Press Release
April 25, 2026
Manassas, Virginia
Nepali American Heritage Day 2026 Draws a Very Large Crowd at NACC Premises
The Nepali American Community Center (NACC) hosted a vibrant and memorable celebration of Nepali American Heritage Day 2026, collaborating with more than 50 nonprofit and community organizations across the DC metro area and drawing over 1,200 participants from Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Washington region. The NACC premises were transformed into a lively gathering place filled with cultural pride, community spirit, and intergenerational participation.
Nepali American Heritage Day carries special significance for the community. The day was officially recognized by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia on February 22, 2024, which designated April 15 of each year as a day to celebrate the contributions, culture, and heritage of Nepali Americans. NACC marked that milestone by holding the first local celebration in 2025 at its temple grounds; this year’s event was the second annual observance at the same venue.
Festivities began in the afternoon with pre‑ceremony activities designed to foster connection and wellness. Attendees gathered for an informal meet and greet and took part in a wellness session led by Kalpana Subedi of Jeevan Vigyan USA. It is noteworthy to know that the United Nations (UN) has declared April 15th as an International Wellness Day. As the afternoon progressed, performers and community groups prepared for a colorful cultural parade; the program listed “Parade Preparation & Line‑Up,” which led into a spirited procession around the NACC temple grounds and set an uplifting tone for the evening.
The opening ceremony, led by Dr. Lekh Nath Adhikari, General Secretary of NACC, began with the National Anthem and a warm welcome to distinguished guests. This year’s honored attendees included Virginia State Delegates Irene Shin, Michelle Maldonado, and Josh Thomas; Prince William County Board of Supervisors member Andrea Bailey; City of Manassas council members Ashley Huston and Tom Osina; former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Scott DeLisi; and Secretaries Jeena Adhikari and Sona Thadarai from the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. Honorees were presented with traditional Nepali topis and shawls as tokens of respect and gratitude.
The inauguration featured a Shubhakamana Guru Mantra invocation by local pandits, a Deep Prajwalan (lighting of the lamp) performed with Embassy guests, and the unveiling of the event banner by local elected officials. Following the ceremonial rites, Bina Khadka Lama, Vice President of NACC, delivered the welcome address. Distinguished guests Irene Shin, Michele Maldonado, Josh Thomas and Scott Delisi shared their reflections on the growing Nepali American community, and Arun Rupakhetee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, offered special remarks. Medini Adhikari delivered a vote of thanks, and the ceremony included recognition of partner organizations, with one representative from each organization invited on stage. Closing remarks were given by Puru Subedi, Secretary of the NACC Board of Trustees and event chair.
The cultural program showcased the extraordinary diversity of Nepali heritage. Led by Manisha Prasain, Benezil Rai and Ashita Khanal, the evening featured 25 performances spanning children’s dances, university group showcases, and ethnic and regional presentations. Young performers from ANHS Academy opened the program with a patriotic song medley, and the lineup included traditional pieces such as “Rato Tika Nidharma Talakka Talkiyo,” “Bhanchan Kohi Jindagi Yo,” and a classical Bharatnatyam presentation by the Natyalaya School of Dance. Dance troupes including Leap 2 Dance, KC Dance Center, and D&S Dance Studio contributed fusion pieces that blended storytelling with traditional rhythms.
University student groups from the Nepali Student Associations at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University brought high energy and contemporary choreography to the stage, mixing beloved Nepali hits with modern movement to enthusiastic applause. A major highlight was the Ethnic and Regional Showcase, which offered a cultural tour of Nepal through performances representing the Himalayan Sherpa region, the Far‑Western hills, the central hills, the Terai plains, and other communities. Audiences enjoyed Gorshey, Deuda, Jhyaure, Tamang Selo, Maithili, Kauda, and Newari Dhimay dances, each honoring distinct traditions, attire, and musical styles. Since Nepali New year also falls around this time, participants exchanged new year greetings between each other and with American guests. The flow of entire program was beautifully coordinated by Nilam Prasai, Arati Parajuli and Sunita Khatri. Keshab Baral, Prem Poudel, Toya Poudyal, Hari Pudasainai, Sandip Banstola, and Chandra Lama served in various sub-committees to make this event a great success.
The celebration concluded with a joyful Holi performance by the Association of Nepali Teraians in America. Their lively finale brought the audience together in a spirit of unity and festivity, closing the evening on a colorful and uplifting note. Nepali American Heritage Day 2026 stood as a powerful testament to the pride, resilience, and cultural richness of the Nepali American community; with more than 1,200 attendees, the event underscored the community’s growing visibility and the strength of its ties across generations and organizations.
Dr. Lekh Nath Adhikari
General Secretary
Nepali American Community Center
Executive Committee
