Speaker: Binisha Shrestha

My name is Binisha Shrestha (she/her). Originally I am from Nepal but I have been
living in Denver for more than a decade now. I am a founder and CEO of Colorado
Nepalese Community, a nonprofit based in Denver, Colorado, USA. We provide
intergenerational opportunities to experience Asian Nepali heritage and traditions
through cultural events, educational programs and community initiatives. Our
community strives to foster understanding and appreciation for the rich traditions and
contributions of Nepali cultures. Our community is committed to building a more
inclusive and diverse community by bridging cultural gaps and promoting mutual
respect and understanding.
However, after spending a chunk of life out of the country and becoming a mother made
me think, if I don’t pass on my heritage, my roots to my children they are going to miss
this big time. They are going to blame me for not properly educating them. Where do we
come from, where does our heritage lies as for the coming generations, to know about
culture and heritage is vital for fostering a strong sense of identity, building self-esteem,
and preparing them for a diverse world, while also ensuring the continuation of
traditions. Henceforth, together with the group of our community members, we have
organized more than 25 community events promoting our culture and heritage in these
past couple of years.
Curatorial Project I have curated, witnessed and researched:

1. “Mosaic of Cultures: Nepali Community Exhibit” going on at the Aurora History
   Museum. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich and unique aspects of
   Nepali community, including our distinct music, art, dance, religion and traditional
   foods,”. “By showcasing these unique cultural elements, the exhibition aimed to raise
   awareness of the significant and invaluable contributions of the Nepali community to
   Aurora’s history.
2. “Confluence of Festivals: Temple Town to the World” this is a photography exhibit
   showcasing the vibrancy of festivals from Nepal specially Kathmandu valley turning into
   a mythical playground alongside Denver’s own cultural narratives, fostering a dialogue

of traditions, art, and community spirit that transcends geographical boundaries. This
exhibition is designed to immerse visitors in the vibrant culture of the cultural cities of
Nepal, through a multi sensory exploration of its most celebrated festivals. By
leveraging the visuals by photographer Youbesh Dhaubhadel, an intricate visual
storyteller, we intend to construct an authentic narrative that promotes the medieval
towns’ heritage globally.

3. “Heritage in Motion Series” : Aiming to bridge continents and cultures, bringing the
   rich tapestry of Nepal’s traditions, history, and creative expression to an international
   audience, we have presented “Heritage in Motion Series”. The purpose of this exhibit is
   to foster a deep appreciation and understanding of Nepali culture among international
   audiences. Celebrating and showcasing the rich, diverse cultural heritages of Nepal, not
   only through the visuals we create, the conversations they initiate, and the awareness
   they foster by showcasing Nepal’s heritage, languages, the diversity highlighting the
   preservation of our cultural heritage.
   Conclusion:
   Most of our programs aims to attract a diverse audience, including art and culture
   enthusiasts, families, educators, students, and international tourists, offering something
   enriching for every visitor. Our programs are crafted to attract a broad audience base,
   including art and culture enthusiasts, the global diaspora from Nepal and local
   communities of Denver, educators, students, families, and tourists, encouraging deep
   engagement with the cultural narratives.
   Our exhibits have been a groundbreaking that showcases Nepal’s rich cultural festivals
   and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation of global cultures. Through the
   collective effort of the Nepalese Colorado Community and the support of the various
   local entities we have always aimed to create an unforgettable experience that
   transcends geographical boundaries and unites people through the universal language
   of art and culture.