Honoring a Legacy: Gen Z. Memorial
This year was profoundly marked by the passing of Gen Z. who were trying to bring law of rule in Nepal. We honored their life through a moving Memorial Service followed by the traditional 13th Day Celebration. This sacred ritual allowed us to gather in community, offering prayers for his peaceful transition and reflection. Their spirit continues to guide our commitment to serving others.
13th day memorial service and Stupa ceremony.
Cultural Milestones in New Jersey:
American Nepalese Heritage Festival: On May 6, 2025 at the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara in collaboration with various Nepalese organizations in New Jersey.
We also supported the historic first-ever Nepal Day Parade in Fair Lawn, NJ. It was a vibrant tapestry of traditional music, dance, and cuisine that brought the spirit of the Himalayas to the heart of New Jersey. Our FONNJ Dhime Dance group performed special performance at the event.
Lakha Batti & Spiritual Light: We participated in the awe-inspiring Lakha Batti ceremony, lighting 100,000 oil lamps to pray for global peace and the well-being of our community.
Stupa Project & Vajra Installation: At the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara, we reached a major milestone in the Peace Garden with the sacred Vajra installation. This symbol of indestructible spiritual power now anchors the Stupa project, creating a serene landmark for meditation and inter-faith dialogue.
35 Years of Service: Humanitarian Mission to Nepal
Celebrating the 35th Anniversary of our humanitarian efforts, we returned to Nepal for a mission that was both a homecoming and a call to action. We honed five individuals with Humanitarian Award at the event in presence of American Ambassador.
Annual momo Music event with Adrian Pradhan
We supported Niharika Project: A major focus of our trip was expanding our support for Project Niharika, which provides education and essential resources to marginalized children and women.
Support for Samsara Ghar with Rotary grant from the Asha Project: We are thrilled to see the progress of Samsara Ghar, ARC of Nepal’s flagship home for underprivileged youth. This grant will help raise significant funds to expand the facility, ensuring a brighter, more dignified future for the children we serve.
Activities with our Humanitarian mission in Nepal:
Meeting with our Chiva Artist Chandra Shyam Dongol
Scholarship Distribution, Art Contest and meeting with old and new friends.
Please support
Friends of Nepal-NJ (FONNJ) is a dedicated 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been serving the community since the 1990s. Their work is a vital bridge between New Jersey and Nepal, focusing on humanitarian aid, education, and the preservation of cultural heritage.
Below is an overview of their impactful activities and how you can get involved.
Key Impact & Activities
FONNJ operates through several “Pillars of Hope” that provide direct support to underprivileged communities in Nepal and local families in New Jersey:
- Education & Scholarships: Through the Rays of Hope project, FONNJ provides over 150 scholarships annually to underprivileged students and helps build local schools.
- Empowerment Projects: The organization facilitates micro-credit loans (around $100–$1,000) for women to start small businesses. They also run the “Goat Project,” which provides livestock to families to create sustainable income.
- Health Initiatives: FONNJ organizes health camps, provides drinking water filters, and has even funded eye camps in rural Nepal.
- Cultural Preservation: In New Jersey, we are planning to start a Nepali School at the NJ Buddhist Vihara, offering language and dance classes to children to keep their heritage alive.
How You Can Help
Your support directly translates into tangible change for families in need. Here are the most effective ways to contribute:
- Become a Student Sponsor: You can sponsor a student to cover their school fees and supplies, providing them a pathway out of poverty.
- Make a Tax-Deductible Donation: As a registered nonprofit, all donations to FONNJ are tax-deductible. Funds go toward critical needs like disaster relief, health hygiene training, and school construction.
- Volunteer Your Time: FONNJ often seeks volunteers for local events in New Jersey, such as the Summer Picnic, Dashain-Tihar celebrations, Peace garden project, and youth mentoring programs. You can receive Presidential Volunteer Service Award for your service
- Corporate Matching: Many employers will match your donation to FONNJ. Check with your HR department to see if your contribution can be doubled.
The Asha Project 