Dozens of Bhutanese resettled in the state of Utah gathered to observe their new year, Vikram Era 2072, in Liberty Park located in the heart of Utah State Capital, Salt Lake City, on April 11.
Speaking to welcome the guests and audiences, Jaga Adhikari, vice chairman of board of directors of Bhutanese Community in Utah(BCU) reflected on Vikram Era and its history.
“We have felt welcomed here by the local diverse cultural, community and I can say that Salt Lake City is one of the best places to resettle for anyone coming to the USA,” Adhikari said.
The cultural program entertained guests from the mayor office, resettlement agencies, local community and general public with their artful presentations like modern Nepali, Hindi and Nepali ancient traditional folk dances (sangini) and songs.
Kishor Siwakoti, the invited guest singer and a youth artist from Sioux Fall, South Dakota was the center of attraction of the program. He sang different Napoli songs including one on suicide prevention theme.
Gyanu Dulal, Community Resource Specialist (BCU) Department of Workforce Services, wished best wishes for the upcoming New Year 2072 to all and hoped to bring forth many more programs to share with local community as part of Salt Lake City population with the help from local government, community and stakeholders in the same manner in future.
When asked by BNS representative about how difficult, as a young leader, was to organize programs and what were his future programs, BCU president and chairperson of the program, Ryam Neupane said, “I am feeling great for the help every single person, groups and senior extended to materialize this grand function in this open park and am very enthusiastic to further plan effectively to develop an activity calendar to give more and share with local community in future.”
As per him, Bhutanese Community in Utah has also invited Meri Basai artists Dhurmus and Suntoli, singers like Pramod Kharel, Pashupati Sharma and Sangita Thapa Magar and their program is taking place on May 31.
In addition, Bhutanese and Indian food stall, cultural and traditional garments stalls, American Familly Insurance and Wells Fargo Bank were seen busy selling their product through the program.
The program was sponsored by Salt Lake City: Signature Event Grant and Community members and was organized by Bhutanese Community in Utah and Bhutanese Creative Youth (BCY).
