The International Student Program presented the Cultural Spotlight on Nepal on Tuesday April 19. More than 30 students and staff attended the event at the Multicultural Centre between 4.00pm and 5.00pm. Binod Kumal and Sandeep Dhakal from Nepal organized the event in collaboration with the international student program. The event began with a rendition of the Nepalese national anthem, sung by the Nepalese student. This was then followed by a presentation introducing the audience to Nepal, its history and its cultural beauty. The audience was then treated to a special performance of a traditional folk dance from the Pahadi (hilly) region of Nepal, performed by Ruku Nepal. There was a feast of Nepalese food that the audience was able to sample consisting of Peas Pulao (Rice), Chewra (Flattened rice), Pakora (fried gram flour bites), Kala Channa (Black Chickpeas), Chicken Momo’s and Chicken Choila (grilled spicy chicken). There were a variety of chutneys that were served including radish, potato, mixed vegetable and tomato mixed with sesame.
Everybody who attended the event was fascinated to see the Nepalese students adorned in different cultural attire from the country. A few students wore the Rai and Sherpa costumes from the Himalayan region, with a few students wearing the Saree and Kurtha Surwal from the Pahadi (hilly) region of Nepal. Sandeep Dhakal wore the national costume of Nepal, called the Daura Surwal which has a deep religious significance. The dress has several religious beliefs identifying its designs. The Daura has eight strings that serve to tie itself up around the body and eight is a lucky number according to Nepalese mythology. The Daura has five pleats called the Pancharatna, signifying the five gems and the closed neck of the Daura signifies the snake around the Lord Shiva’s neck. The event served to educate the audience on the country of Nepal and effectively share the beauty, cultural diversity and history of the country.
We thank everyone who came to celebrate with us and we look forward to celebrating more events with even more of you! Please contact ISP office at skyinternational@smccd.edu or call (650) 738-7021 for more information.
Article by Sujaya Chandran | Photo: ISP staff
