WHY NEPALI GATHERINGS START LATE — BUT NO ONE COMPLAINS

If you’ve ever attended a Nepali social gathering — whether a wedding, a festival celebration, or just a casual get-together — you may have noticed a curious phenomenon: events almost always start late. Yet, surprisingly, no one seems bothered. There’s no visible frustration, no sharp glances at watches. Instead, people arrive, mingle, and enjoy the flow of the moment.

Why is lateness so accepted in Nepali gatherings? And why do we, as a community, seem so patient about it?

The answer lies in how Nepali culture views time as relational, not mechanical. Unlike the Western clock-driven model, where punctuality signals respect and efficiency, Nepali time is more elastic, woven into social connections rather than schedules.

Starting late is often a way to accommodate the many who will attend — family, friends, neighbors — allowing for the natural ebb and flow of arrivals. It’s an acknowledgment that life is full of unpredictable delays: a relative stuck in traffic, a last-minute chore, or simply the ritual of stopping for tea and conversation on the way.

This flexible approach also reflects a prioritization of presence over precision. What matters is who shows up and how, not when. The joy is in the gathering itself, not the exact start time.

There’s also an unspoken understanding that rushing or enforcing strict punctuality could disrupt the relaxed, communal atmosphere. Time here isn’t the enemy to conquer; it’s the rhythm to flow with.

In a world obsessed with speed and deadlines, Nepali gatherings remind us that patience, grace, and human connection hold their own kind of time — one measured not in minutes, but in moments shared.

So next time you find yourself waiting for an event to start, don’t check your watch. Instead, look around. You might just find the true heart of Nepali hospitality unfolding, right on time — even if it’s a little late.