‘Community Kite Festival’ held in Shreveport, Louisiana on the occasion of Dashain
LOUISIANA:- The Nepalese American Association of Louisiana (NAALA) organized a ‘Community Kite Festival’ in Shreveport, Louisiana, on October 17, in celebration of Bada Dashain—a major cultural festival for the Nepali community.
The event featured kite flying, family-oriented activities, and cultural exchange, drawing participants from diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.
According to NALA President Shrunyuti Singh, this community kite festival reflects the social harmony, cultural diversity, and sense of brotherhood that have made Shreveport a vibrant community. The festival has provided an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to connect, share joy, and strengthen their bonds through a shared community experience.
Participants at the festival arrived from Shreveport, Bossier City, Ruston, Leesville, and other parts of Louisiana. The event saw a strong turnout, including individuals from Nepal, India, Pakistan, Palestine, Turkey, Poland, and Mexico, as well as members of the Native American community and local white and African American citizens. Their participation highlights the festival’s inclusive spirit and the role it plays in uniting communities through cultural celebration.
The primary objective of this event was to introduce Nepal’s rich cultural heritage—including the festival of Dashain and the tradition of kite flying—to the broader American community. In addition to kite flying, the festival featured family-oriented attractions such as henna tattooing, food trucks, a bouncy house for children, and an activity where young participants could design their own kites. These activities created an enjoyable atmosphere for families and visitors of all ages.
Special arrangements for music and entertainment were made to make the festival even more vibrant. The participation of the young DJ, ‘DJ X,’ added a sense of youthful energy to the community celebration. The involvement of young artists has encouraged the new generation to showcase their talents and take part in community events.
Another major highlight of the festival was the participation of kite pilot Bab Beacon, who enlivened the event by taking part in the kite-flying activities.
Additionally, a blood donation drive was organized at the festival in collaboration with the ‘Lifeshare Blood Center,’ serving as an initiative for social service. This effort provided participants with an opportunity to contribute to a charitable cause while celebrating the cultural festivities.
By bringing together people from diverse backgrounds, this community kite festival has demonstrated how cultural events can foster interaction, mutual understanding, and strong community bonds. By integrating Nepali cultural traditions with family entertainment, youth participation, and social service, the festival has further highlighted the importance of inclusivity and shared experiences within Louisiana’s multicultural society.
Through this festival, Nala has continued its efforts to promote Nepal’s cultural heritage, while fostering friendship, cooperation, and cultural understanding within its community.
