Nepali Jatra is an annual cultural celebration held at Downtown Longmont, Colorado on July 20th (Saturday) from 5 to 7 pm. A movie screening is at 3pm which will be publicized later. This event serves as a platform to showcase the diverse and vibrant culture of Nepal. Attendees are treated to a spectacle of color and tradition as participants are adorned with intricate jewelry and a variety of colorful attires reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Through traditional Nepali folk dances, music performances, and authentic cuisine, guests can immerse themselves in the sights, sounds, and flavors of Nepal. Nepali Jatra provides an opportunity for the community to experience the customs, traditions, and warmth of Nepal, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for cultural diversity.
History of Nepali Jatra
The Nepali Jatra showcases a vibrant exhibition of handicrafts and metal crafts, offering a glimpse into the rich artistic traditions of Nepal. The event also features diverse performances from various communities of Nepal, highlighting the cultural tapestry of the region. Attendees are treated to live traditional melodies, immersing them in the authentic sounds of Nepal's cultural heritage.
As they approach the 3rd year of Nepali Jatra, serving their community, they reflect on the success of the past two editions held at the Longmont Museum. In the first year, 450 people attended Nepali Jatra. For the second year, online reservations were implemented to prevent overcrowding. Despite announcing two weeks in advance that bookings were closed, nearly 800 people attended, prompting them to secure a larger space this year at Longmont Downtown.
The event, open to all ages, features arts and crafts stations for kids. They take pride in achieving cultural diversity in attendance, with invitations extended to BIPOC and LGBTQ+ organizations such as NAACP, the Latino community, Out Boulder County, and APAL and more community organizations. Their generous inclusion of the Nepali Jatra event in their newsletters significantly contributes to its success, further promoting inclusivity and community engagement.
The main objective of Nepali Jatra is to broaden the reach of our festival, providing younger generations with the opportunity to experience Nepal's cultural richness firsthand and develop a strong connection to their heritage and their roots. Through dynamic showcases of art, folk music, and tradition, their aim is to introduce their culture to a global audience, facilitating mutual understanding and appreciation. Nepali Jatra serves as an inclusive platform for all to come together, learn about different cultures, and foster unity amidst diversity.
Longmont Downtown was selected for the Nepali Jatra event due to its dedication to fostering an inclusive community where everyone is welcome to participate. The event is free and open to the public, ensuring accessibility for all individuals.
Event Highlights
Learn Nepali Folk Dance Steps: Join us for engaging workshops where participants can learn traditional Nepali dance steps. Uma Dhital, a professional dance teacher, will hold mini lessons in bite-size pieces that you can perform a few steps and dance with the crowd attending Nepali Jatra.
Arts and Crafts: Engage your creativity with hands-on arts and crafts activities inspired by Nepali traditions. From intricate Henna arts to colorful Mandala designs, bead works, hand knitting, these interactive stations will invite participants of all ages to express themselves artistically.
Live Folk Dances & Music Performances: Immerse yourself in the soul-stirring melodies of traditional Nepali music and folk songs, performed live on stage by:
- Bijay Shrestha on Sitar
- Surendra Maharjan on Tabla
- Sumit Maharjan on Flute
- Andy Skellnger on Cajon, Kora and Hang drum
Their performances will add depth and authenticity to the rich tapestry of Nepali folk music, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Food Festival / Feast: While the festivities are going on, they have several food stalls serving authentic Nepali cuisine with varieties of delicacies from different communities of Nepal.
The aim for attendees of the Nepali Jatra is that they depart feeling inspired and enlightened, having gained a deeper appreciation for the beauty and richness of Nepali culture.
They will provide resources for those interested in diving deeper, including lists of Nepali organizations hosting regular events, language and culture classes, social media groups with Nepali event updates, and volunteering opportunities.
For those into music, dance, or storytelling, they can connect you with relevant groups and performances. Plus, they are thrilled to announce a partnership with a professional folk/traditional/cultural dancer from Nepal, offering dance lessons for both kids and adults in Boulder. Their aim is to create connections and friendships that go beyond the event, fostering a sense of belonging and unity within the community.
The Nepali Jatra team would also like to take this opportunity to express their deepest gratitude to all their sponsors, whose unwavering support and generosity have been instrumental in making this event a reality. Your belief in their vision and your incredible contributions have truly made a difference. A special thank you goes to:
- City of Longmont
- Boulder County
- Longmont Downtown
- Longmont Creatives
- The Denver Foundation
- Boulder County
- Philanthropiece
- Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley
- Longmont Community Foundation
- Front Range Community College
- Out Boulder County
- Alex Wilson Legacy Fund
- Krisp Realty - Michael Santulli
- Sandesh Pokharel - Nexa Mortgage
- Realtor Roshan Bogati
- IKKA Insurance - Nijib Shakya
- Sandesh Pokharel - Nexa Mortgage
They are also immensely grateful to their media partners, whose support has been crucial in spreading the word and making this event visible in the community:
- Longmont Public Media
- Longmont Leader
"Thank you all for believing in us, for your invaluable contributions, and for helping us turn our dreams into reality. Your support means the world to us."