Story by Sydney Kelso
Photos Courtesy of Nepali Students Association and The Argonaut
The University of Idaho is home to a wide array of students from various sorts of backgrounds, and as such, there is no shortage of events celebrating cultures from all around the world. Read on to learn about a couple big events from the Spring 2025 semester, as well as a few to look forward to during the Fall 2025 semester.
Last winter, the Nepali Students’ Association (NSA) spent months preparing for the Taste of Nepal event, which took place on Sunday, Feb. 2 from 5 to 7 PM.
“We started preparing for this year’s event back in November 2024,” said President of the NSA Sashwot Niraula. “During the December break, we made significant progress. The Performance Team began rehearsing cultural dances and music, the Food Team brainstormed an authentic Nepali menu and the Promotion Team worked on early outreach efforts.”
“This year’s event was especially meaningful because it marked the 20th anniversary of Taste of Nepal, and we celebrated it with the theme ‘Flavors, Feelings, and Festival,’” Niraula added. “Everything, from performances to decorations, centered around the festivals celebrated in Nepal during October and November, such as Dashain and Tihar.”
The event featured an array of dances celebrating the festivals. The night started out with Ganesh Vandana. “This is a traditional invocation dance dedicated to Lord Ganesh, symbolizing good fortune and the removal of obstacles,” Niraula explained. “It is performed at the beginning of the event to seek blessings for a successful and joyous celebration.”
Next came the Chhath Festival Song, “a tribute to the Chhath festival, which is dedicated to the Sun God and is a celebration of gratitude, prosperity, and purity,” Niraula said. “This festival is particularly important in the Terai region of Nepal.”
After that was Maha Puja, “a ritual celebrated during Nepal Sambat, the Newar New Year,” Niraula continued. “This act represents self-purification and renewal, emphasizing the importance of one’s well-being and prosperity.”
Then came a performance celebrating Dashin. Dashin is Nepal’s biggest festival, and it celebrates the triumph of good over evil.
“Then came the Tihar Deusi/Bhailo Performance,” Niraula said. “Tihar, Nepal’s festival of lights, is celebrated with Deusi and Bhailo, where groups sing traditional songs, dance and receive blessings in return. This year, the Deusi/Bhailo performance was led by Navin Chettri, a renowned musician and lecturer at the Lionel Hampton School of Music.”
Chettri is experienced in world music, and much of his work consists of promoting Nepali music.
Authentic Nepali food was also served at the event. During the performances, Nimki (Fried tortilla-like chips) were served at tables.
Once the performances came to an end, attendees were treated to a Nepali buffet featuring homemade Nepali meals. Featured was Basmati Rice, Chicken Curry, Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry), mixed vegetables cooked with herbs and spices, Aloo Achaar (a dish made of potatoes, cucumber, and spices), Mo:Mo (Nepali Dumplings), Tomato Achaar (a dish made of tomatoes, serrano peppers, and spices) and Khurshani ko Achaar (a dish made of jalapeno peppers, cilantro, and yogurt).
“Dessert featured Dudh Bari, a sweet dish made with ricotta cheese and sugar [as well as] Mango Lassi, a refreshing mango and yogurt-based drink,” Niraula said. “Each dish reflect[ed] the flavors of Nepal, showcasing the depth of Nepali spices, culinary techniques, and food traditions.”
In reflection on the event, Niraula noted that, “For many of us, Taste of Nepal is more than just a cultural event—it is a reminder of home. For Nepali students and the broader Nepali community, this event provides a way to stay connected to our roots while being far from home. It is also an opportunity to educate and inspire. Nepal is a small country, yet it is home to over 120 ethnic groups and more than 100 languages. This event gives attendees a glimpse into Nepal’s diversity, whether through the performances, music, or the food they enjoy.”
Niraula also reflected on his own experience as the NSA President. “Being the President of NSA has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time at the University of Idaho,” Niraula said. “Whether it’s through Taste of Nepal, Dashain, the Welcome Back Orientation, soccer tournaments or other events, NSA brings together students from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where cultural exchange thrives.”
“One of the most unforgettable moments for me was seeing Taste of Nepal come to life after months of preparation,” Niraula added. “When I saw all the pieces come together—the performances, the food, the decorations and the audience engaging with our culture—I literally got goosebumps…. Seeing the excitement of attendees as they experienced Nepali culture firsthand made all the hard work worth it.”
With the event being such a success, it is no surprise that it was awarded the Best Program award at the Student Achievement Award Ceremony on Friday, Apr. 4.
“The Nepali Students’ Association (NSA) at the University of Idaho was founded in 2001, making it one of the oldest international student organizations on campus,” Niraula said. “Over the past two decades, the NSA has grown into a thriving community that welcomes students from all backgrounds while serving as a home away from home for Nepali students.”
Along with cultural events, the NSA works with many philanthropic organizations, as well as other colleges’ NSA chapters.
Niraula encouraged readers to get involved with the NSA.
“The NSA welcomes all students, regardless of nationality, who are interested in learning about and engaging with Nepalese culture,” Niraula said. “There are several ways for students to get involved; they can attend NSA events, volunteer, join the Executive Committee, collaborate with the NSA and follow us on social media. We post regular updates about events, volunteer opportunities and community activities on Instagram (@uidaho_nsa) and other platforms.”
