Last Saturday, the streets of Woodside Avenue in Queens, New York, from 72nd to 78th Street, were filled with a vibrant parade celebrating Nepali culture. The event, held on August 9, marked the 31st International World Indigenous Day. Members of New York’s Nepali community, particularly from various indigenous groups, came together in traditional attire with colorful floats and musical instruments.
The parade was organized by the Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA). Participants included local dignitaries such as New York State Assembly Member Steven Raga, along with representatives from various Nepali indigenous organizations and community members.
Following the parade, a formal program was held. The event was presided over by FIPNA President Toran Gurung, with the Consul General of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York, Dadhiram Bhandari, as the chief guest. Other notable attendees included New York State Senator John Liu and representatives from the Mayor’s Office.
The program also featured special guests, including Kulman Ghising, former Managing Director of the Nepal Electricity Authority and a key figure in the “Ujyalo Nepal” (Enlightened Nepal) campaign.
In his address, Consul General Bhandari congratulated the community on World Indigenous Day and commended FIPNA for promoting Nepali identity and culture through the event. He assured the community that the Consulate General’s office would continue to support FIPNA and its member organizations in their efforts to promote Nepal.
Kulman Ghising also extended his best wishes to the Nepali indigenous community on the occasion. Other speakers included FIPNA’s senior advisor, Dandu Dhokpya, and senior vice president, Pema Lama, who delivered a welcome address.
The program’s main coordinator, FIPNA’s regional vice president, Purna B. Paija Magar, played a crucial role in the event’s success by coordinating with member organizations and other groups. He emphasized the importance of preserving indigenous cultural diversity as a national heritage and called for the state to protect it. He also stressed the need to raise awareness among the younger generation to help them embrace their unique cultural identities.
The event was moderated by Machchhe G. Gurung. Participants celebrated their cultural heritage with traditional dress, floats, music, and banners, highlighting the rich diversity of Nepal’s indigenous communities.
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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.
