US-Nepal Relations Celebrated at Festival in Branford
On July 15, months of planning by Branford-based Society of Nepalese in America brought hundreds to Branford for a festival celebrating the 76th anniversary of US-Nepal diplomatic relations.
Among the day’s honored guests, Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Branford First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove, and Branford State Representative Robin Comey joined the event’s morning kick-off cultural parade, which marched from Hammer Field to the Branford Green.
The parade was led by a group playing Nepal’s five traditional musical instruments enacted during holy ceremonies and festivals. Participants included those dressed to represent iconic cultural and religious figures and many groups wearing garb representing Nepal’s many different ethnicities.
The free festival took place from 9:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. The full day celebrated Nepalese culture by presenting a glimpse of major and cultural events celebrated throughout Nepal, offerings from vendors including different types of Nepalese cuisines, handicrafts, monuments, and other items; kids’ activities; and cultural performances of Nepalese music, songs, and dances.
In addition, an afternoon diplomatic panel discussing US-Nepal relations was gathered in the auditorium of the James Blackstone Library. The panel was led by Bishnu Prasad Gautam, counsel general (acting) of the government of Nepal office of the Consulate General of Nepal (New York).
Gautam thanked Branford’s Ram Shrestha, a former president of the Society of Nepalese in America, and a member of the Branford Representative Town Meeting (D, District 4), for his efforts involved in helping to organize the day.