Newa Pucha-Qatar (NP) observed Newar community’s 1335th New Year by performing Mha Puja at the Oasis Hotel and Beach Club recently.
The programme was chaired by Kishor Maharjan, president of NP, and guests included Acting Nepali Ambassador to Qatar Ganesh Prasad Dhakal, Vice-President of International Committee of NRNA T B Karki, President of Nonresident Nepalese Association—Qatar Maksud Alam, Founder of Newa Puche Dr Devkaji Dangol, former vice-president of NRNA-ICC Sagar Nepal and others.
Nepal Era is the national lunar calendar of Nepal largely followed by the Newar community of Kathmandu Valley. Established in 2011, NP is the umbrella organisation of the nonresident Newar community living in Qatar.
Acting Ambassador Dhakal said that Nepal Era New Year, being the biggest festival of Newar community, holds extreme importance. He also wished Happy New Year and Happy Tihar to all the Nepali community living in Qatar and elsewhere.
Women at the programme wore the ethnic Newari dress — Haku Patasi (Black Sari) and Patuka (waist band), while men wore the Nepali national dress — Daura Suruwal (Shirt and Trousers) and Dhaka ko Topi (Nepali Cap).
After prayers, ethnic Nepali Newari cuisines including Bara (patty of lentils grilled or deep fried), Chataamari (Newari Pancake), Samya Baji (complete Newar dish), Ju Ju dhau (sweet yogurt) and Gwarmari (deep fried spicy dumplings) were served to the participants. Text and photos: Usha Wagle Gautam