Another wildly popular cultural event was the Cruise the World event, which took place on Sunday, Mar. 23 from 11 AM to 4 PM. The event featured cultural foods and dances from a wide variety of cultures and countries. Each country represented had a table featuring information about the culture. Some tables, such as Morocco and Azerbaijan, offered desserts alongside with their traditional foods. Others had trinkets, pins and activities to get involved in; for example, Bangladesh’s table had people creating beautiful henna tattoos.
Along with specific countries having tables there, some student groups and associations had tables as well, such as the Native American Student Association and Club de Hispanohablantes.
The event was, as always, a huge success, with all five hours being packed with students and community members alike.
Emily LaGrone, a senior at UI, was particularly excited about the event.
“This was my first Cruise the World,” LaGrone said. “My favorite part was trying the food from Nepal. I have a close friend from that country, and she recommended the Chicken Mo:Mo. It was amazing.”
LaGrone was also excited to learn about all the cultures represented.
“I… really enjoyed the performances,” she said. “Seeing how different cultures like to express themselves is cool to see.”
LaGrone wished that there was more information on the traditional foods, though.
“I think it would be interesting to learn the traditional foods used in each country,” she said. “I’d love to learn about the preferred protein, common food preparation and spices. I think that would be so fun, to learn what common spices are used and how spicy they are.”
At the bottom of the steps, there was a wall of sticky notes asking for suggestions, so be on the lookout for those changes at next year’s Cruise the World.
Along with Cruise the World to look forward to in the Spring semester, the UI community will host plenty of cultural events in the Fall semester.
“Looking ahead to the Fall semester, the NSA is planning several exciting events, including our Dashain Festival, Welcome Back BBQ and more,” Niraula said.
Along with these unmissable NSA events, UI will feature events such as Bangladesh Night and India Night. Be sure to keep an eye out for more opportunities to learn about and experience different cultures!
Outline
POINTS
- Recap of Taste of Nepal
- Mini Interview with Sashwot
- Recap of Cruise the World
- Looking at some Fall 2025 events
SOURCE 1
Name: Sashwot Niraula
Title: Current president of NSA
Perspective: Organizer, deeply involved in NSA
Interview Questions:
- How are such large cultural events planned and organized?
As for how large cultural events like Taste of Nepal are planned, it truly is a months-long effort requiring detailed coordination and teamwork.
- Are there any cultural events that will be happening in the Fall semester?
- Where can people learn more about the NSA?
- To learn more about our activities and past events, feel free to visit the NSA Instagram page (@uidaho_nsa), where we regularly post updates and highlights from our events.
More:
Mission of the Event:
Taste of Nepal is a celebration of culture, tradition, and unity. This year is particularly special as it marks the 20th anniversary of the event at the University of Idaho. Over the past two decades, this program has grown into one of the most anticipated cultural celebrations, bringing together students, faculty, and the local community to experience the traditions, flavors, and festivals of Nepal.
Our goal is to create a platform for cultural exchange, where people from different backgrounds can learn about Nepal and enjoy its traditions firsthand. This event is not just about food and performances—it’s about sharing our identity, heritage, and pride while fostering cross-cultural understanding.
Performances & Their Significance:
This year’s Taste of Nepal performances are centered around our theme, “Flavors, Feelings, and Festival.” Each act highlights Nepal’s rich cultural heritage, with a special focus on the festivals in October and November, which are among the most significant celebrations in Nepal.
Food Menu – A True Taste of Nepal:
Food is one of the biggest highlights of Taste of Nepal, and our menu is carefully crafted to represent the diversity of Nepali cuisine. Every dish is authentically prepared by the NSA food team, ensuring that attendees get to enjoy a traditional home-cooked Nepali meal.
Why This Event Matters:
Final Thoughts & Invitation:
We are incredibly proud to be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Taste of Nepal and continuing this legacy of cultural storytelling and community engagement. We would love for The Argonaut to help share this event with the University of Idaho community. Please let me know if you need any additional information, quotes, or visuals to help with your article.
What has been the most rewarding experience of being the president of NSA?
Being the President of NSA has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my time at the University of Idaho. The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the positive impact our events have on both Nepali and non-Nepali students. Whether it’s through Taste of Nepal, Dashain, the Welcome Back Orientation, soccer tournaments, or other events, NSA brings together students from diverse backgrounds, creating an environment where cultural exchange thrives.
One of the most unforgettable moments for me was seeing Taste of Nepal come to life after months of preparation. When I saw all the pieces come together—the performances, the food, the decorations, and the audience engaging with our culture—I literally got goosebumps. I was showered with happiness, realizing that what once felt like a dream was finally coming true. Seeing the excitement of attendees as they experienced Nepali culture firsthand made all the hard work worth it.
Additionally, leading NSA has helped me grow as a leader, event planner, and problem solver. From organizing large-scale events to fostering meaningful relationships with faculty and students, this experience has taught me how to manage a team, coordinate logistics, and build a welcoming community for everyone involved.
2. When was this club started?
3. How can students get involved with the club?
NSA has been an integral part of the University of Idaho’s cultural scene for over 20 years, and we are always excited to welcome new members who want to celebrate, learn, and share Nepalese culture.
