Orlando — The Nepali community in Florida came together with great enthusiasm and unity to celebrate Nepali New Year 2083 at a vibrant picnic event held on April 11, 2026. The celebration was organized by the Nepalese Association of Florida (NAF) and hosted by the Nepali Community Center Orlando (NCCO).
The festive picnic featured a wide range of activities catering to all age groups, including sports competitions, children’s games, and colorful cultural performances.
The cultural program, coordinated by Mrs. Arati Bhandari Rai and Mrs. Geeta Neupane, highlighted the remarkable talents within the Orlando Nepali community. The program began with a heartfelt rendition of the national anthems of Nepal and the United States by Pathshala students. Pramish Neupane impressed the audience with a piano performance, while Subani Baniya delivered a captivating dance.
Sanavi Shrestha and Aniko Shrestha performed the beloved song “Phool ko Aakha Ma,” adding a melodious touch to the event. Marilyn Neupane and Shubu Neupane energized the crowd with a lively dance, followed by a traditional Newari dance by Samira Maharjan. Aakasa Patil and Alisa Patil, along with Saniya Dhungana, further entertained attendees with energetic performances.
All performers—including Subani Baniya, Pramesh Neupane, Sanavi Shrestha, Aniko Shrestha, Marilyn Neupane, Shubu Neupane, Samira Maharjan, Aakasa Patil, Alisa Patil, and Saniya Dhungana—were honored with Certificates of Appreciation presented by NCCO President Bikash Devkota in recognition of their contributions.
The cultural segment was emceed by Mr. Damodar Pokharel and managed by Mr. Dev Rai, who also delighted the audience with a beautiful flute performance. Mr. Pokharel additionally emceed the official session chaired by Mr. Rajendra Shrestha of NAF ANEC.
Sports activities were another major highlight of the celebration. The pickleball tournament saw strong competition, with the Tampa team—represented by Dr. Netra Khanal and Mr. Deep Karki—emerging as champions after a close match against the West Palm Beach team of Dr. Amar Karki and Mr. Parbat Joshi. Special thanks were extended to Mr. Laxman Thapa for coordinating and scoring the matches.
The volleyball tournament drew an enthusiastic crowd, as the Fort Myers team competed fiercely against the Orlando team, with Orlando ultimately securing victory. Coordinated by Mr. Parshuram Neupane and supported by volunteers including Dr. Narayan Neupane, the event was a crowd favorite. Volleyballs were sponsored by Mr. Pradeep Neupane of Kelme, and winners and runners-up were honored with trophies and certificates.
Children enjoyed fun games such as the Spoon Marble Race and Hot Potato, while adults participated in the traditional “Gainto Futaune” game. Winners and runners-up across all categories received prizes. Additionally, Sanaya Dhungana was awarded a cash prize for winning the crossword puzzle published in INDRENI.
On this occasion, NAF President Binod Basnet announced that the upcoming Dashain celebration will be held in Tampa on November 7, encouraging community members to participate and support the event. The celebration was attended by the executive committee of NAF, NCCO executive committee, and leaders from NAF chapters in Tampa, Fort Myers, and Jacksonville.
The Nepali New Year celebration not only marked the beginning of a new year but also strengthened community bonds and helped preserve cultural heritage among Nepalis in Florida. NAF expressed sincere gratitude to the NCCO executive committee, participants from various cities, and all volunteers for making the event a grand success.
