There is a particular kind of longing that every Nepali immigrant knows — the smell of sel roti on a winter morning, the sound of dhol-nagara echoing through a courtyard during Dashain, the warmth of family gathered together under one roof. When you move thousands of miles away to California, those memories don't disappear. But without intention, without community, without effort — they can quietly fade.
That is exactly why the United Nepalese of California (UNC) exists.
More Than an Organization — A Community Home
Founded by Nepalese immigrants who understood the power of togetherness, UNC was built on a simple but profound belief: no Nepali living in California should ever feel alone. Whether you arrived last month or have been here for decades, whether you're a student navigating college applications or a parent trying to teach your child to speak Nepali — UNC was created for you.
With over 350+ members and growing, UNC has become the heartbeat of the Nepalese community across California, particularly in the North Bay Area and the greater Bay Area.
Cultural Events That Feel Like Going Home
One of UNC's most powerful contributions to its members is the gift of lived culture — not culture read about in a book, but experienced, tasted, danced, and celebrated together.
Every year, UNC organizes landmark events that bring the community together:
- Dashain Celebrations – The tika ceremony, traditional food, and the blessings of elders create an experience that connects second-generation Nepali-Americans to traditions they might never witness in Nepal firsthand.
- Teej & Deusi-Bhailo Programs – Vibrant festivals that honor Nepali women and the spirit of the harvest season.
- Nepali New Year (Naya Barsha) Grand Picnic – A joyous outdoor celebration that draws hundreds of families to share food, music, dance, and laughter under the California sky.
For children raised in America, these events are not mere celebrations. They are their cultural memory — the moments they will carry into adulthood and one day pass on to their own children.
Building the Next Generation: Youth & Education
Culture is best preserved when young people own it, not just observe it. UNC understands this deeply.
This kind of intergenerational connection is rare and precious — and UNC nurtures it deliberately.
A 501(c)(3) Nonprofit, Accountable and Transparent
In July 2025, UNC achieved a significant milestone: official 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status from the IRS (EIN: 39-3919914). This means that every donation made to UNC is now fully tax-deductible — a testament to the organization's commitment to transparency, accountability, and long-term community service.
A new 21-member Executive Committee, led by President Deepak Timsina, was also elected for the 2025–2027 term, bringing fresh energy and structured leadership to guide UNC's growing mission.
The Dream on the Horizon: A Permanent Community Center
UNC's greatest vision is ambitious, beautiful, and entirely achievable with community support: a permanent Nepalese Cultural & Community Center in Northern California.
Imagine a space open every day of the week — where children learn Nepali dance and language, where elders gather over tea and stories, where newcomers find friendship and guidance, and where families celebrate every festival together under one roof. This is the dream UNC is working toward, one membership, one event, and one donation at a time.
How You Can Be Part of It
The UNC community grows stronger with every person who joins. Here's how you can get involved:
- Become a Member at unitednepcal.org/membership
- Volunteer your time and talents
- Donate to support cultural programs and the community center vision
- Attend events like the upcoming Nepali New Year 2083 Grand Picnic on April 11, 2026 at Spring Lake Regional Park, Santa Rosa
Home is not just a place. For thousands of Nepalese families in California, home is the community they build together. UNC is that home.
510-734-7267 | [email protected] | www.unitednepcal.org
