Nepal Festival concludes in Sydney

The "Nepal Festival 2008 Sydney" jointly organized by the Embassy of Nepal, Non-Resident Nepalese Association and the various organizations/associations of the Nepali community in Sydney at Darling Harbour, has concluded.

The festival was the biggest ever gathering of the Nepali community and local Australians with over 20 thousand people attending the event, a statement by the embassy reads.

The local artists, representing all regions of the country, genuinely reflected the theme of the festival, "Celebrating Unity and Harmony in Diversity", with action through a variety of cultural items- dances, music, songs and fashion show. These together with the live concert by the popular AXE-Band from Nepal helped enliven the environment throughout the day.

A rich combination of the Nepali food, handicrafts and information booths managed by various agencies also remained center of attraction of the day adding life to the event.

Gabi Hollows, Founding Director of the Fred Hollows Foundation, which has been supporting the Tilganga Hospital from the beginning in blindness treatment, in her opening remark said the festival has helped to make Nepal better known to Australians.

Shanker Bairagi, Charge' d' Affaires said the Nepal Festival has enhanced Nepal's profile in Australia and contributed to enriching the Australian multicultural values. He expressed sincere thanks to all sponsors and supporters for their generosity and expressed the hope to receiving similar support to future initiatives.

Devman Hirachan, Vice-President of NRN, International Coordination Committee (ICC) stressed that NRN would remain committed to supporting Nepal in her development endeavors and that every one should be guided by the spirit of 'WE" in place of "I" towards this end.

Honorary Consul General for Nepal in Sydney Christine Gee congratulated the Nepali community in making the festival a reality and expressed her continued love and affection to the Nepalis.

Indra Ban, Regional Coordinator, NRN-ICC and chair of the Festival Organizing Committee said the festival truly reflected the spirit of unity among Nepalis in the island country.

Goba Katuwal, President of the NRN Australia, highlighted the importance of the festival for the promotion of Nepal's culture and tourism in Australia.

In keeping with the growing popularity of the festival among the Nepalis and Australians and taking into account the positive impact of the festival on promoting goodwill, friendship and cooperation at the people level, Nepal Festival 2008 was also organized in Melbourne earlier this month. nepalnews.com ia Sep 15 08

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