Nepalese students come a far way to arrive at ULM’s campus—a campus where much of their culture is not represented. When the Nepalese Student Association (NSA) hosted its annual Dashain and Tihar banquet to celebrate these festivals,it bridged the gap between Louisiana and Nepali culture. These festivals carry both a deep sense of togetherness and nostalgic ties to the childhoods of Nepalese students, connecting and comforting them beyond the event.
Dashain is the biggest festival of Nepal—carrying centuries of celebration—known for its tika and jamara, family reunions, bamboo swings and blessings from older generations. Tihar follows soon after, with lights, celebration, laughter and songs echoing late into the night honoring animals, oneself and siblings.
“These festivals mean so much to all of us,” sophomore computer science major and NSA Public Relations Officer Bishal Lamsal said. “I feel blessed and proud to get a chance to recreate this here.”
The evening’s performances by students became one of the banquet’s highlights. Tihar songs filled Bayou Pointe with nostalgia, with traditional dances inviting attendees to stand from their seats and join the performance.
“Dancing in front of so many people reminded me of Deusi Bhailo tradition,” sophomore medical laboratory science major Rajan Acharya said.
Food served as another memorable factor of the event. NSA prepared a homemade buffet filled with traditional dishes such as dal (lentil), bhat (rice) and khasi ko masu (goat meat). Some students had not tasted these foods for months. Friends lined up together to get their choice of food, sharing their favorite memories while enjoying the event.
“It’s the food and all of my friends being here together that feels like home,” senior computer science and mathematics major Nirjara KC said.
By the time of the final performance, what began as a cultural celebration transformed into an evening of memories, connection and nostalgia. The night brought the Nepali community closer and offered comfort to those who miss home.