Tag Archives: Photography

Holi celebration in Sydney

We just wrapped up a gorgeous Holi celebration here in Sydney, and my heart’s still full. For anyone who’s not familiar, Holi is a festival of colour that marks the arrival of spring. Back in Nepal, it’s one of the happiest days of the year -everyone’s out on the streets with family, neighbours and friends, throwing colours, sharing food, laughing and just enjoying the moment together.

This year, we tried to bring a little slice of that spirit to Sydney. We headed down to the local park with our mates and neighbours, and before long everyone was covered head-to-toe in colour. Kids were running around, adults pretending not to be competitive with colour throwing… the whole vibe felt like home. It reminded me how simple joy can be when you share it.

And of course – the food. We made chatpate, which is such a classic Nepali street snack and honestly perfect for quick get-togethers. If you haven’t tried it, chatpate is a crunchy, tangy, spicy mix made with puffed rice. It’s got this punchy flavour that hits all the right notes, and the best part is how quick it is to make.

Here’s the fast version of how we made it:

Quick & Easy Chatpate

  • Puffed rice
  • Finely chopped onion, tomato and cucumber
  • Coriander
  • A squeeze of lemon
  • Chilli (as much or as little as you like)
  • A bit of mustard oil for that proper Nepali kick
  • Salt to taste

Mix it all together just before serving so it stays crunchy — and that’s it. Fresh, zesty and perfect for days like this.

Celebrating Holi away from Nepal can feel different, but sharing colours, food and laughs with the people around us makes it special in its own way. Still buzzing from all the fun and all the colour. 💛💜💚

Already looking forward to next year! 🌸✨

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

Celebrating 15 Years of Blogging with You All

Hey everyone! 🎉

Wow — I can hardly believe it’s been 15 years of storytelling, culture-sharing, travel adventures, food experiments, motherhood moments, and little parenting wins here at Nepaliaustralian. What started as “just something to do” has become a corner of the internet that means a whole lot to me — and that’s all thanks to you.

A quick look back

For those who are newer here, here’s a peek at how this journey has unfolded:

  • I’m M, a Nepali-born IT Business Analyst by day, globetrotter at heart, a writer for the soul, and very much in love with bridging the cultures of “East” and “West” through stories, recipes, traditions, and family life
  • Nepaliaustralian isn’t just about me — it’s about all of us who know what it’s like to grow up in one culture and live in another, who miss home sometimes, who love traditions, who try cooking a dish from back home and find joy in small things like language, festivals, or simply sharing memories.

Where we are now — thanks to YOU

As of just over a year ago (when the blog turned 13), here’s what we had reached:

  • 1,109 posts
  • 81 pages
  • Over 10,700 comments (that’s you chiming in ❤️)
  • About 2.5 million page views
  • Some 1.38 million readers spanning 230 countries

And today, as we celebrate 15 years, I’m proud to see how far we’ve come — more stories, more recipes, more journeys, more words. Your support has carried this blog through all of it.

What it’s meant to me

This space has been:

  • My way to keep the language and culture alive — whether it’s Nepali or Nepal Bhasa.
  • A way to explore marriage, family, parenting, identity — the awkward bits, the surprising bits, and the really beautiful bits.
  • A reminder that even thousands of kilometres away, your stories, your love, your feedback, your comments matter.

There have been days when I wasn’t sure who was reading, or whether it would “amount to anything,” but then someone would leave a comment about missing home, or cooking a recipe you found here, or learning a word you forgot — and it’d remind me why I started.

Thank You

I owe so much to:

  • You, dear readers — for sticking with me, for reading the long posts, for sharing, for correcting me, for making suggestions, for engaging.
  • Family & friends — for patience when I disappeared on trips or got carried away writing or editing.
  • Guest writers/contributors — whose voices have enriched this place so much.
  • Every person who’s ever liked, shared, sewn, cooked, translated, messaged, snapped, or just quietly nodded along.

Without you, there is no Nepaliaustralian.

Looking ahead

Because 15 years is real, and I’m excited for what’s next:

  • More travel stories — nearer, farther, unknown places waiting.
  • More deep dives into culture, language, tradition — especially around Newari, Nepali, festivals.
  • More family stories — parenting, raising kids between homes, between cultures.
  • More recipes (of course!) and food adventures because there’s always a flavour of home to explore.
  • More connection — I hope to hear more from you: your stories, your memories, your hopes, your favourite posts, and what you want to see more of.

Here’s to 15 years. Here’s to all the words we’ve shared and will share. Here’s to you — because none of this is possible without you.

Thank you for reading, for commenting, for being here. You’re the heart of Nepaliaustralian.

