Canberra: A Nepal Festival Parade 2025 was organized in Canberra, the capital of Australia, with the aim of promoting Nepali art, culture, costumes, cuisine, and tourism. The festival parade provided a vibrant glimpse of Nepal in the Australian capital.
According to National News Agency Nepal, the event took place at Commonwealth Park, with a cultural procession starting from Garema Place Civic, Canberra, at 10:30 am local time, and culminating at Stage 88 of the Commonwealth Park. The procession featured traditional cultural dances such as ‘lakhe naach’ and ‘kumari naach’, accompanied by the melodious tunes of ‘Panche Baja’ music.
The event saw the presence of Nepali Ambassador to Australia Chitralekha Yadav, along with various Nepali organizations in Australia and numerous local Australians. The festival was also graced by Australian Finance Minister Katie Gallagher, Federal Parliamentarian David Smith, heads of diplomatic missions, and Australian Capital Territory State Minister for Multicultural Affairs Michael Patterson, as well as Transport Minister Chris Steele. Ambassador Yadav participated as the Chief Guest.
The festival included a range of cultural programs, exhibitions depicting Nepali art and culture, food stalls offering Nepali cuisine, and painting activities for children. Since 2009, the Non-Resident Nepali Association Australia (NRNA) has been organizing this festival as part of a campaign to spread Nepali identity worldwide, as stated by NRNA Australia President Anil Pokharel.
Ambassador Yadav expressed pride in the Nepali community in Canberra, noting their achievements and the positive representation of Nepal and Nepalis in Australia.