A Sense of Cultural Awakening in America

Prabina Rai, Boston, America

Former General Secretary, UKROA New England Chapter

I arrived in America in January 2022 with the goal of pursuing higher education. Growing up in Nepal, I was largely indifferent to my cultural heritage and traditions. They were deeply ingrained in my upbringing, but I saw them as mere rituals—occasions for family gatherings rather than something to be consciously appreciated.

It wasn’t until I found myself in a foreign land, surrounded by people who spoke a different language and observed unfamiliar traditions, that I began to reflect on my roots. The physical and emotional distance from home made me realize just how much my motherland had shaped my personal identity.

During this period of self-discovery, I had the opportunity to meet Dhaula Bir Dai and Shiva Kumar Uncle. They were in the process of establishing a nonprofit organization called the United Kirat Rai Organization of America (UKROA). As I spoke with them and learned about their vision, I was deeply inspired by the idea of creating a platform to preserve and celebrate the cultural identity that I had only recently begun to appreciate.

The thought of contributing to such a meaningful cause resonated with me instantly, and without hesitation, I embraced the opportunity to be a part of this initiative.

Soon after, I was entrusted with the role of Secretary on the committee, a responsibility I was both honored and eager to fulfill. One of our primary goals was to organize the very first UKROA Sakela in Watertown—a significant cultural festival for the Kirat Rai community.

Having only ever watched others perform the traditional Sakela dance, I had neither the skills nor the confidence to participate myself. However, the warmth and support of the community made all the difference. Many experienced members generously took the time to teach me the dance, and together, we formed a dedicated group of performers to ensure that this essential aspect of the celebration was executed with authenticity and spirit.

Beyond the dance, the event required meticulous planning—inviting guests, arranging logistics, preparing food, and ensuring that everything ran smoothly. Despite the many moving parts, the collective effort of the community made it all possible.

It was heartening to witness people coming together with a shared purpose, driven by the desire to preserve and celebrate our heritage. Against all challenges, we successfully carried out the program without any major setbacks.

That day filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride and fulfillment. We had not just organized an event—we had created a space where people like me, longing for a connection to their roots, could find familiarity and belonging.

Looking back, I am incredibly proud of the journey UKROA has taken and the milestones we have achieved. What began as a personal longing for cultural identity has now transformed into a thriving platform for community and tradition—one that will continue to grow and inspire generations to come.