by ANNELISE MILLER, CSU Student Staff Writer
Are you ready for the biggest Nepali festival in Mankato? Nepal Night in the Centennial Student Union is coming Saturday, Feb. 25–back for the first time since Covid.
The event from 4 to 9 p.m. features Nepali cuisine with food served from 4-5:30. Traditional performances will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Advance tickets are $10 or $12 at the door; children under 8 will be $8, and children under 4 are free.
The two-prong goal for the evening is heightened awareness of Nepali culture and the unity shared among the Nepalese community.
“Even though Nepal is a very small country with many different cultures–for example Nepal has 125 different languages–they are able to communicate and be together and be unified together,” says Avishek Pradhan. “I would like people to recognize us for who we are. Most of the time people recognize us just as a neighbor of China or neighbor of India, but I want people to know that Nepal is a very good country on its own.”
With more than 140 student volunteers involved, why not do it big when it comes to spotlighting one of the largest international student populations at Minnesota State Mankato? The Signature Night sponsored through the Kearney International Center turns the CSU into Nepal with activities on all three levels of the CSU.
The CSU upper level will represent the Himalayan region, the main level reflects the hilly region, and the lower level is the Tarai agricultural region.
There will be lots to do and see from food, to games, to performances. Food will be served on the lower level as a nod to the Tarai region being the agricultural region. Stop by the hilly region for games- still to be determined. Finally, the Himalayan region will host performances ranging from traditional music and dancing to a fashion show of traditional dresses. Decorations include handmade models of Nepali monuments on the different floors.
Audiences are expected from Minnesota and other states–some flying in to see the strong Nepalese culture on campus and in Mankato.
Don’t miss this great demonstration of Nepalese culture!
Buy tickets HERE:
