| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 1,250 | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Vienna | |
| Languages | |
| German (Austrian German), · Nepali | |
| Religion | |
| Hinduism · Buddhism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Lhotshampa |
Nepalis in Austria are migrants from Nepal to Austria, mostly temporary expatriates, refugees and permanent residents, as well as their locally born descendants. Non-resident Nepalese Association (NRN) [1] Austria is the umbrella organization of Nepalis living in Austria.
A large number of Nepalis living in Austria are asylum seekers and refugees. They were either Lhotshampas (Bhutanese Nepalis) expelled from Bhutan or Nepali refugees, victims of conflict whose lives were threatened by Maoists or the army in Nepal. Good education in Nepal has become a thing to dream only so some of the people are residing in Austria with a student visa as they want to get the European standard in education. Not all of them want to disclose their identity. Also, due to the free movement within the Schengen Area, it is hard to establish the actual number. The estimated number is around 1,000. [2] [3]
Many Nepalese in Austria are students, professionals, and entrepreneurs who bring a unique blend of their traditional heritage and modern aspirations. They actively participate in cultural festivals, such as Dashain and Tihar, fostering a sense of unity and preserving their cultural identity far from home. The community is also engaged in various social and charitable activities, often collaborating with local Austrians to promote cultural exchange and mutual understanding. Despite being far from their homeland, Nepalese in Austria maintain strong ties with Nepal, supporting development projects and staying connected through social networks and community organizations.
The Nepalese community in Austria, though relatively small, has a notable presence, particularly in urban centers like Vienna, Salzburg, and Graz. Many Nepalese have moved to Austria for educational opportunities, with a significant number of students enrolled in Austrian universities pursuing degrees in fields such as engineering, medicine, and social sciences. Additionally, professionals in sectors like information technology, healthcare, and hospitality have established successful careers, contributing to Austria's economy and diversity.
Cultural preservation is a cornerstone of the Nepalese diaspora in Austria. Traditional celebrations, including festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and Teej, are organized by Nepalese associations and are attended by both the Nepalese and local Austrian communities, fostering a spirit of inclusiveness and cultural exchange. These events often feature traditional music, dance, and cuisine, offering a taste of Nepalese culture and creating a home-away-from-home atmosphere for the expatriates.
The Nepalese community is also active in philanthropic efforts, often raising funds for disaster relief and development projects in Nepal. This sense of solidarity and commitment to their homeland is a defining characteristic of the Nepalese diaspora. Moreover, social media and community groups play a crucial role in maintaining connections among the Nepalese in Austria, facilitating the exchange of information, support, and organizing community activities.
Language classes, cultural workshops, and networking events are commonly held to assist new arrivals in integrating into Austrian society while retaining their cultural roots. These initiatives help bridge the cultural gap and enhance mutual understanding between the Nepalese and Austrian communities. Overall, the Nepalese in Austria are a dynamic and integral part of the multicultural fabric, enriching the country with their unique cultural heritage and strong community spirit.
The Chepang, also known as Chewang, are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group from the rugged ridges of the Mahabharat mountain range of central Nepal.
Dashain or Bada'dashain, also referred as Vijaya Dashami in Sanskrit, is a major Hindu religious festival in Nepal and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, South India, and Sri Lanka. It is also celebrated by Hindus of Nepal and elsewhere in the world, including among the Lhotshampa of Bhutan and the Burmese Gurkhas of Myanmar. The festival is also referred as Nauratha, derived from the Sanskrit word for the same festival Navaratri which translates to Nine Nights. A version of this festival is celebrated as Navaratri, Navaratri is not exactly the same as Dashain. Most Americans call it Dussehra or Dashera by Hindus in India, although rites and rituals vary significantly.
Nepali are the citizens of Nepal under the provisions of Nepali nationality law. The term Nepali usually refers to the nationality, that is, to people with citizenship of Nepal, while the people without Nepalese citizenship but with roots in Nepal such as Nepali Americans are strictly referred to as Nepali Speaking Foreigners who are speakers of Nepali, Maithili or any of the other 128 Nepali languages but are now foreign citizens or of foreign nationality bearing passports and citizenship of the foreign nation. It is also not generally used to refer to non-citizen residents, dual citizens, and expatriates.
Sel roti is a traditional Nepalese ring-shaped sweet fried dough made from rice flour. It is mostly prepared during Dashain and Tihar, widely celebrated Hindu festivals in Nepal as well as Darjeeling, Kalimpong and Sikkim regions in India. The dish is popular throughout Nepal and among the Indian Gorkha community. Sel roti is made from a batter of rice flour, water, sugar, ghee, and spices which is then deep-fried in cooking oil.
