Diplomatic missions in Nepal engage in cultural celebrations

Kathmandu, October 11 —"This is the first time participating in the traditional 'Changa Chait' (kite flying) competition in Nepal. Public Affairs Chief Mike made excuses for losing, citing a lack of good 'changa' (kite). While it was a humorous moment, the overall team had a great day. Joy, unity, and community are at the heart of Dashain, and that is the significance of this day. As we enter the seventh day of the Dashain festival, we wish you laughter, happiness, and enjoyment."

This message was shared by U.S. Ambassador Dean R. Thompson on his X (formerly Twitter) account in celebration of Dashain.

The video message exemplifies how diplomatic missions are actively participating in Nepal's cultural festivals. During this significant celebration, not only Nepalese people but also officials from diplomatic missions and embassies are joining in the festivities.

In the video, Ambassador Thompson is dressed in a daura suruwal and a dhaka topi, while Public Affairs Chief Mike is wearing a kurta-suruwal. The diplomats working at the U.S. Embassy were divided into two teams to compete in the kite flying contest.

After Ambassador Thompson's team won, Mike humorously remarked that he lost because his changa wasn’t good enough. The ambassador also playfully referenced this on his X account.

The U.S. Embassy celebrates not only Dashain but all major festivals in Nepal with great enthusiasm. Recently, during the Nepali women’s festival, Teej, the embassy hosted an event that included traditional dance and music.

They also celebrate Tihar in a similar festive spirit. It is clear that they want to convey the message that, while diplomats from their respective countries work alongside Nepalis, they also share in the celebration of these festivals like all Nepalese.

Recently, other embassies in Nepal, including those from China and the UK, have also started actively participating in various Nepali festivals. Since many festivals in Nepal and India are similar, events celebrated at the Indian Embassy may not receive as much attention as those from the U.S., China, or the UK.

The British Embassy in Nepal has set up jamara (barley sprouts) for the festival. On the day of Tika, there will be a ceremony for embassy staff and dignitaries to receive Tika. The British Embassy also celebrated Nag Panchami and Bishwakarma Puja in accordance with Nepali traditions.

Moreover, the British Ambassador to Nepal, Rob Fenn, visited Muktinath in June. During his visit, he shared videos of his worship and bathing there on his social media. He has also posted videos of himself learning Nepali during his stay in Nepal on his X account.

This engagement is an important aspect of cultural diplomacy, which is why they pay special attention to their attire and festivals. For instance, officials from diplomatic missions wear gamcha (a traditional scarf) with kurta-pajama when visiting the Madhesh region, and don daura suruwal and dhaka topi when going to the hilly or mountainous areas.

Similarly, the Chinese Ambassador to Nepal, Chen Song, has been extending good wishes to the Nepali community since the start of the festival season. Today, on the occasion of Dashain, he shared a message of goodwill, stating on his X account, “On the occasion of Bijaya Dashami 2081, I extend my heartfelt wishes for happiness, peace, and prosperity to all my Nepali friends.”