Wake County (NC) Proclaims Nepal Day as April 18th Festival Brings Culture and Community to Morrisville
Annual celebration at Cedar Fork District Park will feature music, food, and performances as officials recognize the county’s growing Nepali community
Raleigh, NC, Apr. 8, 2026 — Wake County leaders used Monday night’s meeting to formally recognize the Nepali community’s contributions, proclaiming the third Saturday of April as Nepal Day across the county. The designation was adopted unanimously by the Wake County Board of Commissioners on April 6 and highlights both the cultural richness and growing presence of the Nepali community.
County officials noted that nearly 8,000 Nepalese residents live in Wake County and the surrounding area, representing a meaningful portion of the region’s Asian population. The proclamation (document) emphasizes that the community contributes to the county's social and economic vitality while also enriching its cultural diversity through a wide range of traditions, languages, and heritage.
Recognizing a growing and engaged community
Central to the proclamation is the work of the Nepal Center of North Carolina (website), an organization focused on building relationships within the local community while preserving and promoting Nepali culture and identity. The group also provides support to immigrants, students, professionals, and newcomers by offering access to information, guidance, and networking opportunities.
In addition to cultural preservation, the organization has maintained an active presence in civic life. Commissioners cited participation in initiatives such as adopt-a-highway programs, blood donation drives, and community festivals as examples of the group’s broader engagement across Wake County.
“A safe home and safe neighborhood”
Following the board’s vote, the president of the Nepal Center of North Carolina addressed commissioners and framed the proclamation as both recognition and affirmation of the community’s place in Wake County.
“The Nepali community is proud to call Wake County a safe home and safe neighborhood,” the president said, expressing appreciation for the county’s support and its commitment to diversity and inclusion. The remarks also emphasized that Nepal Day extends beyond a single community, positioning the event as an opportunity for broader connection.
“It is an opportunity for everyone to experience our culture, food, music, tradition, and to strengthen the bond that unite[s] our diverse background,” he added.
Nepal Day festival set for April 18th
That invitation will take shape later this month, as the Nepal Center of North Carolina hosts its annual Nepal Day celebration on Saturday, April 18th, from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Cedar Fork District Park. The event is designed as a full-day cultural festival, bringing together residents from across Wake County and beyond in an outdoor setting.
The festival will feature live cultural performances, including traditional music and dance, alongside food vendors offering authentic Nepali cuisine. Attendees will also find local businesses and community booths, family-friendly activities, and cultural exhibits designed to engage visitors of all ages. Admission is free, with food and vendor items available for purchase.
Organizers describe the event as both a celebration and an invitation, encouraging residents to explore Nepal’s heritage while connecting with neighbors in a shared community space.
A call for participation
In the lead-up to the event, organizers are continuing to welcome participation from across the community, including vendors, performers, sponsors, and volunteers. Opportunities are open to both youth and adults, with organizers aiming to create a program that reflects the diversity and energy of the broader Wake County community.
The goal, organizers say, is to build an event that not only showcases cultural traditions but also strengthens connections across backgrounds and experiences.