The local Nepali community celebrated its second annual Nepal Day with a cultural festival on Saturday, drawing a large crowd of Nepali Americans from across New Jersey and New York to Memorial Park.
The event, aimed at preserving Nepali language, culture, and traditions for younger generations, was organized by Nepal Day New Jersey. It was held in collaboration with the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) USA and the Consulate General of Nepal in New York.
Fair Lawn Mayor Cristina Cutrone officially proclaimed June 6, 2026, as Nepal Day in the borough, praising the community’s heritage and local impact.
“I was honored to join our Nepalese residents as they celebrated their 2nd Nepal Day,” Cutrone said. “It was a wonderful opportunity to recognize the rich culture, traditions, and contributions of the Nepalese community to our town. Thank you for the warm welcome and for sharing this special celebration with all of us. Happy Nepal Day!”
Dadhiram Bhandari, the consul general of Nepal in New York, served as the chief guest alongside Cutrone and Fair Lawn Deputy Mayor Josh Reinitz. In his address, Bhandari urged Nepali immigrants to remain law-abiding residents while commending their efforts to promote Nepali art, culture, and tourism in the United States.
The festival grounds were decorated with U.S. and Nepali flags, featuring attendees dressed in traditional ethnic attire. The event included exhibitions and stalls showcasing authentic Nepali cuisine, traditional clothing, and informational crafts.
Sanjeev Shrestha, the event’s convenor, said the festival serves as a vital bridge to the homeland, fostering social unity and cultural preservation among the diaspora.
Rajendra Shrestha, president of Nepal Day New Jersey, said organizers plan to expand the annual event in the coming years. He called on the community to continue supporting cultural initiatives from their respective places in the U.S.
The celebration concluded with a cultural program, featuring traditional dance routines and live musical performances by popular Nepali artists James Pradhan and Krishna Kafle.
Rajan Kafle
View More PostsRajan Kafle is a Nepali photojournalist now based in New York. He began his career in video journalism during Nepal's 2006 democratic movement. Kafle has worked for various media outlets in Nepal, including Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. He served as the official photographer for the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2019 to 2021. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards.
