We Are All Nepali

Aliza went to her brother’s school. There was a big fair on the school grounds.

She met her brother there. She was very happy. “Let me introduce you to some of my friends,” said her brother.

“Namaste!” Aliza said. Her brother’s friends greeted Aliza in their own languages.

“Tashi Dalek! We are Sherpas. We celebrate Lhosar.”

“Jwajalapa! We are Newars. We celebrate many different festivals. Yomari Punhi is one of them.”

“Pranam! We are Maithils. We also celebrate many different festivals. Chhath is one of them.”

“Fyafulla! We are Tamangs. We celebrate Sonam Lhosar.”

“Ram Ram! We are Tharus. There are many different types of Tharus. Some of us celebrate Maghi.”

“What is the matter Aliza? Today was so much fun. Why are you so quiet?” Aliza’s brother asked. “We are so different from each other, I am surprised.” Aliza said.

“You are right. And, that’s not all. People from so many different communities live in Nepal," said Aliza's brother. “Our languages are different. Our festivals are different,” Aliza said sadly. "That’s the reason why we have so much fun. It is the differences that make everything so special here.” said Aliza's brother.

"Would it be good if everybody looked the same? Imagine if all the flowers, animals, trees, and birds looked alike. Just think of it.” said Aliza's brother.

Aliza thought for a while. “Oh no! That would be terrible.” she said. “Though our languages and our festivals are different, we are all Nepali. That is the most important thing to understand," said Aliza's brother.