In a momentous ceremony, Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha, a distinguished figure in environmental and sanitation fields, was honored with the prestigious ‘Bill Gates Senior Award 2023’ by Bill and Melinda Gates’ This recognition sets him apart among all employees of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. “The Bill Gates Sr. Award was created within the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to honor the legacy and values of Bill Gates Sr., as Bill and Melinda Gates envisioned. It aims to perpetuate his inspiring influence within the foundation by recognizing the behaviors he exemplified. This award highlights the importance of integrity, hard work, kindness, and dedication to inclusive and impactful actions. Recipients of this award are those who not only exceed expectations but also actively engage in community building and embody the foundation’s values of optimism, collaboration, rigor, innovation, and inclusion.
With over 35 years of expertise on environment, water, and sanitation sector Dr. Shrestha has been engaged at the Gates Foundation since 2012. The award, accompanied by charitable hundred-thousand-dollar prize, not only applauds Dr. Shrestha’s past achievements but also highlights his ongoing commitment in the sector that he is working on. The entire award money will be donated to an organization who carries some brilliant ideas embedded with human values and behavior.
About Dr. Roshan Raj Shrestha: A Leader in Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene
Dr. Shrestha, currently Deputy Director at the Gates Foundation, has significantly impacted water, sanitation, and hygiene (WSH) sectors in the global south. His career includes leadership at UN-Habitat and founding an organization Environment and Public Health Organization (ENPHO) in 1990.
In addition to his impactful global contributions, Dr. Shrestha, who was formerly based in Seattle, played a pivotal role on the board of the Nepal Seattle Society from 2019 to 2022. His noteworthy leadership within the Health Committee stands out, as he spearheaded a groundbreaking initiative aimed at raising COVID-19 awareness in underserved minority communities. This significant project was made possible through a government grant, highlighting Dr. Shrestha’s dedication to promoting health equity.
Collaborating closely with Dr. Maya Magarati and receiving wholehearted support from the Board, Dr. Shrestha’s leadership helped bring this project to life. The initiative not only underscored his commitment to public health but also showcased the power of collective action within the Nepal Seattle Society.
The Nepal Seattle Society expresses profound gratitude for Dr. Shrestha’s philanthropic spirit and his unwavering commitment to serving the community, regardless of his geographical location. His contributions have left an indelible mark on our organization, embodying the values of compassion, leadership, and community service.
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.
Nepal Rising Seattle is bringing an amazing Nepali movie “The Secrets of Radha” to Carco Theatre in Renton. If you are interested, this is a great opportunity to enjoy an amazing Nepali movie while supporting the initiatives of Nepal Rising, a non-profit organization.
Here is a message from Nepal Rising Seattle :
Greater Seattle area friends, Nepal Rising Seattle (NRS) in partnership with 3E Entertainment, is bringing a newly released must-see Nepali movie, The Secrets of Radha to premiere in the Seattle area. The movie will be screened at Carco Theater in Renton on Saturday September 17, 2022. The door opens at 4:30pm and the movie starts at 5:00pm. Tickets can be purchased in advance online for $15 and at the door for $25. Come join us in unveiling of the secrets on the 17th.
The Secrets of Radha Nepali feature film starring superstars of Nepali movie industry Shristi Shrestha, Saugat Malla, Nischal Basnet et al.