Chautara Sangachokgadhi is a municipality in Sindhupalchowk District in Bagmati Province of central Nepal. The municipality was established on 18 May 2014 by merging Pipaldanda, Chautara, Kubhinde, Sanusiruwari Village Development Committees as Chautara Municipality. Later on 2017 it was expended again merging Sangachok, Thulo Sirubari, Kadambas, Irkhu, Batase and Syaule Village Development Committees to form Chautara Sangachowkgadi Municipality. It is now divided to 14 wards. This is the district headquarters of the Sindhupalchowk District. The municipality stands at the elevation of approximately 1,600 m above sea level. Religious and cultural festivities form a major part of the lives of people residing in Chautara. There are people of various religious beliefs, Hinduism, Buddhism and Christianity as well, giving Chautara a cosmopolitan culture. Nepali is the most commonly spoken language in the municipality. Likewise, Newari and other languages such as Tamang is also spoken as the Newars and Tamangs dominate the settlement in population.
The Non Resident Nepali Association is an association of Non Resident Nepalis (NRN).
Nepalese in South Korea comprise Korean Citizens and Nepalese migrant workers, including temporary expatriates and permanent residents, as well as their locally born descendants of either Korean or Nepalese nationality. The Nepalese in South Korea are mainly of three distinct ethnic groups: Khas, Madhesis and Janjatis.
Nepalis in Japan comprise migrants from Nepal to Japan, including temporary expatriates and permanent residents, as well as their locally born descendants. As of December 2023, there are about 176,336 Nepalis living in Japan, which makes them the largest South Asian community in the country.
Nepali Australians are the citizens and residents in Australia whose ethnic origins lie fully or partially in Nepal. Nepali started to settle in Australia from the 1960s, but the vast majority of Nepali Australians arrived after 2006.
Nepalese in Thailand comprise migrants from Nepal to Thailand, including expatriates and permanent residents, as well as their locally born descendants.
Nepalese non-government organisations in Hong Kong consist of all the community-based non-government organisations (NGOs) set up to assist the Nepalese ethnic minority communities living in Hong Kong. The NGOs work with the communities to meet various needs: social care, education, sports, music, and so on. These NGOs were established or founded by various ethnic groups ranging from Chinese to Nepalese themselves. Some of them have their own communicating channels within the community or even to their fellow countrymen outside. Most NGOs are periodically active. A few NGO groups operate continuously and are active in different levels.
There is a small community of Nepalis in Italy consisting mainly of immigrants and expatriates from Nepal.
The community of Nepalis in China consists of Nepalese immigrants and expatriates to China as well as Chinese citizens of Nepalese descent.
An ancestral home is the place of origin of one's extended family, particularly the home owned and preserved by the same family for several generations. The term can refer to an individual house or estate, or to a broader geographic area such as a town, a region, or an entire country. An ancestral home may be a physical place, part of a series of places that one associates with state, nation or region. In the latter cases, the phrase ancestral homeland might be used. In particular, the concept of a diaspora requires the concept of an ancestral home from which the diaspora emanates. However, it is also possible that "[t]he family living in an ancestral home is surrounded by visible, physical symbols of family continuity and solidarity".
Nepalis in the Netherlands are immigrants, expatriates and international students from Nepal in the Netherlands, as well as Dutch people of Nepalese origin. As of 2010, statistics of the Dutch Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek shows that there are about 1,505 people of Nepalese origin living in the country.
Nepalis in Germany consists of immigrants, refugees and expatriates from Nepal as well as German people of Nepalese descent. Most of them live in large cities like Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg and Berlin. However they are spread all over Germany. Nepalese living in Germany have basically three different backgrounds: (a) Those who came as au-pair and student, (b) Those who arrived German on the basis of familie reunion and (c) those who have been arrived as refugees.
There is a community of Nepalis living and working in Portugal. They are one of the fastest growing expatriates and immigrants in Portugal. Most of them reside in Lisbon. As of 2019, 1,287 Nepalis acquired the Portuguese citizenship, making them the ninth biggest nationality in Portugal.
Ram Pratap Thapa OGDB is an Honorary Consul General to Germany at Cologne and chairman of German-Nepalese society. He is also the founding member of Non Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) serving Nepalese Diaspora.
Kukur Tihar is an annual Hindu festival originating from Nepal which falls on the second day of the festival of Tihar. On this day, people worship dogs to please Yama, the god of death, as they are considered to be his messengers. Dogs are decorated with tilaka and wear flower garlands around their necks. Worshippers offer them various foods including meat, milk, eggs, and dog food. It is considered a sin if someone acts disrespectfully to a dog on this day.
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