Nepali American Community Center

05/30/2026

05/01/2026

Nepali American Community Center (NACC) परिवारको तर्फबाट सत्य, शान्ति र करुणाका प्रतीक भगवान बुद्धको पावन जन्मजयन्तीको अवसरमा सम्पूर्णमा हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना व्यक्त गर्दछौं। उहाँका अमूल्य उपदेशहरूले हामी सबैलाई सत्यको मार्गमा अघि बढ्न, मनमा शान्ति कायम गर्न र सम्पूर्ण प्राणीप्रति दया र करुणा फैलाउन प्रेरणा दिइरहोस्।

यस पावन अवसरमा, हाम्रो संस्थाद्वारा आयोजना गरिएको २५७०औँ बुद्ध जयन्ती महोत्सव मा यहाँहरूको गरिमामय उपस्थितिको हार्दिक निमन्त्रणा गर्दछौं।

स्थान: 10800 Vandor Ln, Manassas, VA 20109
मिति: Friday, May 1, 2026
समय: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

आदरणीय बौद्ध धर्मगुरुद्वारा प्रवचन तथा ध्यान कार्यक्रममा सहभागी भई यस पुण्य अवसरलाई अझ अर्थपूर्ण बनाऔं।

सबैमा शान्ति, प्रेम र सद्भावको कामना।

04/29/2026

Press Release
April 25, 2026
Manassas, Virginia

Nepali American Heritage Day 2026 Draws a Very Large Crowd at NACC Premises

The Nepali American Community Center (NACC) hosted a vibrant and memorable celebration of Nepali American Heritage Day 2026, collaborating with more than 50 nonprofit and community organizations across the DC metro area and drawing over 1,200 participants from Virginia, Maryland, and the greater Washington region. The NACC premises were transformed into a lively gathering place filled with cultural pride, community spirit, and intergenerational participation.

Nepali American Heritage Day carries special significance for the community. The day was officially recognized by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Virginia on February 22, 2024, which designated April 15 of each year as a day to celebrate the contributions, culture, and heritage of Nepali Americans. NACC marked that milestone by holding the first local celebration in 2025 at its temple grounds; this year’s event was the second annual observance at the same venue.

Festivities began in the afternoon with pre ceremony activities designed to foster connection and wellness. Attendees gathered for an informal meet and greet and took part in a wellness session led by Kalpana Subedi of Jeevan Vigyan USA. It is noteworthy to know that the United Nations (UN) has declared April 15th as an International Wellness Day. As the afternoon progressed, performers and community groups prepared for a colorful cultural parade; the program listed “Parade Preparation & Line Up,” which led into a spirited procession around the NACC temple grounds and set an uplifting tone for the evening.

The opening ceremony, led by Dr. Lekh Nath Adhikari, General Secretary of NACC, began with the National Anthem and a warm welcome to distinguished guests. This year’s honored attendees included Virginia State Delegates Irene Shin, Michelle Maldonado, and Josh Thomas; Prince William County Board of Supervisors member Andrea Bailey; City of Manassas council members Ashley Huston and Tom Osina; former U.S. Ambassador to Nepal Scott DeLisi; and Secretaries Jeena Adhikari and Sona Thadarai from the Embassy of Nepal in Washington, D.C. Honorees were presented with traditional Nepali topis and shawls as tokens of respect and gratitude.

The inauguration featured a Shubhakamana Guru Mantra invocation by local pandits, a Deep Prajwalan (lighting of the lamp) performed with Embassy guests, and the unveiling of the event banner by local elected officials. Following the ceremonial rites, Bina Khadka Lama, Vice President of NACC, delivered the welcome address. Distinguished guests Irene Shin, Michele Maldonado, Josh Thomas and Scott Delisi shared their reflections on the growing Nepali American community, and Arun Rupakhetee, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, offered special remarks. Medini Adhikari delivered a vote of thanks, and the ceremony included recognition of partner organizations, with one representative from each organization invited on stage. Closing remarks were given by Puru Subedi, Secretary of the NACC Board of Trustees and event chair.

