Kathmandu. It is not a tradition in the US Embassy in Kathmandu to make rangoli and light lamps in Lakshmi Pooja but US Ambassador to Nepal Randy Berry had celebrated Lakshmi Pooja last year drawing a rangoli at the embassy, earning smiles and appreciation from the Nepali people. The embassy is not marking the day with rangoli and lightings this year.

The embassy has tweeted that they could not carry last year’s activities this year because of the pandemic. The US Embassy has shared last year’s picture showing Ambassador Barry making the rangoli and said that last year’s memories still linger.

The embassy writes: “We have not been able to make rangoli/ mandala at the American Mission and Ambassador Barry’s residence due to the pandemic; however, memories of last year’s Tihar and Deeppawali are still fresh. We extend our best wishes to all celebrating this festival of color and light. Enjoy the festival safely.”

Ambassador Barry is often seen celebrating the Nepali festivals, following Nepali culture and tradition.

यो बर्ष महामारीका कारण हामीले अमेरिकी मिशन र राजदूत बेरीको निवासमा रङ्गोली/मण्डला बनाउन नसकेपनि गएको बर्षको तिहार र दिपावालीका सम्झनाहरू ताजै छन्। झिलिमिली र रङ्गको यो अवसर मनाइरहनुभएका सबैजनालाई हामी दिपावलीको शुभकामना व्यक्त गर्न चाहन्छौं, सुरक्षित तवरले रमाइलो गर्नुहोला।🙏 pic.twitter.com/e7SK2ZNpJG

— U.S. Embassy Nepal (@USEmbassyNepal) November 14, 2020