Venue Carco Theatre 1717 Maple Valley Highway Renton, WA 98057
Time Door Opens: 4:30pm Movie Starts: 5pm (sharp)
Tickets Online/Advance: $15 At the Door: $25 Rating/CC Universal w/ English subtitles
This movie event is to raise funds for our initiatives in Nepal. NRS will share the net profit with 3E Entertainment and every dollar that NRS receives will go towards funding our initiatives in Nepal. We are confident in our community’s support in making this event a grand success. You get to enjoy your evening with a quality Nepali movie while making it possible to help the underserved population across Nepal. Nepal Rising is a voluntary-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working for relief, rebuilding and resilience of communities in need. Find more information about our projects, partners, and open book at https://nepalrising.org
Movie Excerpt
RADHA, a young pregnant woman from a village in Nepal, embarks on a journey to join her husband, a migrant worker hospitalized in Doha, who’s gone missing, but discovers instead an intriguing web of lies, deceit and fraud behind his disappearance and of many others… Many of the finest actors from Nepali movie industry are part of this movie and it would no doubt surpass your expectations. Main cast includes- SHRISTI SHRESTHA, SAUGAT MALLA, KHAGENDRA LAMICHHANE, MENUKA PRADHAN, DIVYA DEV PANT, DAYAHANG RAI, NISHCHAL BASNET, BUDDHI TAMANG, LOKENDRA LEKHAK, PASHUPATI RAI, SUNIL POKHAREL, ASHANT SHARMA, SHARADA GIRI…
Seats are limited! Get your tickets early to save $$ and secure your spot!!
After almost two years of being trapped in lockdowns due to the pandemic where we were unable to get together, Nepal Seattle Society opened the doors after much consideration, to celebrate the auspicious New Year 2079. Saturday, April 30th in Shoreline Community College we gathered together head to toe in our beautiful cultural dresses and with big smiles.
महामारीका कारण सिर्जना भएको लकडाउनको विषम परिस्थितिले गर्दा हामी सँगै भेला हुन नसकेको झण्डै दुई वर्षपछि नेपाल सिएटल सोसाइटीले नयाँ वर्ष २०७९ को शुभ अवसरमा नयाँ बर्ष बिशेष कार्यक्रम आयोजना गर्यौं । हामी शनिबार, अप्रिल ३० गते शोरलाइन कम्युनिटी कलेजमा भेला भयौँ । हाम्रो सुन्दर सांस्कृतिक पोशाक र मीठो मुस्कान पहिरेर हामी आएका थियौं |
More than 300 new and existing members of the Nepal Seattle Society filled the air with happy conversations and some meeting each other for the first time ever not behind a zoom screen.
नेपाल सिएटल सोसाइटीका 300 भन्दा बढी नयाँ र पुराना सदस्यहरूले zoom बिना भेट्न पाएको अवसरमा खुसी साटासाट गरे |
Youth and Cultural Committee members and the Board of Directors worked hard over the past month to organize this large event. We worked hard on trying to organize logistics, and coordination and ensure that the event would be inclusive and welcoming to all of our Nepalese community and not just the members of the society.
Youth and Culture Committee का सदस्यहरु र Board of Director विगत एक महिनादेखि यो ठूलो कार्यक्रम आयोजना गर्न मेहनत गरेका थिए । हामीले कार्यक्रम सु-व्यवस्थित गर्न कडा परिश्रम गर्यौं र यो सुनिश्चित गर्यौं कि यो कार्यक्रम समाजका सदस्यहरू मात्र नभई हाम्रा सबै नेपाली समुदायलाई समावेशी र स्वागतयोग्य हुनेछ।
We started with paying respect to our motherland, Nepal, and {karmabhumi}, USA reciting the national anthems followed by remarks from NSS president Dasharath Budhathoki about all the amazing efforts from NSS in the past few years.
हामीले हाम्रो मातृभूमि नेपाल अनि कर्मभूमि अमेरिकाको रास्ट्रीय गान पालैपालो बजाएर कार्यक्रम को शुभारम्ब गर्यौं ।
त्यसपछि झण्डै 2006 देखी नेपाल सियाटल society ma board of director, सल्लाहकार हुँदै 2019 देखि नेपाल सियाटल सोसाइटीको अध्यक्ष भएर काम गरी रहनुभएका दशरथ बुढाथोकीलाई stage मा आमन्त्रण गर्यौं।
The pandemic didn’t stop us from serving our community and we wanted to let our community know how hard we were working in extending partnerships with various health organizations like the Department of Health and the CDC Foundation to work around health equity and vaccine equity for our minority community. Our partners in return wrote statements and made a video to wish our community a happy and safe rest of the year.