The cultural program showcased the extraordinary diversity of Nepali heritage. Led by Manisha Prasain, Benezil Rai and Ash*ta Khanal, the evening featured 25 performances spanning children’s dances, university group showcases, and ethnic and regional presentations. Young performers from ANHS Academy opened the program with a patriotic song medley, and the lineup included traditional pieces such as “Rato Tika Nidharma Talakka Talkiyo,” “Bhanchan Kohi Jindagi Yo,” and a classical Bharatnatyam presentation by the Natyalaya School of Dance. Dance troupes including Leap 2 Dance, KC Dance Center, and D&S Dance Studio contributed fusion pieces that blended storytelling with traditional rhythms.

University student groups from the Nepali Student Associations at the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University brought high energy and contemporary choreography to the stage, mixing beloved Nepali hits with modern movement to enthusiastic applause. A major highlight was the Ethnic and Regional Showcase, which offered a cultural tour of Nepal through performances representing the Himalayan Sherpa region, the Far Western hills, the central hills, the Terai plains, and other communities. Audiences enjoyed Gorshey, Deuda, Jhyaure, Tamang Selo, Maithili, Kauda, and Newari Dhimay dances, each honoring distinct traditions, attire, and musical styles. Since Nepali New year also falls around this time, participants exchanged new year greetings between each other and with American guests. The flow of entire program was beautifully coordinated by Nilam Prasai, Arati Parajuli and Sunita Khatri. Keshab Baral, Prem Poudel, Toya Poudyal, Hari Pudasainai, Sandip Banstola, and Chandra Lama served in various sub-committees to make this event a great success.

The celebration concluded with a joyful Holi performance by the Association of Nepali Teraians in America. Their lively finale brought the audience together in a spirit of unity and festivity, closing the evening on a colorful and uplifting note. Nepali American Heritage Day 2026 stood as a powerful testament to the pride, resilience, and cultural richness of the Nepali American community; with more than 1,200 attendees, the event underscored the community’s growing visibility and the strength of its ties across generations and organizations.

Dr. Lekh Nath Adhikari
General Secretary
Nepali American Community Center
Executive Committee

04/28/2026

Some pictures taken at Nepali American Heritage Day 2026!

Thank you Sumay Photo Pasa and Manish Maharjan for beautiful pictures!

04/22/2026

Thank your for your Contribution to Nepali American Heritage Day 2026

04/21/2026

Thank You Note!
-----------------------------------
We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who made Nepali American Heritage Day-2026 (held at NACC Premises on April 19, 2026) a resounding success.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our distinguished guests, talented performers, collaborative organizations, generous sponsors, dedicated volunteers, vendors, and all participants whose presence, energy, and contributions brought this celebration to life. Your collective support showcased the richness of Nepali heritage and strengthened our shared sense of community.

We would like to offer special appreciation to our organizing committee and group leaders for their tireless dedication and leadership: Bina Khadkalama, Dr. Lekh Nath Adhikari, Puru Subedi, Arun Rupakhetee, Keshab Baral, Prem Poudel, Medini Adhikari, Toya Poudel, Parshuram Bhandari, Dadi Dhungana, Hari Pudasaini, Gunaraj Luitel, and all officers. Your vision and hard work were instrumental in making this event possible.

We are equally grateful to our volunteers who worked across various sub-committees, contributing their time and effort behind the scenes: Chandra Lama, Nilam Prasai, Kajol Dhakal, Sugandha Shrestha, Bijaya Bagale, Anil Shah, Kabindra Sitaula, Bishnu Sheetal, Bijay Thapa, Sandip Banstola, Tirtha Dixit, Mukesh Timilsina, Kalpana Subedi, Ashish Sangraula, Yashwant Thapa, DJ Gorkhali, Krishna Dahal, Sunita Khatri, Arati Parajuli, Bhawana Gurung, Suman Timsina, Manisha Prasai, Benezil Rai, Ash*ta Khanal, Sajana Wagle, Pari Parajuli, and all NACC Junior team members. Your dedication ensured the smooth ex*****on of every aspect of the event.

