Organized by: Nepali Association of Northern California
Date of Event: April 13, 2025
Location: Nepali Community Center, 369 Chesley Ave, Richmond CA 94801
Prepared by: NANC
Report Date: April 14, 2025
The Nepali New Year Mela 2082 was held to joyfully welcome the new year while celebrating Nepali culture, traditions, and community spirit. This festive event brought together families, youth, elders, and community leaders to enjoy a vibrant day of music, dance, food, and cultural pride.
Event Highlights
Opening Ceremony: Welcomed guests with national anthem followed by Baidik Mantra Chanting from Gurus. Preetesh Karki, President of NANC shared inspiring Nepali New Year 2082 messages.
Yoga & Meditation, Bhajan Kritan:
- Baidik Mantra & Sankata Nasak Ganapati Istrotra Recitation
Spiritual recitations by Chakrapani Aryal, Padam Nepal, Dr. Danda Pani Aryal, and Ram Prasad Subedi. - Yoga & Meditation
Guided sessions to promote inner peace and well-being by Suresh Bhatta and Mukunda Dawadi. - Bhajan-Kirtan
Soulful devotional music performed by Pashupati Kandel, Sunita Kandel, Nabin Naupane, Sagar Paudel, Bishnu Gautam, Surendra Kandel, Anjali KC, Dikpal KC, Parbati Kandel, and Kashi Ram Kandel.
Master of Ceremonies(MC):
- Narayan Bhattarai & Kiren Kattel begin the event with an introduction, welcoming guests and setting the tone for the day.
- Deepak Dahal facilitates the event between segments throughout the day, thanking donors, and wraps up the event, leading into the closing activities for the raffle, DJ, and dance floor.
Dance Performances:
- Swyamsha & Sriyanshu Pokharel Karki performed a lively duet dance to Siraima Sirbandi.
- Karuna Adhikari Sanjyal brought energy with Hijo Rati Sapani and Kinidew Na Saila Dai.
- Sourik Simkhada impressed with a dynamic performance to a Mix of MJ Live Tracks.
- Rasika Thapa showcased a patriotic fusion with Yo Nepali Sir Uchali and Aakhaima Rakhchhu Mero Desh.
- Sarika Dhakal danced to Ghintang – Mero Maya Nau Dada Pari by Karma Tseten.
- Arshi Bista delivered a graceful solo on Kaha Aauchha Ghumera Bala Paan ko Umera.
- Pranshi Bista & Sasha Thapa performed a duet on the upbeat Udayo Malai.
- Hari Adhikari entertained with a vibrant dance to Jaga Lamka Chamka Hai.
- Sobe Dhital & Bhautik Goley performed a traditional duo on a Lok Geet Mix.
Poem Series by ANESASA Northern California Chapter:
- Babu Acharya, Rita Devi Pradhan, Tika Lamsal, and Bharat Dangi delivered heartfelt stage poetry performances.
- Kiran Kattel, Deepak Pathak, Indu Tamang, and Manish Poudel showcased expressive poetic pieces.
- Janak Raj Dhungana, Amar Tamang, and Narayan Bhattarai contributed with thoughtful and engaging poems.
- Dharma Raj Koirala, Dharma Raj Koilara, and Dikshya Basnet also shared reflective literary works with the audience.
Singing & Musical Acts:
- Ankit Sunar performed Yo Man ta Mero Nepali Ho, Sadhai Sadhai Aaerahanch, and Maya ko Dori Le.
- Suzal Gautam showcased his talent with two original songs.
- Sobe Dhital sang Bhanchan Kohi.
- Pawan Bista performed a mix of songs.
- Prajwal sang on a Nepali song.
- Krishna Maharjan entertained with Mayako Dori, Kali Kali, and Ow Amira.
Band – The Everest Echo
- Shrey Karmacharya (Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
- Ryaan Pant (Lead Guitar)
- Saayan Shrestha (Drums)
- Ronav Karmacharya (Bass)
Performance: Rato Chandra Surya (Nepathya) & Nepali Ho (1974 AD)
Special & Guest Appearances:
- A Special Guest Nalina Chitrakar added excitement in the early evening, leading into an open dance floor and DJ celebration from 7:30 PM onwards.
Food & Vendor Booths:
- Authentic Nepali cuisine like Mo:Mo, Sel Roti, Chatamari, and more
- Community and local business booths promoting Nepali crafts, jewelry, and services
DJ & Photography
- DJ Finjo handled the music, while Arjun KC handled the photography for the event.
Games & Activities:
- Jump House, DOCA Festivals for kids
- Raffle draw with exciting prizes
- Community photo booth
- Certificate Distribution
- Donor Appreciation
Attendance
- Approximate Number of Attendees: 4,000+
- Participants included: community members of all ages (kids, adults, and seniors), performers, volunteers, local leaders, and supporters from neighboring cities.
Volunteer & Artists Involvement
- Over 30 volunteers helped with stage coordination, logistics, registration, booth setup, kids’ activities, and crowd management.
- Over 60 artists, dancers, singers, musicians, emcees, and supporting crew such as dress and makeup artists came together to deliver a vibrant lineup of cultural performances.
- Featured over 35 cultural performances including 5+ dance acts, 10+ musical and vocal performances, 6 community stage acts, a bhajan-kirtan session, national anthems, hosting segments, and a DJ/open floor celebration
Financial Summary (Rough Estimate)
The New Year Mela 2082 generated an estimated total of ~$95,000 in overall sales and fundraising through a combination of food, games, vendor booths, donations, raffle ticket, and event expenses. Here’s the breakdown:
- Food Vendor Sales (6 vendors):
Approx. $6,000–$8,000 per vendor → ~$45,000 total - DOCA Festival Games (Kids’ Activities):
Approx. 400 children x $5 → ~$2,000 total - Other Business & Cultural Stalls (26 vendors):
Approx. ~$10,000 total - Raffle Ticket Sales:
Approx. ~$3,000 total - Donations:
Approx. ~$10,000 total - Vendors Registration Fee:
Approx. ~$10,800 total - Raffle Cash Price & Gift Cards from Sponsors:
Approx. ~$3,000 total - Expenses of the event:
Approx. ~ $13,000 total
Special thanks to our volunteers, performers, vendors, sponsors, and every attendee who made the celebration meaningful. Together, we welcomed 2082 with unity, color, and joy.
Raffle Winners: https://nancusa.org/mela2082/raffle-winners/
