Auckland, New Zealand
In New Zealand, on 28th March, thousands of Nepalis and other community members gathered at the Aotea Square in Auckland – to celebrate all things Nepali. Attended by members from all walks of life, Nepal Festival 2021 was a true celebration of the country’s growing multicultural community.
The program was attended by several prominent members including Priyanca Radhakrishnan, Minister for the Community and Voluntary Sector, Michael Wood, Minister for Transport of New Zealand, MP Melissa Lee, Ramil Adhikari, Honorary Public Relation Representative for New Zealand. Addressing the crowd, they spoke on the symbolic history of the long and withstanding friendship between the two countries.
An old friend of Nepal, Lady June Hillary, wife of Late Sir Edmund Hillary, also attended the program.
Beginning with a parade, the program featured a cultural dancing program, songs and entertainment, and a wide range of Nepali delicacies. According to the organisers, an estimated 10,000 people attended the festival.
This is the second edition of Nepal Festival in 2021, has been able to successfully contribute towards the country’s unique multicultural identity. The first edition of Nepal Festival in New Zealand was held in 2018. The second edition was planned for 2020, however, had to be postponed owing to Covid-19.
New Zealand Nepal Society’s President, and organiser of Nepal Festival 2021, Dr. Santosh Bhandari expressed immense happiness on the successful conclusion of Nepal Festival 2021.
“We have been able to showcase Nepali culture in New Zealand with other communities” he said.
