Albany, NY – [May 24, 2024]** – In honor of AAPI Heritage Month, the Office of New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga is proud to announce the inaugural Nepali Community Day in Albany, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Nepal. This historic event will take place on Tuesday, May 28th and will bring together over 30 Nepali organizations who are our community partners from across New York State. We are thrilled to have Assemblymembers Sarahana Shrestha and Jenifer Rajkumar as co-sponsors for this momentous occasion.

Nepali Community Day in Albany stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage and resilience of the growing Nepali communities across New York State. The celebration will feature a range of traditional Nepali dance groups, Nepali folk music, and Nepali cuisine, providing attendees with an immersive experience of Nepali culture. We will be joined by several New York State Lawmakers who will learn more about Nepali communities, fostering cross-cultural understanding and appreciation. Nepali Community day is more than just a celebration; it is a pivotal step towards building a robust pathway for the Nepali Community to Albany and ensuring that Nepali Community’s presence is seen and heard by the New York State lawmakers. 

**Event Details:**

**Attire:**  

We highly encourage all attendees to wear traditional Nepali attire to showcase and celebrate our rich cultural heritage.

**Arrival Time:**  

Attendees should arrive by 9:30 AM at 198 State Street, Albany, NY 12224. Late arrivals may not be guaranteed entry.

**Security Screening:**  

Please note that Albany does not permit large bags that cannot fit in security containers. Attendees are advised to carry small-sized bags only.

The full-day event will be divided into three main parts:

1. **Community Reception (10:00 AM – 11:00 AM):**  

  The reception will take place at the Legislative Office Building, Meeting Room 944-A, and will accommodate up to 60 people. This segment is dedicated to thanking our 30+ community partners for their support in making Nepali Community Day in Albany possible. If space allows, additional attendees will be invited to join the reception; otherwise, they will be directed to the Third Floor Terrace for the Cultural Event.

2. **Cultural Event (11:30 AM – 1:30 PM):**  

   Held at the Legislative Office Building, Third Floor Terrace, this segment will feature traditional Nepali dance, folk music, and cuisine, providing an immersive cultural experience. We will be joined by New York State lawmakers to foster cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

3. **Assembly and Senate Floor Introductions:**  

   Following the cultural event, all the Nepali communities will be introduced on the New York State Assembly and Senate floors. This marks the first time the Nepali community will be recognized in both chambers where legislative decisions are made.

**Note:** The program format is subject to change based on the legislative session schedule.

**Important Contacts for Nepali Community Day in Albany:**

**Food:**  

Light snacks, water, and juices will be available upon arrival. Lunch will be served at 1:30 PM at the Legislative Office Building—Third Floor Terrace.

**Transportation:**  

Bus transportation is available for $50 round-trip from NYC to Albany. Seats are limited, so please reserve promptly. The bus will depart at 6:00 AM from United Sherpa Association (4101 75th St, Queens, NY 11373) and arrive in Albany by 9:00 AM. The return trip will leave Albany at 5:00 PM, arriving back at the same location at 8:00 PM. Please arrive at the bus stop by 5:45 AM. For transportation inquiries, contact Shreeya Tuladhar at (917) 575-5055.

**Car Parking and Entrance Directions:**  

For assistance with parking and directions to the main event, contact Vishnu Rana Magar at (646) 696-5495 or Surya Poudel at (516) 451-6099.

**Volunteers Needed:**  

To ensure the success of Nepali Community Day, we are seeking community volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please email [email protected].

We look forward to celebrating Nepali Community Day with you and showcasing the vibrant culture and contributions of the Nepali community in New York State.

Best,

Dolma Lama

Dolma Lama  

Director of Community Affairs | New York State Assemblymember Steven Raga

A: 55-19 69th Street, Maspeth, NY 11378
P: 718-651-3185 | E: [email protected]