Matters ▸ Attachment
PE Nepali Flag 4-12 — File 26-0318
PUBLIC EVENT/SPECIAL ALCOHOL LICENSE APPLICATION
City of Somerville, Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Application #: PEL26-000015
File #: 26-006014
Nepali National Flag Raising Ceremony 2026
Event Name:
SOIA - Office of Immigrant Affairs
Business Name:
Public Event License
Application Type:
93 Highland AVE
Location:
APPLICANT
SOIA - Office of Immigrant Affairs
Company Name:
Karim L. Razzaz
Contact Name:
Business Address:
Home Address:
42 Cross St
Somerville, MA 02145
Work Phone:
Home Phone:
krazzaz@somervillema.gov
Email:
# of days: 1
Does this event occupy a public space or significantly affect nearby residents?: Yes
Are you the party applying for the Public Event License?: Yes
Describe the location in detail: Somerville City Hall Concourse
In the last 5 years, have you been found guilty, liable, or responsible, in any judicial or administrative proceeding,
for any violation of the City Wage Theft Ordinance or any State or Federal laws or regulations regulating the
payment of wages? City Wage Theft Ordinance: No
Date: 04/12/2026
Event Setup Begins: 01:00 PM
Start Time: 02:00 PM
End Time: 04:00 PM
Event Cleanup Ends: 04:30 PM
Do You Have a Proposed Rain Date for Your Public Event?: Yes
Date: 04/19/2026
Start Time: 01:00 PM
End Time: 04:30 PM
Organization name; if none, your name: Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA) NCC USA, Massachusetts Chapter
Describe any social or cultural benefits of this event for Somerville residents : Members of the Somerville Nepali
Community participate in the celebration with great enthusiasm, expressing their sincere gratitude to the City of Somerville
and the Honorable Mayor for acknowledging and honoring their rich heritage, identity, and contributions.
Describe any financial benefits of this event for Somerville businesses or organizations: N/A
What is the budget for this event?: N/A
Complete Mailing Address : 42 Cross St. Somerville, MA 02145
Contact name for follow-up questions (Will be available to the public): Karim L. Razzaz
Email: krazzaz@somervillema.gov
Phone (Will be available to the public): [phone removed]
Event Name : Nepali National Flag Raising Ceremony 2026
Describe the Event: Nepal follows a distinct calendar system known as Bikram Sambat (BS), which is approximately 57
years ahead of the Gregorian calendar and serves as Nepal’s official calendar. Nepali New Year is celebrated in mid-April,
on the first day of Baisakh in the (BS) calendar. The Nepali New Year holds profound cultural significance and is a source of
great pride for people of Nepali origin around the world. They raise their flag with pride on that day. The Nepali flag is unique,
it is the only non-rectangular national flag in the world. It has two triangles, symbolizing the Himalayas, and its sun and moon
represent strength, calmness, and the belief that Nepal will last as long as the sun and the moon exist. To commemorate this
auspicious occasion, the City of Somerville proudly raises the Nepali National Flag each year in recognition of its vibrant
Nepali Community. Members of the Somerville Nepali Community participate in the celebration with great enthusiasm,
expressing their sincere gratitude to the City of Somerville and the Honorable Mayor for acknowledging and honoring their
rich heritage, identity, and contributions.
Describe any Entertainment at the Event (if none, type None): N/A
Describe any tents, inflatables, or other temporary structures to be used (if none, type None): Need podium and
sound system to play national anthems of the US and, mikes and speakers, around 20 chairs for seniors and/or disabled,
two tables for tea and snacks (organization will provide tea and snacks), tent (if there is rain or snow), open space for
gathering
Describe any accessibility features available to attendees/participants: N/A
Estimated maximum attendance at one time : 200
Estimated total number of people attending: 30-50
Estimated total number of Somerville residents attending : 50-100
Maximum number of attendees you will accommodate: 200
Attendee fees or suggested donations : N/A
Will this event be open to the public?: Yes
Describe your outreach/publicity: The SOIA Nepali service team has been actively sharing information about the event.
Within the city, Nepali residents and business owners have been reached through newsletters and social media channels.
Will food be served?: No
Will a grill/open-flame device be used? : No
Will any streets be blocked? : No
Will any sidewalks be blocked? : Yes
If yes, describe:: The City Hall Parking Lot
Will any public parks be used? : No
Has this event occurred in the last two years? : Yes
If yes, prior dates : Sunday, April 13, 2025
Police Detail : No
Parking for Attendees : No
Restrooms : No
Liability Insurance : No
Approval Conditions:
CS Mayor, Mayor's Office, Approved
Reviewer:
Albert Bargoot, ISD Building, Approved
Reviewer:
Kevin Roche, Engineering, Approved
Reviewer:
Eric Weisman, Public Works, Approved
Reviewer:
Charles Breen, Fire Prevention, Approved
Reviewer:
Suzanne Rinfret, Traffic and Parking, Approved
Reviewer:
Mackenzie Richardson, Police, Approved
Reviewer:
Kimberly M. Wells, City Clerk, Approved
Reviewer:
Jesse Moos, Engineering, Approved
Reviewer: