On the Occasion of Dashain, New York City Hall Honors Flood Victims and Recognizes Community Contributions
Nepali community members and performers gather at City Hall on Tuesday for the third annual Dashain celebration, which honored victims of Nepal’s recent floods and recognized contributions of Nepali Americans. Photo by Rajan Kafle for NepYork
NEW YORK — Nepal’s national anthem, traditional Nepali music and cultural performances filled the historic Council Chambers at New York City Hall on Tuesday as the New York City Council hosted its third annual Dashain celebration. Held on the occasion of Dashain, the event honored those who lost their lives in Nepal’s recent devastating floods and expressed solidarity with families still searching for missing loved ones and those affected by the disaster.
The program opened with a moment of silence for the victims, followed by prayers for the departed led by Pandit Uddab Shastri and Pandit Deepak Kharal. Ahead of Dashain, the priests also recited sacred chants as part of the cultural and spiritual observance.
The gathering brought together Nepali community members, residents, New York City elected officials and young performers for an evening that combined cultural celebration with remembrance and reflection.
In her welcome remarks, Council Speaker Julie Menin praised the Nepali community’s contributions to New York and pledged the Council’s continued support during both challenging and prosperous times. Expressing sympathy for families affected by the floods in Nepal, she said the occasion of Dashain highlighted the importance of mutual support, cultural connections and shared hope during difficult moments.
Menin also addressed concerns among immigrant communities, saying the Council remained committed to protecting the rights of Nepali New Yorkers and ensuring access to immigration legal services. She highlighted the community’s growing presence in neighborhoods such as Jackson Heights and recognized its contributions to local businesses, civic life and New York’s cultural diversity.
Council Member Shekar Krishnan, who represents Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Woodside, said the city government stood with the Nepali community amid the disaster in Nepal and the challenges facing immigrants in the United States. Referring to the spiritual significance of Dashain, he invoked Goddess Durga and Lord Rama as symbols of strength, resilience and hope.
Krishnan concluded his remarks by reciting the “Sarva Mangala Mangalye” mantra as a prayer for peace, protection and well-being for the community.
Council Member Linda Lee emphasized the importance of representation in policymaking, funding for community organizations and access to language services in addressing community needs. She also highlighted the contributions of first-generation immigrants who overcame challenges in a new country and created opportunities for future generations.
Council Member Lynn Schulman, who served as the master of ceremonies, spoke about her connection with the Nepali community and her appreciation for its culture and traditions. During the event, she presented Council proclamations to Shreeya Tuladhar, Amit Pratap Shah and Devashish Basnet in recognition of their contributions to the Nepali American community.
Tuladhar was honored for her leadership in empowering Nepali American youth, advancing mental health awareness and preserving cultural heritage.
Shah was recognized for strengthening the Nepali American community through cultural preservation, civic engagement and public service. His proclamation also noted his role in expanding healthcare access during the COVID-19 pandemic by leading community-based testing and vaccine referral efforts.
Basnet was honored for his leadership in immigration advocacy and efforts to strengthen protections for immigrant communities across New York State. His proclamation highlighted his work on reforms related to deportation, prolonged detention and mass incarceration.
After receiving her proclamation, Tuladhar reflected on her experience growing up while navigating both Nepali and American identities. She said the recognition could encourage younger generations to embrace their heritage while feeling a sense of belonging in New York.
She accepted the honor on behalf of previous generations who built the foundation for the community and future generations who will carry it forward.
Shah said he accepted the recognition on behalf of the broader Nepali American community, acknowledging the collective contributions of elders, families, volunteers, community organizations, entrepreneurs and young people.
“I accept this honor not only for myself, but on behalf of the many people who have helped build our Nepali American community,” Shah said. “We want them to be proud New Yorkers while also knowing where they come from.”
Basnet said his journey — born in Nepal and raised in the United States as a DACA recipient and former Temporary Protected Status holder — reflected experiences shared by many Nepali immigrants.
Addressing the devastation caused by the floods in Nepal and uncertainty facing immigrant communities in the United States, Basnet urged the community to come together with compassion and moral courage while working toward justice, freedom and safety for all.
The cultural performances carried the evening’s themes of remembrance and hope.
Nine-year-old Angela Sah presented an original storytelling dance dedicated to Nepal’s flood victims. Through her choreography, movement and storytelling, she expressed remembrance for those who died and compassion for those affected, offering a message of hope and humanity through art and culture.
Rebecca Shrestha, Abhishekh Pradhan and Pranesh Chitrakar performed live music dedicated to those who lost their lives and those affected by the floods. Young performers from the New York Nepalese Society — Dequenza Shakya Chaudhari, Rashmi Giri, Diksha Poudyal and Iva Shree Pudasaini — presented a special Dashain dance in traditional Nepali attire.
In her closing remarks, Schulman said a community’s strength is revealed by how it responds during difficult moments. Highlighting the Nepali American community’s role in building connections across generations, cultures and countries, she wished families peace, strength and prosperity on the occasion of Dashain.