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Nepal Night set to present a night away
A journey to Nepal is within reach thanks to the Nepalese Student Association, whose combination of meticulous preparation and cultural flavor offer St. Cloud students and community a chance to experience Nepalese heritage in one "Perfect Night Out."
"This year our theme is the journey," Pravesh Khadka president of the Nepalese Student Association said. "There is the journey that the Nepalese students took to St. Cloud, and now we want to take the community to Nepal and show our culture."
The marriage of the American and Nepalese cultures will be evident throughout the program. According to Khadka, the evening will start with a tribute to the late Nepalese royal family and all of those who died in the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.
"There will be a moment of silence and a Sombodhan song," Khadka said.
The 20 x 35� backdrop and decorations the NSA artists are diligently applying the finishing touches to will also be reflective of a culturally unifying theme.
"The artists don't want me to reveal too much about the backdrop, but I can say it shows the two worlds we live in," Khadka said.
Interwoven throughout the fabric of the evening will be highlights of the Nepali culture told through food, song, dance and dramatic interpretation. There are several new elements this year, including two new dances: the classical and the Khukuri Drill.
Ruban Tamrakar, a sophomore advertising major and performer in the Khukuri dance, describes the dance as a Nepalese drill that is done with a knife, regarded as Nepal's national weapon.
"I like the dance because it is new and different and I really like the concept," Tamrakar said. "It's a very physical dance, you must be agile and have a lot of stamina."
Tamrakar also added that the knives used in the drill are replicas, so the dance is safe for everyone's enjoyment.
Another dance for attendees to look forward to is the Tamang Selo.
"The Tamang is the dance of the culture who lives in the lower regions of the Himalayas," Niru Rai, freshman mass communications major and Nepal Night emcee and performer said.
As important as the song and dance and often an inspiration to both, are the religious aspects of the Nepalese culture. Through a power point presentation, the affect of the combined religious influences of Hinduism and Buddhism on Nepalese life will unfold in the story of "Kumari the Living Goddess." In addition to this technological feature will be a live performance of "The Life of Buddha."
"The Life of Buddha is a skit that will show the life of Buddha and how he became enlightened," Khadka said. "It will also show the knowledge he gained of the basic noble truths."
"A Perfect Night Out" is one of cultural expression through song, dance, religious beliefs, and cuisine that emphasizes the importance of maintaining cultural diversity while still striving for unity. Students and community members who wish to attend can purchase tickets in Atwood from 10:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. According to Khadka, purchasing tickets in advance may be wise since last year Nepal Night sold out.
Tickets are $7 for students and $10 for others. NSA invites everyone to "A Perfect Night Out" Saturday beginning at 5:30 p.m. in the Atwood Ballroom.
Kristen J. Kubisiak can be reached at: [email protected]
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