Non Resident Nepalese Association-National Co-ordination Council (NRNA-NCC) in collaboration with 50 other community organisations recently celebrated Rishi Panchami, the third day of Teej festival at Gulf Paradise Hotel.
Prof Ramesh Prasad Koirala, Ambassador of Nepal, was the chief guest at the event. The event was chaired by Nabin Pokharel, President of NRNA-NCC, and attended by over 500 members of the community. 
The day of Rishi Panchami is dedicated to Sapta Rishis (Seven Sages). The married women worship and offer prayers to the seven sages, bathe with mud and brush their teeth with a herb, 365 times to purify their bodies and minds as part of the culture and beliefs. 
While speaking on the event, Prof Koirala stressed on encouraging Nepali women to raise voices for equality. 
Sarita Gurung, Female Co-ordinator of NRNA-NCC, hoped the festival to unite women of Nepali community with well-being and prosperity. She said that celebrating Teej is a way to bring women together on a single platform.
The cultural programme kicked off with a performance by Non Resident Nepalese Tamang Society (NRNTS) artistes. Rit Kumar Shrestha, a local singer, also performed two folk songs at the event. 
Silu Bhattarai, a Kathmandu based artiste, while performing at the event said, “The festival marks the freedom of expression for women who escape the mundane and everyday chores.”
Kaski Welfare Society (KWS) also organised a Teej programme. Hari Devi Koirala, a classical folk singer, performed at the event for a crowd of over 300 people.  Dang Deukhuri Welfare Society (DDWS) organised another Teej event recently to raise funds for poor and hardworking students of Dang, western district of Nepal. – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam
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