महामारीले हामीलाई हाम्रो समुदायको सेवा गर्नबाट रोकेन र यसकै प्रमाणस्वरुप हामीले स्वास्थ्य विभाग र सीडीसी फाउन्डेशन जस्ता विभिन्न स्वास्थ्य संस्थाहरूसँग साझेदारी विस्तार गर्न कत्तिको मेहनत गरिरहेका छौ भन्ने बारेमा भिडियो देखायौ ।
We then started opening the event to our performers who showcased their many talents and amazed the audience. Our first performer who opened our show was Aaryav Adhikari who is only 10 years old, self-taught, and uploads his dances on youtube. Aarvav mesmerized his audience with his fast footwork and hip-hop moves.
त्यसपछि हामीले कार्यक्रमलाई हाम्रा कलाकारहरूका लागि स्टेज खोल्न थाल्यौं जहाँ आफ्ना धेरै प्रतिभाहरू प्रदर्शन गरेर दर्शकहरूलाई हेरेको हेरै पारेका थिए। हाम्रो पहिलो कलाकार आर्यभ अधिकारी थिए जो केवल 10 वर्षका छन्, स्वयं-सिकेका छन्, र युट्युबमा आफ्ना नृत्यहरू अपलोड गर्छन्। आर्यभले आफ्नो हिप-हप फुटवर्कले दर्शकहरूलाई मोहित पारे।
Next, we had Ava, Ira, and later Trisha from the Newah Organization of America perform a Newari Dance, choreographed by our talented Palpasa Manandhar. Their parents were watching from behind the stage curtains beaming with pride as they represented their beautiful traditional culture.
त्यसपछि अमेरिकाको नेवा अर्गनाइजेसनबाट आभा, इरा अनि त्रिशाले नेवारी नृत्य प्रस्तुत गरेका थिए। उनीहरूका अभिभावकहरू मञ्चको पर्दा पछाडिबाट उनीहरूको सुन्दर परम्परागत संस्कृतिको प्रतिनिधित्व गर्दै गर्वले मुस्कुराउँदै हेरिरहेका थिए।
Bringing nostalgia back and reigniting our love of our villages was Sanvi Sharma who performed in the beautiful song Dada Ghare Saili.
पुराना सम्झना फिर्ता ल्याउदै र हाम्रो गाउँघर प्रतिको मायालाई पुनर्जीवित गर्दै सान्भी शर्माले डाँडा घरे साइली गीतमा प्रस्तुति दिएकी थिइन् ।
Following up with the beautiful performance were our youth and culture committee’s members Sakar Shakya, Soniya Kunwar, Smriti Dahal, Kajal Sapkota, Reecha Sapkota, and Sandhya Basnet, Shubhu Shakya who also helped as volunteers behind the scene. Special thank you to Soniya for being the liaison with our performers, finding the venue, writing the itinerary, and being on top of it. A special thank you to Smriti Dahal for keeping track of all of the expenses. Another special thank you to Kajal Sapkota for leading the decoration of the venue and Shubhu Shakya for being on top of meetings, and logistics, and contacting our sister organizations. These are only some of the things on top of our heads!
यसलगत्तै अर्को सुन्दर प्रस्तुति दिन Youth And Culture Committee का सदस्यहरु stage मा आए हाम्रा कलाकारहरूसँग सम्पर्क भएकोमा, स्थान पत्ता लगाउने, र हाम्रा कलाकार हरु लाई सम्पर्क गर्नु भएकोमा सोनियालाई विशेष धन्यवाद। सबै खर्चको ट्रयाक राख्नु भएकोमा स्मृति दाहाललाई विशेष धन्यवाद | कार्यक्रम स्थलको सजावटको नेतृत्व गर्नु भएकोमा काजल सापकोटा, हाम्रा भगिनी संस्थाहरूसँग सम्पर्क गरेर कार्यक्रम सफल पार्न सहयोग भएकोमा शुभु शाक्यलाई अर्को विशेष धन्यवाद।
We took a break from the dances by opening the floor to Ritika Khanal who sang beautifully the song Timile ta Hoina by Bacchu Kailash on her ukelele. Ukulele was accompanied by Krishna Gurung with his Madal and Bhawan Thapa with his Basuri. It was a special performance for Ritika and us because this year is her last year in Seattle and she will be going to Harvard Law School with her whole family who is going to move there to support her and her education.
