The Nepali Women Society (NWS) recently organised a Teej programme at the Gulf Paradise hotel. 
The celebration was chaired by NWS president Susmita Bhusal. The chief guest was Nepali ambassador Ramesh Prasad Koirala. Other notable guests included at Nepali embassy financial secretary Gayetri Paudel, labour consular Girija Sharma, and community leaders Hansaraj Dhakal, Rajendra Kumar Sharma and Binesh Tamang. 
Teej is the biggest festival of Nepali Hindu women celebrated during monsoon season. During the festival, married women fast and pray for good health and long lives of their husbands, while unmarried women pray for getting healthy and handsome spouses. 
Women rejoice with various delicious dishes known as Dar a day before Teej and fast on the next day as per tradition. The three-day festivities begin with Dar on the second day of the fortnight in the month of Bhadau and is marked with fasting and cultural programmes the next day.  
Women in the NWS programme came dressed up in traditional red saris, with bangles, ‘Pote’ (a necklace made of glass beads), ‘Tilahari’ and ‘Sindur’ (crimson powder) – considered the symbols of good luck.
Speaking at the programme, ambassador Koirala applauded the organisers for celebrating Teej. He also expressed his best wishes to all Nepali women in Qatar. He also said that anyone can approach the embassy if they are facing any issues. 
The 10-hour-long NWS programme also featured live performances from Qatar-based artistes. Women danced along to the folk tunes, as artistes showcased their talents on stage.
Dancer Pramila Khanal performed a folk-pop dance about a typical Nepali lady. Singer Amrita Limbu performed a popular song of hers. Qatar-based folk singer Devika KC performed a popular song of hers. Artistes including Binita KC demonstrated their best steps. Folk singer Chanda Aryal performed a Teej song during the programme. Sita Thapa danced to her own song, which dealt with gender equality. 
The programme was hosted by folk singer Devika KC and general secretary of Nepali women society Ambika Khatri. Participants were served  Teej-specific cuisine at the end of programme. 
NWS channels all of its profits from ticket sales to the children of Chepang, one of the most marginalised communities of Nepal.