Music flows through the ballroom. On the stage, performers sing, dance and act in front of an audience enjoying authentic Nepalese food.
They chatter back and forth, appreciating the rich cultural display before them — an opportunity those attending Taste of Nepal will have a chance to experience Sunday.
“This event helps us let people know about Nepal, how the lifestyle is, how the country runs, how festivals are celebrated,” said Sainaz Bajracharya, president of the Nepali Students’ Association (NSA) of the University of Idaho.
Bajracharya and Sauzad Baskota, NSA coordinator, said their organization spent months planning the annual event, collaborating with the NSA group at Washington State University.
Although exact details are a secret, a variety of dramatic acts, music and dance will be featured. A Nepalese festival-style dinner will be served to attendees as well.
Nepalese Students perform at Taste of Nepal 2018 | Argonaut
“(The food that will be served) is something like the usual food we have during our festivals right now,” Bajracharya said.
The event, now in its 17th year, aims to promote Nepalese culture and lifestyles. Each year, the NSA tries to focus on a specific theme. Baskota said Taste of Nepal will spotlight Nepalese festivals this year.
“I was making a list of festivals yesterday,” Baskota said. “It was beyond 50 in a year, and that’s just the main festivals. We have different ethnic groups that have their own culture, their own festivals.”
Nepalese students work together to create the comprehensive event, participating in every aspect — planning, cooking and performing.
“Being an international student, we get to learn a little bit about America here through different kinds of (events),” Bajracharya said. “(With Taste of Nepal), they also will get to know our country a little bit — that’s our aim.”
Taste of Nepal 2019 will be held in the Bruce Pitman Center’s International Ballroom from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday. Advance tickets cost $12 for students and $15 for non-students.
“It’s known as a very peaceful country. We have harmony between different kinds of cultures and different kinds of caste groups,” said Bajracharya. “Even if we practice Hinduism, Buddhism, anything, everyone comes together in a peaceful, harmonious way.”