बच्चु कैलाशको ‘तिमिले त होइन’ गीत सुन्दर ढंगले गाएकी ऋतिका खनाललाई फ्लोर ओपन गरेर नृत्यबाट विश्राम लियौं । युकेलेले साथमा कृष्ण गुरुङको मादल र भावन थापाको बासुरीले माहोल मन्त्रमुघ्द बनाएको थियो । ऋतिका र हाम्रो लागि यो विशेष प्रस्तुति थियो किनभने यो वर्ष सिएटलमा उनको अन्तिम वर्ष हो र उनी हार्वर्ड ल स्कूल जाँदैछिन्।
To celebrate our diverse ethnic cultures, we had another group dance performed by Swosti Adhikari, Himansa Poudel, Sahistha Shakya, and Samana Acharya who also wanted to connect with both our younger and older audiences. They are sophomores and juniors in high school who connect with Nepali culture through dances that they perform in these types of events.
हाम्रा विविध जातीय संस्कृतिहरूलाई ठाउँ दिनका लागि अनि नयाँ र पुराना पुस्तालाई जोड्न high-school मा अध्ययनरत स्वस्ति अधिकारी, हिमांसा पौडेल, सहिष्ठ शाक्य र समना आचार्यद्वारा प्रस्तुत गरिएको अर्को सामूहिक नृत्य थियो।
Next, we had our most entertaining dance of the night which got the most “once more” from the audience. We had Khusiman Gurung and Srijita Gurung performing a Gurung Dance from the Northwest Tamu Society. The audience was energized watching them perform so graciously spreading young love in the air.
त्यसपछि हामीले हाम्रो रातको सबैभन्दा मनोरञ्जनात्मक नृत्य गरेका थियौं जसले दर्शकहरूबाट सबैभन्दा धेरै once more को ध्वनि गुन्जायो। उत्तरपश्चिम तमु समाजका खुसीमान गुरुङ र सृजिता गुरुङले गुरुङ नृत्य प्रस्तुत गरेका थिए ।
Following up with that same energy were our two talented duos bringing their hip-hop moves with a western Nepali and traditional Nepali song fusion which continued increasing the energy of our audience.
त्यही उर्जालाई निरन्तरता दिंदै हाम्रा नयाँ प्रतिभाशाली जोडीले पश्चिमी नेपाली र परम्परागत नेपाली गीत फ्युजनको साथ हिप-हप चालहरू ल्याएका थिए जसले हाम्रा दर्शकहरूको ऊर्जालाई उचा राख्न मद्दत गर्यो ।
Once again we had our Youth and Cultural Committee members Soniya Kunwar, Smriti Dahal, Kajal Sapkota, Reecha Sapkota, Sandhya Basnet, and Shubhu Shakya dancing to another wonderful medley of western Nepali songs. They all looked absolutely gorgeous with their belly dancing outfits and their synchronized belly moves.
फेरि पनि हाम्रा Youth and Culture Committee का सदस्यहरु सोनिया कुँवर, स्मृति दाहाल, काजल सापकोटा, ऋचा सापकोटा, सन्ध्या बस्नेत र शुभु शाक्यले पश्चिमी अनि नेपाली गीतहरूमा अर्को अद्वितीय तालमा नाचिरहेका थिए। बेली डान्सिङ आउटफिटहरू र उनीहरुको मनमोहक चालहरूमा साथ एकदमै सुन्दर देखिन्थे।
Surprise Surprise! Our event went so smoothly that we even had time to open up the dance floor to our audiences! And once again we had the cutest couple from the Northwest Tamu Society, Ram Chandra Gurung Ji and Usha Gurung Ji stepping up to serenade the audience with their performance that didn’t even seem free-styled. The audience burst with amazement at how good and entertaining their impromptu dance was.
