Happy New Year 2072!
Rhine-Waal students ring in the Nepali New Year
On April 14, 2015, students of Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences and the Honorary Consul of Nepal Ram Pratap Thapa celebrated the Nepali New Year on the Kleve Campus. Although it also has twelve months, the Nepali calendar, or Vikram Samvat, starts its count approximately 57 years earlier than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, this year’s celebration welcomed the year 2072.
To celebrate the Nepali New Year, Rhine-Waal’s Welcome Centre arranged an intercultural celebration for students. Nepalese students demonstrated traditional dances, gave a presentation about Nepal and even held a small concert. Honorary Consul of Nepal, Ram Pratap Thapa, gave a speech which stressed the meaning and purpose behind these kinds of intercultural celebrations, praising Rhine-Waal for its successful integration efforts for international students.
No intercultural celebration is complete without traditional foods, of course. In addition to rice and lentils, guests were treated to nepalese cheese and slow-cooked chicken curry that takes up to six hours to prepare. Guests were also able to enjoy the traditional nepalese drink Chiya, which is a mix of black tea, milk and cardamom. The celebration was arranged by over 30 students, who were supported in their efforts by the Welcome Centre. Both student and non-student guests were impressed and pleased with the turnout and positive resonance generated by the celebration.
All in all, it was a wonderful way to welcome the Nepali New Year. Here’s to a happy and successful 2072!