13 Jun 2025
Hey there, Nepali expats, immigrants, and international students living in Portugal! Father’s Day 2025 is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible dads in your life. This special day, known as Kushe Aunsi in Nepal, is all about showing love and respect for fathers, and in Portugal, you can make it unforgettable by weaving in local influences. Let’s dive into how to make Father’s Day 2025 a heartfelt celebration that bridges your Nepali roots with your Portuguese home.
Father’s Day in Nepal, celebrated as Kushe Aunsi, is a sacred occasion rooted in Hindu traditions, where families come together to honor fathers and father figures. For Nepali expats in Portugal, keeping these traditions alive while embracing Portuguese culture creates a unique and meaningful experience. Whether hosting a small family gathering or connecting with loved ones back home, here are some ways to celebrate that blend the best of both worlds.
In Nepal, Kushe Aunsi is marked by heartfelt rituals like the tika ceremony, where children place a mixture of rice, yogurt, and sandalwood paste on their father’s forehead as a sign of respect and blessings. You can recreate this at home in Portugal with a simple setup. Gather your family, prepare the tika with locally sourced ingredients, and offer traditional gifts like sweets or fruits. To add a Portuguese twist, swap out Nepali sweets for local favorites like pastéis de nata or bolo de mel. These small adaptations make the ritual feel familiar yet connected to your life in Portugal.
Don’t worry if you can’t find every traditional item—focus on the love behind the gesture. Light a candle, say a prayer for your father’s health, and share stories about his wisdom. This blend of Nepali spirituality and Portuguese warmth will make the day special.
Nothing says Nepali celebration like a hearty family feast, and Father’s Day is the perfect excuse to fire up the kitchen. Whip up classic Nepali dishes like momos, dal bhat, or tarkari, but give them a Portuguese spin by pairing them with a glass of Vinho Verde or Douro Valley wine. Invite your Portuguese friends or neighbors to join, creating a cross-cultural gathering that universally celebrates fatherhood.
Get the kids involved by having them craft bilingual Father’s Day cards in Nepali and Portuguese. They can write “Happy Father’s Day” alongside “Babu ko Subhakamana” and decorate with symbols like the Himalayan mountains or Lisbon’s iconic trams. These small touches make the day memorable and help younger generations stay connected to their Nepali heritage while embracing their Portuguese surroundings.
If your father is back in Nepal, distance doesn’t have to dim the celebrations. Thanks to technology, you can send money to Nepal from Portugal quickly with ACE Money Transfer and use those funds to make his day special. Sending money to Nepal is easier than ever, supporting loved ones for special occasions.
Set up a video call to perform a virtual tika ceremony—have your dad prepare the tika in Nepal while you mirror the ritual in Portugal. Share blessings and laughter across the miles.
Another idea is to create a digital photo album of past Father’s Day memories. Include pictures from your childhood in Nepal and new ones from your life in Portugal, like a family picnic in Sintra or a day at Praia da Rocha. Email it to your dad or share it via WhatsApp to spark joy and nostalgia. These virtual gestures keep your bond strong, no matter where you are.
The Nepali community in Portugal is vibrant and growing, with over 21,000 Nepalese calling the country home. From Lisbon to Porto, community events offer a fantastic way to celebrate Father’s Day while connecting with fellow expats. These gatherings not only honor fathers but also strengthen cultural ties and create a sense of belonging. Here’s how you can get involved.
Lisbon and Porto are hubs for Nepali expat communities, and Father’s Day is a great time to join local events. In Lisbon, head to Jardim da Estrela for a Nepali community picnic organized by Non-Resident Nepalese (NRN). These picnics often feature traditional Nepali music played on madal drums, alongside Portuguese fado performances, creating a beautiful fusion of cultures. These picnics often feature traditional Nepali music played on madal drums, alongside Portuguese fado performances, creating a beautiful fusion of cultures. Bring your dad (or memories of him) and share stories with other families.
In Porto, the Nepali association hosts music nights around Father’s Day, where you can enjoy Nepali folk songs and Portuguese tunes. These events are perfect for international students or young expats who want to celebrate with a community that feels like home. Check local Nepali Facebook groups or the Nepali Wave newspaper for event details.
Father’s Day is also a time to give back, and Nepali expats in Portugal often organize charity drives to support elderly fathers in Nepal. Join a charity walk in Lisbon or Faro to raise funds for healthcare or education programs in Nepal. These events are a meaningful way to honor your father’s sacrifices by helping others.
Spread the word about these drives on X to inspire more Nepali expats to participate. Share a post like, “Celebrating Father’s Day 2025 by supporting Nepali dads in need—join our charity walk in Lisbon!” Small actions like these amplify the impact and bring the community together.
Father’s Day 2025 is a beautiful opportunity for Nepali expats, immigrants, and students in Portugal to celebrate their fathers with a heartfelt mix of Nepali traditions and Portuguese charm. From performing Kushe Aunsi rituals with a local twist to hosting cross-cultural feasts and joining community events, you can make the day unforgettable. Even if your dad is in Nepal, virtual celebrations and thoughtful gestures keep the love alive. So, grab some sandalwood paste, pour a glass of Portuguese wine, and let’s make this Father’s Day a joyful blend of your two worlds!
Nepali expats can join local Nepali community groups on X or check bulletin boards at Nepali restaurants in Lisbon to find Father’s Day event details.
Carnations and sunflowers are popular in Portugal, symbolizing respect, and can be bought at local markets to honor Nepali fathers.
Yes, ACE’s fast transfers let you send funds to family members to shop at Nepali stores like Kathmandu Mart in Lisbon.
Malls like Colombo Shopping Centre often have March sales, offering deals on gadgets and clothing perfect for fathers.
Many learn basic Portuguese phrases like “Feliz Dia do Pai” and use translation apps to connect with local vendors.