आश्चर्यको कुरा त हाम्रो कार्यक्रम यति सहज ढंगले सम्पन्न भयो कि हामीले हाम्रा दर्शकहरूलाई dance floor खोल्ने समय पनि पायौं! र फेरि एकपटक हामीले नर्थवेस्ट तमु समाजका प्यारो जोडी राम चन्द्र गुरुङ र उषा गुरुङको प्रदर्शनले दर्शकहरूलाई मन्त्रमुघ्द पार्यो। उनीहरुको स्वत-स्फुर्त अति नै राम्रो र मनोरञ्जनात्मक नृत्य देखेर दर्शकहरु पनि छक्क परे ।
This was the perfect setup to end the event and open the dance floor where it was our guests’ turn to dance the night off. Our DJ/ Sound Manager Krishna Gurung electrified the dance floor with the songs submitted by the Youth and Cultural Committee while our Photographers/ Videographers Saurav Kakshapati and Bharat Gurung captured all the crazy moves in the beautiful Nepali dresses.
यो कार्यक्रम समापन गर्न र dance floor खोल्नको लागि उत्तम समय थियो – अब नाच्ने पालो हाम्रा पाहुनाहरूको थियो। हाम्रा डीजे/ध्वनि प्रबन्धक कृष्ण गुरुङले Youth and Culture committee ले समायोजन गरेका गीतहरूद्वारा डान्स फ्लोरमा उर्जा संचारित गर्नुभयो भने हाम्रा फोटोग्राफर/भिडियोग्राफर सौरभ कक्षापतिले सुन्दर नेपाली पोशाकमा सबै रमाइला पलहरु कैद गरेका थिए।
All of this would not have been possible without the relentless efforts of our many volunteers who dedicated their time and energy to ensure that everyone would have a great time.
यो सबै हाम्रा धेरै स्वयंसेवकहरूको अथक प्रयास बिना सम्भव हुने थिएन जसले हामी सबै यस कार्यक्रममा रमाइलो गर्न सकौं भन्ने सुनिश्चित गर्न आफ्नो समय र शक्ति समर्पित गरेका थिए।
Our Volunteers:
Food Preparation:
Gagan Chettri
Sushil Mulepati
Krishna Sapkota
Prakash Dhamala
Mohan Shrestha
Ananta Sharma
Tanka Dahal
Ishwor Khonsi
Lila Shrestha
Ganesh Shiwakoti
Ram Gurung
Prem Gurung
Kailash Rajbhandari
Srijana Gurung
Utkarsha Dixit
Chandra Gurung
Anuja Regmi
Achar:
Bina malla
Kunta Thapa Magar
Sita Niroula Sapkota
Surakshya Pandey Dhital
Sita Bhattarai
Dejina KC
Sushila Shiwakoti
Food Servers:
Lok Dhakal
Bikash Tripathi
Dega Rijal (Dinesh Rijal)
Performance Schedule/Management Team:
Roshani Shiwakoti
Shubheccha Shakya
Smriti Dahali
Soniya Kunwar
Volunteer Coordinator: Sophiya Kunwar
DJ/Sound System Engineer: Krishna Gurung
Decoration Crew:
Kajal Sapkota
Biraj Pandey
Shraddha Malla
Simran Rimal
Arya Karki
MC Announcers:
Abhi Kafle
Shraddha Malla
Backstage Coordinators:
Biraj Pandey
Prakash Dhamala
Clean-Up:
Sophiya Kunwar
Saurav Kakshapati
Suzanna Khadka, etc.
Membership Committee Volunteers:
TP Khanal
Era Budhathoki
Sunny Adhikari
Salma Adhikari
Angelina Karki
Subha Pakwan etc.
Entrances:
Shraddha Kc
Suzanna Khadka
Era Budhathoki etc.
