On October 11, 2025, the Nepali community gathered in Akron, Ohio, to celebrate Dashain and Tihar in a collaborative, festive extravaganza—a night that truly became unforgettable. The date was chosen intentionally so both festivals could be celebrated together, blending traditions and joy.

The evening kicked off at 5 PM with a delightful starter, giving everyone a chance to reconnect after a long interval and fill their stomachs before the official program began. Once settled, the festivities started with the Nepali and U.S. national anthems, sung in perfect unison by the children of the community, setting a harmonious tone for the night.

The event was gracefully hosted by Lalita Bhetwal and Sangita Lamsal, who ensured every segment flowed seamlessly. NAOO President Sampurna Shakya delivered a warm welcome speech, introducing the newly formed executive teams of both NAOO and NWEC, and recognizing the Akron team as winners of the Dashain Soccer Cup.

The night then sparkled with a kids’ talent show. Maya Chaudhary opened with a melodious Nepali song, later enchanting the audience with English classics. Arina Prasai mesmerized everyone with her hypnotic dance moves, followed by Nirvee Karki, whose performance continued to charm the crowd. Riyan Sharma captivated all with a magical piano rendition of the traditional Malshree Dhun, creating an enchanting musical atmosphere.

Following the children’s performances, the elders took the stage. Lalita Bhetwal sang a few melodious songs, drawing the audience in, while Sampurna Shakya’s singing had everyone rushing to the dance floor. The audience engaged wholeheartedly—clapping, singing along, and celebrating the performers’ talent, while some took time to catch up with friends and share life stories.

Dinner was a highlight, featuring a special goat meat dish, adding rich Dashain and Tihar vibes to the evening. Sangita Lamsal hosted a raffle, selecting three lucky winners from the audience. The festive energy continued as all women gathered on stage to play Bhailo, setting the melodic tone of Tihar. Men then took their turn with Deusi, bringing humor, creativity, and entertainment to the stage.

The evening also supported a noble cause—a huge donation collection for the upcoming Nepali Pathshala, showing the community’s commitment to education and culture. The final moments were filled with joy as the audience hit the dance floor, celebrating life, tradition, and togetherness.

As the night drew to a close, everyone joined hands to clean the hall and restore it to its original state. Families departed with hearts full of joy, memories of laughter, music, and shared culture, already looking forward to the next gathering.

Indeed, October 11, 2025, was more than a celebration—it was a night to remember.