The first event of its kind in Longmont will showcase Nepali culture and its heritage next month.
Nepali Jatra is scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. on July 10 at the Longmont Museum. All are welcome to the free festival that organizer Sunanda Dangol said is meant to educate and celebrate the diverse cultures of Nepal.
The Jatra will feature Lakhey dance, one of the most popular dances in Nepal, and various cultural performances from multiple ethnic groups including the Newari people. The festival is meant to educate everyone about the centuries-old traditions.
“Even for Nepalese people, they do celebrate those festivals but they do not know why they celebrate the festival and how it was originated and all those legends,” Dangol said. “I am trying to bring that up and present it to the people.”
Attendees can also learn about Kumari, the living goddess worshiped by the Newari, and experience a replica of Kumari in person.
“It’s a unique culture,” Dangol said. “I think of a lot of good memories and very vibrant presentation. We have a lot of colors and it is very visually appealing is what I feel.”
There will also be exhibits of specific artifacts from Nepal and traditional Newari food available for purchase.
Getting the event started hasn’t been easy, and Dangol was grateful to the festival’s many sponsors.
“It’s always harder to break through and without them we would not have come this far,” she said.
Dangol said she plans for Nepali Jatra to become an annual event in Longmont. With Nepali people all over Colorado, Dangol said she hopes to expand these events to other counties as well.
