Nepalese association of Florida (NAF) organized the third Explore Nepal on the Memorial Day weekend Sunday, May 27, 2018. The Program was held at the Pegasus Grand Ball room inside the University of Central Florida premise in coordination with the Nepalese Student at the University of Central Florida and Nepalese community in Orlando – Florida.
Explore Nepal- 2018 is the third Edition of such initiative organized by the Nepalese Association of Florida to celebrate the Cultural Diversity, Preserve Nepalese Heritage, and Promote Natural Beauty and Tourism of Nepal among Nepalese and Non- Nepalese living in Florida and beyond.
Around 200 people – Nepalese and Non-Nepalese from all over the Florida participated in the event. It was invigorating to see people from all walks of life dressed in their traditional attire representing Nepalese Culture and Diversity, on a single platform. Whole Program, in fact, represented a mini- Nepal.
Soccer Tournament was the new addition to this year’s Explore Nepal. Three Teams – two from Tampa and one from Orlando Participated in the Tournament. In the closely held final, Tampa- NEPTE won the tournament. Children’s Art Competition saw an overwhelming response from children across Florida. Final selected drawings were displayed throughout the Program and at the end, winners were given prizes. Exhibition of traditional Nepali items was another attraction of the Program. Over 100 typical Nepali items were displayed throughout the Program. The awards and certificates will be distributed during the annual general meeting and Dashain program in Miami on October 27, 2018.
Due to prior commitments, the excellency ambassador of Nepal to the United States Dr. Arjun Karki was not able to attend the program but send us a massage for the success of the event. Likewise the acting President of Non-Resuident Nepali Association National Coordination Council, USA, Mr. Suneel Sah also send us the best wishes. Just a reminder that first and second Explore Nepal program was attended by the then Ambassador and NRN president along with the other distinguished personalities.
The Program hosted by Deep Karki and Pragati Ghimire, started at 3:30 with lighting Diya and National Anthem of Nepal and USA sang by kids of Orlando Pathsala. Dr. Chooda Khanal, President of NAF welcomed all and Mr. Joshua Hanna, Chief Guest of the Program delivered a key-note speech. Short documentary representing Nepal, its natural beauty and cultural heritage was presented along with typical Nepali “LAAKHE Dance” by Saugat Shrestha.
Program also featured unique “singing bowl meditation technique” where audiences experienced a spiritual connection between their mind and body. Talented kids from Orlando Pathsala and “Ramailo” Tampa presented various dance and song shows. Participants played various typical Nepali Instruments. Soothing Flute sound played by Mr. Dev Rai made audience nostalgic. Ladies Team- Tampa presented their wonderful Dance performance in old Nepali song and participants sang various folk and old Nepali songs.
Towards the end of the Program, “LOK DOHARI” song was presented by the teams. People voluntarily came to the stage and danced in the typical Nepali Lok song. Program ended with Dinner and Vote of Thanks by Mr. Bimal Nepal.