News & Grants

FWNS-MD was proud to organize the Dashain–Tihar Musical Fest 2025 (DT Fest) — a major cultural entertainment event featuring two of the most beloved artists from the Far-Western Nepali music scene, Ravi Oad and Rekha Joshi.

The event brought together hundreds of community members from across Maryland and neighboring states to celebrate the spirit of Dashain and Tihar through music, culture, and shared identity. It was an evening filled with energy, nostalgia, and the vibrant sounds of Far-Western folk and contemporary music that connect our community to its roots.

An Evening of Culture & Community

DT Fest was more than a concert — it was a celebration of who we are. For many members of our diaspora, events like these are a powerful reminder of home, heritage, and the enduring bonds that tie the Far-Western Nepalese community together across thousands of miles.

The success of DT Fest reflects the growing ambition of FWNS-MD to bring world-class cultural programming to our community in Maryland. We are deeply grateful to Ravi Oad and Rekha Joshi for gracing our stage, and to every community member who came out to celebrate with us.

Thank You

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers, sponsors, and every attendee who made DT Fest 2025 an unforgettable evening. We look forward to continuing to bring culturally enriching events to the Far-Western Nepalese community in Maryland.

The Far-Western Nepalese Society of Maryland (FWNS-MD), in coordination with the Far-Western Volleyball Club, successfully organized the FWNS Maryland Cup 2025 — Inter-State Volleyball Tournament, marking a historic milestone in our organization's athletic growth and community leadership.

Held on August 9–10, 2025 in Jessup, Maryland, the tournament brought together 14 competitive teams from across multiple U.S. states, transforming Maryland into a national platform for Nepali volleyball excellence. The event drew civic attendance from Maryland State Delegates, reflecting the growing recognition of FWNS-MD's role in the broader community.

A Historic Milestone

The Maryland Cup was more than a sports tournament — it was a statement. For the first time, FWNS-MD brought together Nepali volleyball teams from across the country under one roof, showcasing the depth of talent and community spirit within the Far-Western Nepalese diaspora in the United States.

The championship was claimed by the Everest Federal Credit Union Team from Texas, with the Maryland Nepalese Volleyball Club finishing as runner-up in a highly competitive final.

Thank You

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Far-Western Volleyball Club, all participating teams, our volunteers, sponsors, and the Maryland State Delegates who honored us with their presence. This event would not have been possible without the collective effort of our community.

We look forward to making the Maryland Cup an annual tradition and continuing to grow our athletic programs for the Far-Western Nepalese community across Maryland and beyond.

We are thrilled to announce that the Far Western Nepalese Society – Maryland (FWNS-MD) has once again been selected as a recipient of the FY26 Creativity Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), a division of the Maryland Department of Commerce.

This consecutive recognition is a powerful affirmation of our organization's sustained commitment to cultural, artistic, and community-centered programming in Maryland. The Creativity Grant supports general operating costs for arts organizations across the state, empowering grassroots groups like ours to grow and serve our community more effectively.

We are deeply grateful to MSAC for their continued investment in FWNS-MD's mission. This funding will allow us to build on the momentum of the past year — expanding cultural events, supporting local artists, and creating meaningful opportunities for youth, families, and community members across Maryland.

To our members, volunteers, and supporters: thank you for making this possible. And to MSAC — thank you for believing in our work, year after year.

The Far Western Nepalese Society – Maryland (FWNS-MD) is proud to announce that we have been selected as a recipient of the FY25 Creativity Grant from the Maryland State Arts Council (MSAC), a division of the Maryland Department of Commerce.

This grant is a testament to the continued dedication of our organization in promoting cultural, artistic, and community-centered initiatives within the Nepalese and broader Maryland community. The Creativity Grant supports general operating costs for arts organizations across the state, allowing grassroots and community-led groups like ours to grow sustainably and reach more people through inclusive programming.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to MSAC for recognizing the mission of FWNS-MD. This funding will enable us to expand our creative programming, host more cultural events, support local artists, and provide meaningful engagement opportunities for youth, families, and community members.

What This Means for Our Community

This grant is not just a financial boost — it's an affirmation that our collective work matters. From Deuda nights and Dashain celebrations to youth sports programs and cultural heritage showcases, your participation and support have brought FWNS to where it is today. Together, we are building a stronger, more vibrant, and culturally connected community.

We look forward to sharing more exciting events in the coming months — events that will be powered in part by this important grant.

Thank You

To all our volunteers, members, artists, and supporters: this success belongs to you. And to MSAC — thank you for investing in our vision. Let's continue to uplift, create, and celebrate together.

We are proud to share a moment of celebration for the Far-Western Nepalese Society Maryland, USA (FWNS-MD)!

It is with great honor that we announce our selection as a recipient of the prestigious 2025 Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant from Maryland Humanities. Out of 183 competitive applicants, FWNS-MD is among the 90 organizations awarded this grant, receiving $10,000 in recognition of our dedication to cultural enrichment and community programming.

About the Marilyn Hatza Memorial SHINE Grant

The SHINE (Strengthening the Humanities Investment in Nonprofits for Equity) Grant is designed to support small to mid-sized nonprofits committed to humanities-based programs in Maryland. The funding prioritizes organizations that:

• Serve historically underserved geographic areas and communities.
• Engage with diverse populations, including Veterans, low-income individuals, immigrants, BIPOC communities, and other marginalized groups.
• Operate on a small to mid-sized budget, ensuring equitable access to funding opportunities.

FWNS-MD's Role as a Community Organization

FWNS-MD has been recognized as a Community Organization or Center, highlighting our role in promoting cultural heritage and community programs. Our work focuses on several humanities disciplines:

• History
• Historic or Cultural Preservation
• Language
• Comparative Religion

These disciplines reflect our ongoing commitment to preserving the rich traditions of the Nepalese community while fostering opportunities for cultural exchange and education. Events such as Gaura Parva, our youth-focused sports programs, and other cultural celebrations are testaments to this mission.

Looking Ahead

We are excited to use these funds to continue serving the community, fostering connections, and ensuring that the traditions, stories, and values of our Nepalese heritage are shared and celebrated.

To our supporters, members, and volunteers: this achievement is a collective success. Together, we look forward to building an even stronger, more inclusive community.

Thank you, Maryland Humanities, for this incredible opportunity! Stay tuned for updates on how FWNS-MD will use this grant to create meaningful impact in the year ahead.

This project has been financed in part with State Funds from the Maryland Historical Trust, an agency of the Maryland Department of Planning. Project contents or opinions do not necessarily reflect the views or policies of the Maryland Historical Trust or the Maryland Department of Planning.