Berkeley Gears Up for 4th Asian Cultural Festival 2025 on April 26

Berkeley, CA — The 4th Annual Asian Culture Festival will return with even more vibrance and community spirit on Saturday, April 26, 2025, from 10 AM to 6 PM in front of UC Berkeley at the bustling Oxford and Addison Street intersection. This year's event, themed around the diversity and unity of the Bay Area’s Asian communities, is being proudly led by the Nepali community for the first time.

Founded through the vision of Wangmo Dixie of Dharma College in collaboration with the Downtown Berkeley Association, the Asian Culture Festival started in front of Dharma College and has since become one of Berkeley’s most anticipated annual multicultural events. Supported by the City of Berkeley, community leaders, and local organizations, the festival rotates its leadership every two years among different Asian communities that have been part of the initiative from its inception.

“It’s beautiful to witness how this festival continues to evolve while staying rooted in a spirit of shared celebration,” said Wangmo Dixie, the festival’s founder. “Each community brings its own color, rhythm, and warmth. This year, we’re excited for the Nepali community to lead the way.”

The Organizing Team & Their Roles

This year’s organizing team is composed of experienced and passionate community leaders who bring their expertise to make the festival a grand success:

• Sunil Rajkarnikar – Convenor The driving force behind the event’s logistics, Sunil has managed everything from securing city permits, onboarding vendors and sponsors, and coordinating the entire production process. Known as the face of the festival, he ensures each detail is thoughtfully planned.

  “We are excited to present a day of cultural exchange and unity. Berkeley is the perfect stage for this celebration,” Rajkarnikar said.

• Preetesh Karki – Convenor A dynamic youth leader and cultural promoter, Preetesh is also the driving force behind the Nepali Mela 2082 on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the newly established Nepali Community Center in Richmond, CA.

  “April is a month of celebration for us,” said Karki. “We’re kicking off the Nepali New Year with a Grand Mela full of food, music, and culture, and just two weeks later, uniting with the broader Asian community at UC Berkeley for the festival. These events show the power of community cooperation and cultural pride.”

• Dhruva Thapa – Administrative Chair An author, freelancer and experienced event coordinator, and founding Member of the Festival , Dhruva is overseeing all internal communications, scheduling, documentation, and ensuring smooth operations within the organizing team.
• Nima Sherpa – Volunteer Chair A proud UC Berkeley student and active cultural ambassador, Nima is leading the volunteer coordination, bringing in dozens of students and youth to assist with setup, guest services, and stage support. Her energy and connection to the youth add vibrancy to the event.
• Chinkaji Shrestha – Finance Chair, President of Buddha Nepal Peace Foundation, and Festival Advisor A respected figure in the Nepali community, Chinkaji has been involved in the festival since its first year. As the Finance Chair, he has overseen the budgeting, grant management, and fundraising efforts.

  “This festival isn’t just about performance—it’s about presence,” said Shrestha. “We’re showing our youth the richness of our roots and creating platforms for connection and identity.”

Festival Highlights

• 🎭 Live performances from more than a dozen Asian communities
• 🍲 Authentic food vendors offering culinary treasures from across Asia
• 🎨 Cultural booths and interactive exhibits
• 🎉 Hands-on activities for kids and families
• 🎤 Official ceremony featuring City of Berkeley officials, council members, and delegates from neighboring cities
• 🇳🇵 Special guest: Hon. Rishi P. Dhakal, Honorary Consul General of Nepal in California

“The Asian Culture Festival has become a symbol of cultural exchange, unity, and creative energy in the Bay Area,” said a spokesperson from the Downtown Berkeley Association. “We are honored to support the communities making it happen.”

This year promises not only a dynamic cultural exchange but also a celebration of community ownership, where different groups take the lead and make the festival their own. With the Nepali community leading this year and others poised to take the helm in the future, the event continues to reflect the multicultural heartbeat of the Bay Area.

Don’t Miss the Nepali New Year 2082 Mela!

Before the Asian Culture Festival, celebrate the Nepali New Year 2082 B.S. with a Grand Mela at the newly acquired Nepali Community Center in Richmond, CA:

📍 369 Chesley Ave, Richmond, CA
📅 Sunday, April 13, 2025
⏰ Noon to 8 PM
✨ Enjoy traditional food, live music, performances, kids’ games, and cultural exhibits. Experience traditional food, music, dance, kids' games & more in this vibrant cultural gathering. All are welcome!