Kathmandu, September 9:

The Non-resident Nepali Association, Australia chapter, in association with the Nepali embassy in Australia and the Nepali consulate in Victoria has organised a weeklong Nepal Festival-2008 in Melbourne city from Sunday. The festival has been organised on the theme of “celebrating unity and harmony in diversity”.

The Nepali embassy in Australia said the festival has showcased Nepali foods, handicrafts and information materials.

This is the first time such festival has been organised in Melbourne. Representing the premier of Victoria, the chief guest Jenny Mikakos, Parliamentary Secretary for Planning and Member for of Northern Metropolitan Region, inaugurated the festival by lighting a traditional Nepali lamp. The function was attended by thousands of Nepalis residing in Australia.