Social Media Posts:
Shraddha Malla
Roshani Shiwakoti
Booths:
Nepal Seattle Society Health Committee:
Dolma Sherpa
Sagma Prajapati
Nepal Seattle Hiking Committee:
Swornima Chitrakar
Subha Pakwan
Savesoil.org
Writu Kakshapati
Shailini Karkera
Thank you to our Board of Directors (2019-2022) and Volunteers including those we may have missed mentioning for making this event possible !
Take a look at what we did this year from January 2021 to April 2022!
On this holiday season, we want to wish you all a Merry Christmas. As the spirit of Christmas surrounds us with gifts, Christmas decorations, best wishes, and family gatherings, we wanted to emphasize the tradition and religion behind this holiday that only a few Nepali celebrate.
What is Christmas?
Christmas is a religious holiday observed around the world celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. However, Christmas is commemorated both by Christians and non-Christians and is also a secular holiday.
Kajal Sapkota
Soniya Kunwar
Soniya Kunwar
Smriti Dahal and Family
Smriti Dahal and Family
Shubheccha Shakya and Sakar Shakya
Shubheccha Shakya and Sakar Shakya
Sakar Shakya and Family
Sakar Shakya
How do Nepali-Christians Celebrate Christmas?
Nepali Christians celebrate Christmas on a two-day basis, although it may be observed differently depending on the church they are affiliated in. The Eve of Christmas holds a candle night service. Some Nepali Christians follow this Christmas tradition gathering around in a circle, lighting candles, singing the announcement of Christmas in gospels, preparing for the next day.
Most Nepali Christians celebrate this important and meaningful tradition a whole month before Christmas day by going to different believers’ houses, singing carols, reading the Bible, praying, dancing, gathering and eating good food, and sharing offerings for their church’s Christmas preparations. They decorate the whole church a week before.
On Christmas day, Nepali Christians gather in the church for fellowship, singing hymns, preaching from the Bible, and praying gratefully for their lord and savior Jesus Christ, celebrating his birth. They also perform dances, dramas, and share gifts holding contests for their young ones. They invite their friends and neighbors to participate with them on their day of celebration. At the end of the day, everyone gathers for a communion (“Aghapye” meaning “love feast”) meal.
Nepali Christians also often get together holding rallies and gather in Nepal’s “Khula Munch”, an open field on the heart of Kathmandu. This is to proclaim their religion conveying solidarity and their best wishes to all the other religions, sharing their gospel good news that their savior is born.
Nepali Christians abroad gather together with their families in their houses, share best wishes and gifts, sing and pray, share the Bible gospel, eat good food and open their presents.
What is the meaning behind Christmas?
Christmas indicates the spirit of giving as in the Bible, the three wise men brought gifts- gold, frankincense, and myrrh, to the newborn Jesus Christ. Biblically, gold signifies royalty or kingship, as Jesus the King of Kings, frankincense signifies priestly role, and myrrh the anointing oil, respecting and honoring Him.
Christmas Tree is often decorated in the heart of the living room, symbolizing the birth and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The evergreen tree’s branches and shrubs symbolize immortality and the painful thorns Jesus wore on his head on the cross, the day he was sacrificed.
Traditionally, the presents are kept under the Christmas tree. Saint Nicholas aka Santa Claus, who lives in the North Pole, brings presents to the young children. He represents a jolly man in red who rewards the children if they behave well throughout the year.
Teej, also known as Haritalika Teej, is one of the biggest festivals in Nepal. Often occurring around August and September, this festival lasts for three days and is celebrated by women all over Nepal. This year,Haritalika Teej occurs on September 9th, 2021. Women dress in intricate red sarees, tika, chura– they sing and dance to folk music for days until the day of Teej itself. Traditionally, married women get invited by their ‘maiti ghar’, their maternal home to rest and feast. Due to this being a significant festival for Nepali Shivaites, hundreds of women gather at the Pashupatinath temple and other temples dedicated to Shiva and Parvati in order to pray on the day of the celebration.
Religious Significance and History
The main significance of this religious holiday is to pay homage and ask lord Shiva for special blessings on their marriage– including their husband’s long, healthy and good life.
