Students from all over the world gathered to celebrate the Nepalese New Year April 13 on the Heritage Plaza Lawn. 

In Nepal, the year is 2081. To bring in the new year, Nepalese traditional lentil bean curry was served with classic naan chips. Following the refreshments, performers shared solo and group dances that originated from their native countries. 

This was the first Nepalese celebration event to take place at Arkansas State University. 

“Since the Nepalese students are the largest population for our international students, we really want to show that we appreciate them and their culture,” Jacquelyn Young, the international event coordinator, said. “We don’t want to just celebrate Chinese New Year or only American New Year. We care about everyone’s culture and heritage.” 

International student ambassador Oshin Thapa, a junior biology major from Nepal, said their outfit was inspired by the Nepalese flag. 

“I chose to wear this drape sari because it has blue and red,” Thapa said. “Our flag has blue and red.”

Siddhardh Singh, a graduate student studying agriculture from India said the borders connecting Nepal and India are open. This is the reason why the dresses and suits resemble each other from each country, and that it allows for combinations between Asian nationalities. 

With Nepal being fifty-seven years ahead of many other countries, Thapa said the change can be challenging for some students. However, she said the day and month in Nepal are still the same as in America.

“All of these new companies are trying to modernize people and think we need to have common grounds with all of the world, so now they are using the American calendar too,” Thapa said. “I am not sure if they are letting it (Nepalese calendar) go any time soon or not.”

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