Tihar, the vibrant five-day festival, unfolds with Kaag Tihar, Kukur Tihar, Gai Tihar, and Lakshmi Puja, followed by Govardhan Puja and Mha Puja, culminating in Bhai Tika. Embraced by all age groups, the heartwarming tradition of deusi-bhailo takes center stage on the third and fourth days of Tihar. This cherished custom involves groups of individuals visiting homes, weaving a tapestry of song and dance to delight residents, and, in return, receiving not just monetary gifts but also delectable treats.
This enchanting practice is deeply rooted in the belief that these spirited melodies bring forth blessings of prosperity to the household. In Nepal, the air is filled with the joyous sounds of children and adults engaging in these lively activities. Even though miles away from Nepal, the Nepal Seattle Society (NSS) endeavored to reconnect us with our cultural roots through a fundraising program centered around deusi-bhailo.
To kick off the festivities, a Google form was circulated on the NSS website, inviting community members to extend invitations for this jubilant occasion. Dedicated NSS volunteers devoted three days to perfecting their performances. The inaugural day, hosted at Buddhi Jung Kunwar’s residence by Buddhi Jung Kunwar, Mitra Dhital, Ujjwal Khadka, Durga Shrestha, Mukunda Bam Malla and Kiran Shrestha, was enriched by the participation of students from the Nepali South School, adding an extra layer of significance by passing down cultural traditions to the younger generation.
@Buddhi Kunwar’s Residence
@Buddhi Kunwar’s Residence
The celebration continued the second day with visits to houses in Kirkland and Mukilteo, hosted by Salana Adhikari and Sujan Kumar Shrestha, respectively. The final day unfolded in Seattle, graciously hosted by Prasanna Gautam and Viviane. Throughout these three days, the singing and dancing aimed to replicate the lively atmosphere of celebrations in Nepal.
@Salana Adhikari’s Residence
@ Sujan Kumar Shrestha’s Residence
@ Prasanna and Viviane’s Residence
The NSS expresses sincere gratitude for the warm hospitality and delicious meals provided by the hosts. Special thanks go out to all hosts, their friends, and families for their support and contributions, acknowledging the time and effort invested to make the program successful and enjoyable. The NSS team is profoundly thankful for the opportunity to keep our cultural flame alive, bridging the 6000-mile gap from our homeland.
A heartfelt acknowledgment is extended to the deusi-bhailo team and performers who generously dedicated their time to make the event a success. Their names, including Shraddha Malla, Buddhi Jung Kunwar, Dasharath Budhathoki, Pramod Devkota, Kajal Sapkota, Pramoj Adhikari, Saurav Kakshapati, Tara Aryal, Soniya Kunwar, Smriti Dahal, Shubhu Shakya, Srijita Gurung, Lhakpa Sherpa, Aajana Aryal Koirala, Anushree Aryal, Aamod Koirala, Srijina Gurung, Aaryav Adhikari, Saraswati Budhathoki, Prabin Esha Shrestha, Chahat Sharma, Melisha Dhital, Subu Khadka, Kiara Khanal, Christina Tamang, Dristi Dangal, Aashriya Shrestha, Ariel Adhikari, and many others, stand as a testament to their commitment.
The event concluded on a triumphant note, with a total donation of $6717 collected after reimbursing the Nepali South School performers. The students were graciously awarded $20 each for their participation, aligning to impart traditions and culture to the younger generation. The overwhelming support from the community is deeply appreciated, and NSS is humbled by the success of the event, which reaffirms the strength of cultural bonds within the Nepali diaspora.
Please enjoy this short video capturing not all but some of the best memories of our deusi-bhailo program.