With love and gratitude,

M
From Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

Celebrating Teej with Friends – A Festival of Food, Dance, and Fun

This year’s Teej celebrations were such a beautiful surprise for me! 🌸✨

I ended up joining so many different Teej Ko Daar gatherings with different groups of friends, and each one had its own unique charm. There was endless food (seriously, the feasting never stopped), lots of laughter, hours of dancing, and of course—plenty of TikToks being made along the way. It was festive, colourful, and full of energy from start to finish.

What made it even more meaningful is that I’m Newar, and I didn’t really grow up celebrating Teej in the traditional way. But because of my friends, I was able to immerse myself in the joy of the festival this year—and I absolutely loved every part of it! Sometimes, it’s the people around you who make a festival special, and that’s exactly how it felt.

From finding outfit inspiration online, to getting dressed up in gorgeous festive looks, to sharing meals and dancing until we were all out of breath—the celebrations were about so much more than just tradition. They were about togetherness, joy, and creating memories that will stick with me for years.

Teej this year wasn’t just about celebrating—it was about connection, culture, and pure fun.

I’m so grateful to my friends for including me in their traditions and making me feel part of something bigger. Can’t wait to do it all over again next year! 💃

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

The Nepali Peace Pagoda – A Touch of Home in South Bank

Walking through South Bank is always a joy, but discovering the Nepali Peace Pagoda there feels like stumbling upon a piece of my heart. This incredible structure makes me so nostalgic, instantly transporting me back to Nepal and its sacred temples.

Every detail of the pagoda is a masterpiece, steeped in tradition and culture. The amazing door featuring intricately carved statues of gods, the stone stairs at the entrance, and the iconic akhee jhaal (a traditional Nepali window) reflect the extraordinary craftsmanship Nepal is renowned for. The stonework on the ground adds a touch of raw, timeless beauty, grounding the space in authenticity and history.

Inside the main temple structure, a simple yet beautiful wooden bench invites visitors to sit, reflect, and soak in the tranquillity. It’s a space that feels sacred and personal, offering a moment of peace amidst the bustling city. The two smaller temple structures on either side of the pagoda complement the design perfectly, creating a sense of balance and harmony.

The surroundings only enhance the experience. The stupa, standing tall as a symbol of enlightenment, and the gentle water features at the bank provide a calming soundtrack to the serenity of the place. The lush greenery and elephant statues add a vibrant touch, making it feel like a sanctuary dedicated to peace and spirituality.

Standing there, taking in the intricate details and peaceful atmosphere, I couldn’t help but feel an emotional connection. The pagoda isn’t just a structure; it’s a heartfelt tribute to Nepal’s rich heritage and culture. Every element—the carvings, the craftsmanship, and the peaceful energy—reminded me of home and everything I hold dear about it.

If you ever visit South Bank, don’t miss the chance to experience the Nepali Peace Pagoda. Let the beauty, artistry, and serenity of this space take you on a journey of calm, nostalgia, and connection.

Sometimes, a place like this can bridge the distance and bring you closer to home, even when you’re miles away.

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO

A Day in Brisbane City – Falling in Love All Over Again

Brisbane City never fails to captivate me, and every visit feels like a brand-new adventure! This time, we started our day with a scenic walk across the Brisbane Bridge, taking in the stunning river views as we made our way towards the vibrant South Bank.

The weather was perfect, and we felt so lucky to have such a beautiful day to explore! Our first stop was the iconic Brisbane Sign, a colourful and eye-catching attraction that’s a must-visit for tourists. It’s the perfect spot for photos and a lovely way to celebrate this incredible city.

Here’s what makes South Bank so special:

The Man-Made Beach
This urban oasis is perfect for everyone. Whether you’re swimming, sunbathing, or just unwinding by the water, it feels like a tropical escape in the middle of the city.

The Ferris Wheel
The Wheel of Brisbane offers breathtaking views of the city skyline. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the beauty of Brisbane from above – especially at sunset!

Beautiful Walkways
The meandering paths lined with greenery are ideal for a relaxing stroll, an energising jog, or even just people-watching.

Kids’ Park
A little slice of heaven for families, the playground is packed with fun activities to keep the kids entertained for hours.

Amazing Eateries
From casual street food to fancy restaurants, South Bank offers a culinary adventure that caters to every palate. I love grabbing a bite while enjoying the vibrant energy of the place.

Brisbane City is such a perfect blend of nature, culture, and entertainment. Every corner has its own charm, and South Bank truly is the heart of it all. If you haven’t explored this incredible place yet, it’s time to add it to your list!

What’s your favourite spot in Brisbane? Let’s swap recommendations!

Please follow me on Instagram! and Please follow me on TikTok to stay updated on my adventures.

Take care,

M from Nepaliaustralian
XOXO