After the great time we all had at the 2018 Nepal Festival, we all were keen to celebrate again in 2020! With the Covid-19 pandemic however this became difficult, so we had to wait a little bit longer until 2021. It was definitely worth the wait as the performances, the food, the stalls and the atmosphere were incredible.
The festival was organised on 27th of March 2021 at Aotea Square collaborating with Non-Resident Nepalese Association, New Zealand and with the support of various Nepalese community organisations in New Zealand. Minister for Ethnic Affairs Hon. Priyanca Radhakrishnan inaugurated the program as the chief guest. Other notable dignitaries present in the festival were Hon Michael Wood, Minister of Transport, parliamentarian Melissa Lee, Helen White, Simeon brown, Vanushi Walters and Lady June Hillary among others. The guests and participants were formally welcomed by President Dr Santosh Bhandari where as a vote of thanks was delivered by NRNA Vice President Mr Uddhav Adhikary.
Cultural performances by Nepali groups not only from Auckland but also outside of Auckland, non-Nepali performers, the hard working people operating food stalls and volunteers all contributed towards the success of the day.