Nepali Kirats go big in celebrations

Some of the participants of the programme. Right: Rai, Limbu and Sunwar groups perform a cultural dance at the programme.

Three Nepali expatriate organisations representing the Nepali Kirat followers celebrated the Uvhauli festival in Qatar last week. Kirat are the indigenous ethnic groups of the Himalayas and mid-hills extending east from Nepal into India, Myanmar and beyond. 

The three organisations used to celebrate Kirat festivals separately but got together this year as a show of unity, according to their representatives.

This year’s joint celebration was organised at Hotel Grand Palace last Friday. Prominent members of the Nepali community in Qatar attended the event, including Nar Bahadur Sunuwar, Binesh Tamang, Jaynanda Limbu, Mangal Singh Kerung, Padam Rai and Bhumika Rai.

More than 300 Nepali expatriates participated in the programme. Artists Bhakta Sunuwar, Jayananda Limbu, Mangal Shree Karag, Padam Rai, Vumika Rai and Devi Sunuwar performed during the programme.

The programme inaugurated with the country’s national anthem and lighting of candles. The welcome note was delivered by Prakash Dhiraj Chamling, chairman of Kiraya—Qatar.

Women Society Chairman Rekha Rai and other representatives of literary organisations gave congratulatory speech. Text and Photos: Usha Wagle Gautam