Analysis of 2021 Census data has revealed there are 1242 Nepalese migrants in Launceston, representing 1.77 per cent of the local government area’s population.

Of residents who were born overseas – 11,312 – 11 per cent of them were born in Nepal.

It is a far higher proportion than anywhere else in Tasmania – Greater Hobart is next, with 1.66 per cent of residents born in Nepal – and indeed a higher proportion than Australia as a whole.

Nepal is now the second biggest migrant group in Launceston, behind the United Kingdom.

In Tasmania as a whole, 1.12 per cent of residents were born in Nepal, while nine per cent of those born overseas were from Nepal.

Across Australia, just 0.48 per cent of residents were born in Nepal.

Nepali Society of Northern Tasmania secretary Arjun Shrestha said there were several factors behind the growth of the Nepalese community in Launceston and Tasmania as a whole.

Firstly, the migrant-friendly policies of the state government, where skilled migrants and overseas students are offered an easier pathway to permanent residency, especially if they settle in regional areas such as Launceston.

This was the path Mr Shrestha himself took, moving initially to Melbourne in 2014, before relocating to Launceston in 2019 after successful application under the state government’s visa program. He now works in financial services.

Another factor is Tasmania’s cold, mountainous climate – “Tasmania has a very similar climate to Nepal, there’s a sense of belonging, feeling like you’re back at home,” he said.

Finally, there was already a large, existing community in Launceston of about 900 Bhutanese asylum seekers who speak the Nepali language.

Mr Shrestha said Nepalese is now the second-most commonly spoken language in Launceston - and the community is starting to become more visible than ever.

On Sunday, Mr Shrestha’s association will host Launceston – and possibly Tasmania’s – first ever Nepalese Cultural Parade & Dashain Mela, commencing 10.30am in Civic Square before moving to Windsor Park at noon.

“Dashain is the biggest festival of Nepalese people and it is a time for family reunions, exchange of gifts and blessings, and performing worship,” Mr Shrestha said.

“Dashain honours the Goddess Durga, who was created out of the power or energy of all the gods, and is a celebration of victory over evils.”

It’s not the only cultural event on the horizon – down south, on November 6, the Non-Resident Nepali Association Australia will host its Nepal Festival Tasmania 2022 in the Parliamentary Gardens at Salamanca.

Meanwhile, Mr Shrestha’s friend, Hridaya Dahal, is just weeks away from opening a new Nepalese restaurant in Mowbray, Bhattee.

Bhattee, Mr Dahal said, is a Nepalese for the main gathering place in remote mountain villages, a cross between a pub and a restaurant, and it is that experience he hopes to give his adopted community.

“We are trying to reach out with local people as well so they know about Nepal,” he said.