We sincerely thank our vendors for their valuable participation and support, including Ram Kharti Chhetri and Royal Bistro, Kalpana Collections, and Anita Collections for helping enrich the experience for all attendees. We would also like to thank Enepalese and DCNepal for media coverage and Sumay Photo Pasa for photography.

We extend special appreciation to all organizations and groups who brought their banners and showcased cultural performances during the parade, including the vibrant Dhimay Baja; Sudur Pachhim Deuda, Newari, Maithali, Tamang Selo, Kauda, and Ghorsey Dances; and Holi. Your efforts added color, pride, and authenticity to the celebration.

We also offer our sincere respect and thanks to all gurus and pancha kanyas for their presence and contributions, which added spiritual and cultural significance to the event.

We sincerely thank our generous sponsors for their invaluable support: Bandita & Sheel Dahal, E-Peak Entertainment, Baglung Samaj, Namaste Baltimore Restaurant, Keya Accounting & Taxes, Everest Federal Credit Union, Raaga Restaurant, Chinta Sharma, Kalyan Karki, Arjun Sigdel, Sagun Mart, United Bazar, Gyanu & Sagar Timsina, Association of Nepalis in America, Ganesh Pandey, Simple Mortgage LLC, Rajeev Mainali, Safal Baniya, Bishal Karki, Bharat Subedi, Amrit & Goma Kafle, Madhesi Association in America, Madhav Gautam, Parshuram Bhandari, Namaste Day Spa, Wyndham Garden, Galexy Event Solutions, Zen Travels, and World Hindu Federation. Your generosity and partnership played a crucial role in the success of this celebration.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to our collaborating organizations for their partnership and support including 8848 United FC; America Nepal Helping Society; America Nepal Society; ANHS Academy; America Nepal Women's Association of Greater Washington, DC; Association of Nepali Teraians in America; Arghakhanchi Nepali Society; American Society of Nepalese Engineers; Association of Nepalis in America; Baglung Samaj; D&S Dance Studio; DC Nepali Samaj; DCNepal.com; DCNFC; DMV Nepalese Military Veterans Club; eNepalese.com; Everest Federal Credit Union; Everest Lion Friendship Association; Gainesville Gorkhe Gladiators; Hami Nepali, Global; Hamro Bhajan; INLS; INLS- DC Metro Chapter; Jeevan Vigyan; Jhapali Samaj; Kaski Samaj; KC Dance Center; Leap 2 Dance Studio; Loudon Tigers; Lyaymha America; Madhesi Association in America; Manassas Nepali Football Club; Model Nepali Society; NACC Junior; Nava Durga Nepali School; Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye; Nepali Pathshala of Virginia; Nova Knights Volleyball Club; Nova Royals Athletic Club; Nova Strikers Club; NRNA NCC-USA; NRNA Virginia Chapter; NSA VCU; Star Scholars Network; Sudur Paschim Samaj; Tamu Dhee Virginia; UVA, NSA; World Hindu Federation; World Newa Organization; and Zen Travels.

While we celebrate this successful event, we also recognize that there were a few areas that could have been managed differently to create an even better experience. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused and truly appreciate your understanding. Your feedback is invaluable to us, and we warmly welcome your suggestions so we can continue to improve future celebrations.

This event would not have been possible without the unity, enthusiasm, and commitment of each and every one of you. Together, we honored our heritage, strengthened our connections, and created lasting memories.

Thank you once again for your continued support, and we look forward to celebrating together in the years to come.

Sincerely,
Nepali American Community Center
Executive Committee

04/19/2026

Nepali American Heritage Day 2026
Manaaass VA 4/19/2026

04/19/2026

Nepali American Heritage Day-2026 Program Schedule

04/19/2026

Thank you Mr. Madhav Gautam Gautam for your generous support to Nepali American Heritage Day 2026