Teej is dedicated to the union of Parvati and Shiva, who is considered to be the symbol of marriage. Parvati and Shiva by many Nepali Hindus are considered to be the ideal husband and wife. Legend has it that on the day of Haritalika Teej, Parvati is incarnated as Shailaputri, the manifestation of the goddess Durga, another highly venerated deity in Nepali Hinduism.
The Story behind the name “Hartalika Teej”
Hartalika is a combination of two words “harit” and “aalika”. Harit means “abduction”, and aalika means “female friend”.
As the story goes, Parvati made a Shiva lingam out of her hair and prayed to Shiva. This impressed Shiva and he married Parvati. In order for Parvati to be able to marry Shiva, her female friend ‘aalika’, had to abduct her ‘harit’. Therefore, this day is referred to as Hartalika Teej.
Dar Khane Din
The day before the second day of Teej, women are invited to their maternal home where they engage in a large feast called “Dar”. Women dance and feast and indulge in their merriment. Traditionally, men do not partake in the festivities, instead, they are the ones who host the feast for the women. Women do not do any work and chores during the day of dar, it is a day for them to dress up lavishly, embellish themselves, eat good food, and dance before the day of the fast. Along with jolly and happy music, women also sing and dance about their pains and the struggles of womanhood. This feast and celebration last until midnight, and then the fast begins.
The Day of Fast
On the second day of Teej, women fast. Some women do not eat or drink anything at all, whereas others allow fruit and water. Fasting is not strictly for married women, unmarried women also participate in the fast. Traditionally, it is believed that fasting shows their devotion and loyalties to God. They believe that Shiva will be pleased by his devotees and that their marriage will be blessed. Unmarried women fast with the hopes that they will be blessed with a good husband.
On this day, women visit Shiva mandirs dancing and singing on their way to pray and offer fruits, coins, flowers, etc. to Shiva and Parvati. Pashupati mandir annually records the highest number of devotees on this day. The oil lamp which gets lit during prayer should be lit all throughout the night. It is believed that this light will bring prosperity into the lives of their husband and family.
The Final Day
The last day of Teej is known as Rishi Panchami. On the final day of this three-day festival, women offer food, money and other supplies to seven saints. Traditionally, they bathe in red mud and brush their teeth with datiwan. This is believed to purify the soul and body. Women participate in ritual bathing and puja.
Teej Songs
One major and notable part of the Teej festival is the songs and music of choice. Traditionally, these songs were used to reiterate and emphasize the roles of Nepali women in traditional Hindu piety– subservient, submissive, and loyal to their husbands. These songs reinforced religious ideologies and gender norms. However, with the progression and rapid development of Nepali society, songs are now centered around women, feminism, their struggles, and critique about the condition of women in the country. Teej songs have emerged as a way to give voice to nepali women.
Nepal Seattle Society hosted Annual Northwest Nepal Jamghat Mela at Game Farm Park, Auburn yesterday. The event was a huge success thanks to delicious food, good music and various fun activites (Bingo, dance, poetry, icecream, volleyball, soccer, etc). We’d like thank our friends from Vancouver B.C., Oregon and Seattle for your participation. We hope you enjoyed the event as much as we did. Finally, We’d like to give kudos to our amazing volunteers! We really really appreciate your help. We couldn’t have done it without you! With that said, please enjoy some of the photos of the event.
We are very grateful to our amazing volunteers for helping us promote Nepal to the local community during UTSAV mela. We are also thankful to the community members who showed up to support us during the event. Please enjoy some of the pictures during the event.
We wish you a very wonderful new year. May this new year bring you more joy and happiness in your and your family’s lives. Let’s unite to make the world a better place.
Dear Community members,
Christmas is about spending time with family and friends. It’s about creating happy memories that will last a lifetime. Merry Christmas to you and your family! May this wonderful time of the year touch your heart in a special way. Wishing you much happiness not just today, but throughout the New Year.
We wish you a very wonderful new year. May this new year bring you more joy and happiness in your and your family’s lives. Let’s unite to make the world a better place.