KATHMANDU: ‘Nepal Day’ program was celebrated with fanfare in New York City on Sunday.

The Legislative Assembly of the New York State last week declared that the Republic Day of Nepal would be marked as ‘Nepali American Heritage Day’ or ‘Nepal Day’ every year from now onwards.

The Nepal Day Parade, which was being organized by the Federation of Indigenous Peoples of Nepal in America (FIPNA) with the aim of promoting the Nepali language and culture to the world community, is held every year with a special program in New York. However, participation was subdued this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

New York State Assembly Member Jennifer Rajkumar handed over the resolution of Nepali American Heritage Day passed by New York State Assembly to Acting Consul General of the Consulate General of Nepal in New York Bishnu Prasad Gautam and FIPNA Chairperson Lok Chemjong on the occasion.

Lawmaker Jennifer said the state government had declared ‘Nepal Day’ to honor and recognize the Nepali American community. She added the state government had been positive about protecting the arts, culture and traditions of Nepali Americans, and he was hopeful that the United States would embrace it.

New York State Legislative Assembly honored FIPNA Chairman Chemjong and General Secretary Narendra Thapa at the program. Similarly, lawmaker Jennifer also presented letters of commendation to Dipendra Lama, Aarti Magar and Sajina Shrestha who took the special initiative for the declaration of Nepal Day.