On April 10, 2025, the Nepali community at NALSAR hosted Nepali Night, an evening dedicated to showcasing the richness of Nepali culture through food, music, art, and community spirit. The celebrations began a day earlier with a screening of 14 Peaks, a documentary that pays tribute to Nepal’s legendary mountaineers, setting the stage for an exciting two days.
The main event featured a wide variety of activities: energetic dance and music performances on Nepali songs, stalls with tote bags, bookmarks, and postcards, mandala painting and even interactive games like teen patti and open falas. Food was at the heart of the evening, with traditional favourites like chicken choila, soya bean choila, laphing, sel roti, chiura, aloo ko achaar and momo.
While the evening was filled with laughter and celebration, Nepali Night also carried a deeper purpose. Many members of the community have often felt overlooked or reduced to token participation at larger cultural festivals. This event was therefore envisioned as a space to celebrate their culture on their own terms. By organizing Nepali Night, the community hoped to both share their heritage with the wider student body and gently draw attention to the importance of meaningful inclusion on campus.
The performances on Nepali Night are as vibrant and as diverse as Nepali culture. Dance and music set to Nepali songs form the core of the evening, with students from across batches participating in carefully prepared and artistically vibrant showcases. These performances foster a deep sense of appreciation for the Nepali cultures.
Cuisine plays a central role in the Nepali Night experience, tantalising attendees with Nepal’s distinct taste. Traditional dishes such as chicken and soya bean choila, laphing, sel roti, chiura, aloo ko achaar, and momo are served throughout the evening. The food reflects both everyday and festive culinary traditions. It only further solidifies food as a core connector of people and memories.
The decor and activity spaces at Nepali Night are thoughtfully curated to exhibit the artistic side of Nepali culture. Handmade stalls pop up, featuring tote bags, bookmarks, postcards, and mandala art. There are also interactive activities and games like teen patti and open falas, for a wonderful time together with friends. It feels as if a slice of Nepal itself has landed in Shamirpet!
