The national flag of Nepal once again waved over Bowling Green Park, right in front of the iconic Charging Bull near the World Trade Center in Lower Manhattan, marking the third annual Nepal Flag Raising Ceremony hosted by the Office of the Mayor of New York City. The event celebrated Nepal’s rich heritage, the growing strength of the Nepali American community, and the enduring friendship between Nepal and the United States.

Amit Pratap Shah welcomes participants at the third annual Nepal Flag Raising Ceremony in Bowling Green Park. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

In the opening remarks, Amit Pratap Shah welcomed dignitaries, community representatives, and attendees from across the city. “This ceremony is not only a celebration of our cultural heritage,” he said, “but also a powerful symbol of solidarity, inclusion, and pride. Even thousands of miles from home, we remain one community under one flag.”

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Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green Association, speaks about the park’s history and the enduring spirit of the Nepali people. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Arthur Piccolo, Chairman of the Bowling Green Association, recalled the park’s revolutionary legacy as a birthplace of American independence. “Today, as Nepal faces new challenges, this flag reminds us that the strength of a nation is not measured by calm days, but by how it endures the storm,” he said. He praised the Nepali people’s spirit and courage, likening the flag’s unique twin peaks to the Himalayas.

The national flags of Nepal and the United States fly together over Bowling Green Park. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Shreeya Tuladhar, the youth coordinator of the first Nepal flag raising in 2023, sent a message highlighting the progress of the Nepali American community—now among the fastest-growing South Asian groups in the United States. “Our two identities can coexist in harmony,” she wrote in the message, “just like the sun and moon on our flag.” During the ceremony, the Bowling Green Association presented its New York City Hero Award to Shreeya Tuladhar for her leadership and service to the community. “The first time the honor has been awarded to a South Asian woman under 30,” Piccolo said.

Sookranie Dhanpat, South Asian Liaison for the Mayor’s Office, highlights the Nepali community’s indispensable role in New York City. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Representing the Mayor’s Office, Sookranie Dhanpat, South Asian Liaison, emphasized the Nepali community’s contributions to New York’s multicultural landscape. “This flag is unique, just like its people,” she said. “It represents bravery, peace, and the enduring spirit of Nepal.”

Erick Salgado, Assistant Commissioner from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, reaffirms the city’s commitment to the Nepali diaspora and other immigrant communities. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Additional remarks were shared by Erick Salgado, Assistant Commissioner from the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, who reaffirmed the city’s commitment to immigrant communities, including the Nepali diaspora. “Nepali New Yorkers are indispensable to the city’s small businesses, healthcare, and hospitality sectors,” he said, highlighting translation initiatives and outreach programs supporting Nepali speakers.

Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs delivers greetings from Mayor Eric Adams, commending the community’s partnership. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Deputy Commissioner Dilip Chauhan of the Mayor’s Office of International Affairs extended greetings from Mayor Eric Adams, commending the Nepali community’s resilience and partnership. “As New York City is the Kathmandu of the United States,” he said, “the Nepali community is always there when help is needed—during the pandemic and every day after.”

Consul General of Nepal in New York, Dadhiram Bhandari, addresses the community, celebrating the bond between the two regions. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

Dadhiram Bhandari, Consul General of Nepal in New York, praised the partnership between Nepal and New York City. “Though we are geographically apart, events like this bring our hearts and people together,” he said. “Despite recent political changes and transformations, Nepal is safe, open, and welcoming. We look forward to even deeper friendship between our nations.” Consul General Bhandari expressed gratitude to Mayor Eric Adams and his administration for recognizing the contributions of Nepali Americans to New York City’s diversity and vitality.

The national flag of Nepal flies proudly over Bowling Green Park, right in front of the iconic Charging Bull. This third annual ceremony celebrated Nepal’s rich heritage and the growing strength of the Nepali American community in Lower Manhattan. Photo: Rajan Kafle for NepYork

The national anthems of the United States and Nepal played. People gathered near the Charging Bull, eager to capture the moment, also witnessed the sparkling Nepali flag—new and striking to many onlookers.

The Nepal Flag Raising tradition in New York City began in 2023, when Mayor Eric Adams himself hoisted the Nepali flag for the first time at Bowling Green Park. That inaugural ceremony was celebrated with a grand cultural program featuring traditional music, dance, and performances showcasing Nepal’s heritage. Since then, the annual event has grown into a proud symbol of Nepali identity in New York City.

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