The Nepal Magar Association-Qatar (NMA) observed the festival of Maghe Sankranti with a cultural programme organised at Al Shamal City Garden recently.
The programme was chaired by Lilam Chidam Magar, chairman of the Non-Resident Nepali Federation of Indigenous and Ethnic Nationalities (NRNFIEN), and featured a number of cultural performances.
Maghe Sankranti or Maghi is observed on the first day of Magh month of Nepalese calendar and generally falls towards the end of January. Makar Sankranti is the beginning of the new holy seasons, which ended with the start of winter. This day marks the beginning of warmer and longer days. Simply said, Makar Sankranti is the end of winter and beginning of spring and harvest season.
The programme kicked off with a one-minute silence dedicated to the first martyr of the country – Lakhan Thapa Magar. NMA adviser Bhimtara Magar, NRNFIEN former chairperson Shiyaram Chaudhary and NMA secretary Rabin Thapa Magar spoke about the festival during the programme.
NMA artistes performed a folk dance of Magar community. The artistes who performed cultural dances at the event included Hurra, Jhyaure, Kaura, Salaiju, Sorathi and Chudka. Popular singers Bijaya Ranapali, Nanu Ghale and Rabin Thapa also performed.
The long tradition of selecting a king was also part of the programme. Resham Ale Magar was selected as the king for a year. In another competition of pot-breaking, Sharmila Basnet became the winner.
During the programme, NMA served the audience with special Maghe Sankranti cuisines, including sweet potatoes, pickle, fruits, and food.
NMA celebrates Maghe Sankranti each year.
Similarly, the Non Resident Nepalese Tamang Society (NRMT) celebrated their biggest festival of Sonam Losar – to mark their new year of 2853 – at Al Dana Resort recently.
The festival was chaired by Tharcha Lama, NRMT president. Nepal embassy counsellor Girija Sharma was the guest of honour.
The celebrations started with a welcome song by Tirtha Thing Tamang, and a host of Nepal-based and Qatar-based dancers performed traditional Nepali dances in the programme.
The performers at the event included Roshan Fuhuba, Yubi Magrasa, Manmaya Bahiba, Bina Ghale, Kirti Tamang, Sahilesh Sahi Bijaa Gurung, Sita Lama, Sandeep Sipachan, actress Rupa Eas Ghale and comedian Bhatgata Mahita.
Selo – the core folk tunes of Tamang community – was performed by Bijaan Gurung and Ramila Pakhrin. Mhendo Maya – another core folk dance – was performed by Sita Lama, Rupa Ghale, Som Tamang and Kirti Tamang.
Tamang women in traditional clothes at the NRMT event.
