The Carco Theatre resonated with the sounds and sights of Nepal on Saturday, December 28, 2024, as Dabuli presented the ninth annual Nepal Festival. This year’s event drew a diverse crowd eager to experience the rich heritage of the Himalayan nation.

Since its inception in 2016, the Nepal Festival has grown into a cornerstone of cultural exchange in the Pacific Northwest, bridging communities through art, music, and cuisine. The 2024 festival built upon this legacy, offering a comprehensive immersion into Nepal’s diverse traditions.

The day commenced with a musical journey, featuring a blend of classical and contemporary Nepalese music. Artists Sanjeev Shrestha, Sanjay Karki, Avinaya Neupane, Benju Koirala, Samir Dangol, Bhavan Thapa and Subhash Prajapati delivered a performance that spanned generations, from timeless classical melodies to the popular tunes of the Radio Nepal era.

A spiritual highlight was the Charya Dance – Lokeshvara, presented by Dance Mandal from Portland, Oregon. This sacred Buddhist dance, featuring Adam Bidema, Anastasia Roderick, Anna Shustrova, Guru Prajwal Vajracharya, and singer Joshua Proto, captivated the audience with its intricate choreography and profound spiritual significance. Following this, Bhavan Thapa, Raman Shakya, Lhakpa Sherpa, Nhoojah Maharjan, and Subhash Ram Prajapati performed a set of Nepalese folk instrumental music.

The festival’s centerpiece, the Grand Dance Relay, showcased the diversity of Nepal’s ethnic communities. Choreographed by Upasana Shakya and Palpasa Manandhar, the relay featured a series of dynamic performances. Palpasa Manandhar, Nirala Tuladhar, and Sujan Manandhar presented the rich traditions of the Newar community, while Sanjarina Shrestha, Lumana Shrestha, Lunisa Shrestha, and Sanvi Sharma showcased the diverse dances of Nepal’s mountain and Terai regions. Esha Shrestha delivered an elegant performance reflecting the serene beauty of the Himalayas. Asmita Poudel shared the unique cultural expressions of the Dhimal community, and Parina Shakya and Monika Dangol performed the graceful Maruni dance. Upasana Shakya and Minu Kayastha energized the audience with the lively Kauda dance, representing the Magar and Gurung traditions.

Beyond the performances, attendees explored a vibrant marketplace featuring authentic Nepalese handicrafts and savored culinary delights from Kathmandu Momocha and Curry and Kabab. A book talk with author Bikram Vaidya on “The Mystic Kitchens of Nepal” offered insights into Nepalese culinary heritage.

The festival’s success was driven by a dedicated team of volunteers, including Dinesh Manandhar, Samir Dangol, Andrei Cartera, Pamela Olivas, Palistha Vaidya, Prabin Dahal, Bibek Aryal, Arnav Shrestha, Panila Dahal, Sanjeeb Shakya, Sushil Sharma, Durga Prasad Shrestha and Susheel Sharma. Chetana Shakya served as program manager, and Subhash Ram Prajapati directed the program.

We express sincere gratitude to 4Culture, Annapurna Cafe, Habre, Kraftmandu, Curry and Kabab, and Kathmandu Momocha for their invaluable support.

With the resounding success of Nepal Festival 2024, anticipation is high for future celebrations. The festival remains a vital platform for cultural exchange, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of Nepal’s rich heritage.

You can find photos from the event at these links: here and here.