By Chinedu Onyejelem

 

  Raising awareness about their community in Ireland has been the primary aim of the Non-Resident Nepali Association Ireland, and that also featured at this year’s Nepalese New Year celebration held recently.

 

  Held under the theme ‘Prosperous Nepali and prosperous Nepal’, the event brought together native and migrant communities across Ireland to celebrate Nepalese culture.

 

  In his address, Naba Raj Koirala, chair of the Non-Resident Nepali Association Ireland, said the event marked the Nepalese New Year, a significant religious holiday which celebrates deep respect and devotion.

 

  He urged all Nepali people on the island of Ireland to “work together for better future wherever we are” in a “constructive and positive way”.

 

  Koirala’s sentiments were echoed by guest of honour Lilaram Niure, from Nepali Community Belfast who called for collaboration between Nepali people on both sides of the border.

 

  Like at some of the associations’s previous events, an interactive session saw three Irish solicitors provide update about latest immigration rules and regulations.

 

  Other features were performances by Nepalese musicians from Belfast, Cork, Portlaoise, Carlow and Dublin, as well as by US based artists Sarishma Amatya and Sanjeep Pradhan.