’ legal challenges and his recent relationship with former President Donald Trump.
The parade was convened by Manita Gurung, whose leadership ensured a seamless celebration of Nepali culture. The event featured performances by renowned Nepali artists, including Durga Gurung, Ramji Khand, and storyteller Saigrace Pokharel. The program was graced by Kaushal Kishor Ray, Nepal’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, who served as the chief guest, highlighting the parade’s significance. Chhiring Sherpa, the chairperson of the Nepal Day Parade 2025, played a pivotal role in coordinating the event, ensuring its success as a unifying moment for the community.
Amit Pratap Shah, the Nepal Day Parade’s advisor and coordinator for external and government affairs, stated that the event, which showcased the Nepali American community’s cultural unity, authenticity, and national identity, achieved greater impact, vibrancy, and success through the inclusive participation, discipline, and cultural diversity of all involved communities.
Photojournalist Rajan Kafle captured the essence of the parade for NepYork.
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Deepak Pariyar
View More PostsJournalist Deepak Pariyar is the editor of Khasokhas, a publication amplifying the voices of the Nepali diaspora in the USA since 2012. A champion against discrimination, he has held leadership roles in journalist organizations.
