The Nepali community in Qatar recently gathered to commemorate the 23rd National Paddy Day and Dahi Chiura (Curd and Beaten Rice) Eating Day, underscoring both Nepal’s agricultural traditions and cultural unity among expatriates. Organized by the Bagmati Province Coordination Council Qatar (BPCCQ), the event took place with the theme “The aspiration of all Nepalis: A vision of a peaceful and prosperous Nepal,” reflecting hopes for peace and development in Nepal.
The celebration brought together key figures from the Nepali diaspora alongside representatives from various expatriate communities residing in Qatar. Prominent attendees included Krishna Panthi, president of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) Qatar; Kabindra Kandel, president of BPCCQ; Sagar Nepal, founder member of NRNA Qatar and the council; Nandan Dhungana, patron of the council; and advisory member Raj Devkota. Leadership from other communities in Qatar also participated, such as AP. Manikantan, president of the Indian Cultural Centre; Anwer Hussain, president of the Bangladesh Community; Ashraf Siddiqui, a journalist; Marco Polo, country coordinator of Building and Woodworks for the Philippines community; Sirajul Islam, president of the Bangladesh Migrant Workers Association; Nijam Khan, president of the Rajasthan Welfare Association; and Shanker Gaut, president of Telangana Gulf Samitee Qatar, highlighting the event’s multicultural dimension.
The formal proceedings began with the traditional lighting of the ceremonial lamp by Krishna Panthi, Sagar Nepal, Ram Hari Chaulagain (programme coordinator and vice-president), and Kabindra Kandel. In his address, Panthi recounted the ongoing efforts of NRNA Qatar to support the Nepali community living abroad. Kabindra Kandel emphasized the pride Nepalis take in sharing their language, customs, and festivals with the broader international population in Qatar. Sagar Nepal congratulated the organizing committee and extended gratitude to the members, patrons, advisors, district organizations, and volunteers for their continued dedication to the council’s initiatives. He reaffirmed their commitment to fostering more community-oriented programmes in the future.
The event opened with a welcome speech from Women’s Wing Vice-President Mamata Rana Bhat and featured a musical performance of the popular song “Hariyo Danda Mathi” by Ram Hari Chaulagain, who also conveyed festive greetings. Members of the Nepali business and professional sectors contributed their perspectives during the programme.
Cultural performances formed a vibrant part of the celebration, beginning with a welcome dance titled “Ganga + Jamuna.” This was followed by live vocal performances from singers including Sumitra Bhattarai, Birendra Shrestha, Suman Khadka, Guna Magar, Narayan Devkota, Babu Kaushal, and Laxmi Karki. Traditional dance routines performed by Asmita Lamichhane, Manita Sunam, Pukar Thapa, Jamuna B.K., and Sumitra Budha Chhetri drew audience admiration.
The proceedings were hosted by General Secretary Ganga Bahadur Sunuwar, with Deputy General Secretary Dinesh Adhikari serving as co-host. The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to preserving Nepali cultural identity and fostering goodwill between the Nepali diaspora and the wider expatriate communities in Qatar.