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The Nepal Seattle Society (NSS) recently held its annual General Assembly on February 18th, 2024, at the VFW Mercer Island, marking a significant milestone in the organization’s journey. The event was not just a meeting but a celebration of community unity, vision, and the collective spirit of the Nepali diaspora in Seattle.

The gathering was a testament to the enduring legacy and founding pillars of the NSS. From founder members to lifetime members and general members, everyone came together to participate in meaningful discussions and shape the future direction of the organization.

The atmosphere was vibrant, filled with camaraderie and goodwill, complemented by light refreshments and snacks sponsored by Mayuri that added to the specialty of the occasion. As participants engaged in dialogue, they reflected on past achievements, charted a course for the future, and explored avenues to further enhance the NSS’s mission of serving the Nepali community.

One of the highlights of the assembly was the open floor for feedback and a Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to share their thoughts, ask questions, and provide valuable insights. The outpouring of positive feedback and encouragement served as a source of inspiration, reaffirming the NSS’s commitment to its mission and energizing its members to continue their work with renewed determination.

In his address, the NSS President highlighted the importance of community engagement and collaboration, emphasizing that the success of the organization is a collective effort that relies on the support and involvement of its members, partners, and volunteers. He expressed gratitude to everyone who attended the assembly, recognizing their contributions and dedication to the NSS’s cause.

Looking ahead, the NSS is poised to embark on a new chapter filled with exciting initiatives aimed at furthering its impact and reach within the Nepali community. From educational programs to cultural events and community outreach initiatives, the organization is committed to serving the needs of its members and fostering unity and empowerment.

As the NSS continues its journey, it invites all members of the community to join hands and work together towards a common goal of progress and prosperity. Whether through active participation, volunteerism, or support, every contribution makes a difference and helps strengthen the fabric of the Nepali diaspora in Seattle.

In conclusion, the General Assembly was not just a meeting but a celebration of community unity, vision, and the collective spirit of the Nepali diaspora in Seattle. It reaffirmed the NSS’s commitment to its mission and provided a platform for members to come together, share ideas, and shape the future of the organization. As the NSS looks ahead, it is confident that with the continued support and involvement of its members, partners, and volunteers, it will achieve its goals and continue to make a positive impact in the lives of those it serves.

For a deeper dive into what we do as an organization, see below our slides presented at the General Assembly…

Nepal-Seattle-Society-General-Assembly-4

If you participated in our General Assembly on February 18, 2024, please provide us feedback and suggestions using the form down below! We would love to hear from you!

Namaste, we appreciate your interest in joining this year’s Seattle Nepali School. Please fill in the form below to register your child for the classes. The registration will be closed on the 3rd of February 2024. We will follow up by email with more details before the beginning of the classes. 

First Social Media Post

This social media post was created to aware Nepali Washington residents about the availability of different types of vaccinations.

823 people reached

909 people reached

Second social Media Post

This post was created to provide information on bivalent booster shots.

872 people reached

Third Social Media Post

This post was created to ensure that people follow COVID-19 health protocols in mass gathering for their safety.

565 people reached

Fourth Social Media Post

This social media post was created to aware people about triple disease burden which were negatively impacting people’s health during the month of Oct-Dec

713 people reached

WEBINARS

NEPAL SEATTLE SOCIETY

Webinar-1

First Webinar Around COVID-19 and FLU

NEYPVAL Year 2 team hosted their first webinar in collaboration with NSS’s health committee lead Dr. Nitin Thapa (Family Practitioner) and Dr. Diwakar Thapa (Pharmacist) as well as Jagadamba Adhikaree (Senior Medical Social Worker). This webinar was insightful as they answered questions about flu and COVID-19 symptoms, available resources, and upcoming boosters. 

This webinar was interactive with various questions from the community.

Watch video

Webinar-2

Second Webinar Around COVID Variant and FLU

NEYPVAL Year 2 team hosted another webinar around COVID and FLU with our Nepali community health experts Shraddha Kakshapati (PharmD, Rph), Soniya Kunwar (RN, BSN), and Jadagamba Adhikaree (Senior Social Worker). This webinar had thorough information regarding COVID and FLU as well as the Triple Burden Disease: RSV, flu, and COVID viruses among kids and adults. Therefore, it was an interactive and informative session with many family members getting sick during that time.

Watch video

What does Dashain and Tihar remind you of? The cold winter nights, streets full of lights, smell of sel roti and long nights with friends and family you haven’t seen for awhile? 

All the varieties of festivals and occasions we celebrate carry their own significance but I’d say that the main festivals of Nepalese are Dashain and Tihar. We choose to celebrate with our close friends, relatives and family. 

Nepal Seattle Society (NSS) hosted the Dashain and Tihar event on Nov 5th at Cascadia College. The food, entertainment, and the attire was just as like in Nepal. Our Center for Disease Control and Prevention Foundation (CDCF)/NEYPVAL year 2 team was also present at the event

The main purpose of this project was to update our community members on COVID and FLU. NSS had the Dashain and Tihar Event 2079 B.S. after 2 long years where the hope of people gathering was possible, but it came to our notice that the COVID cases were rising. Therefore, we had to inform our community members to take precaution in our upcoming event so that everyone involved can enjoy it. The team posted a flyer on social media to take necessary precaution.

We shared informational flyers regarding covid vaccine, flu vaccine and insurance accessibility. We were able to collect surveys from the attendees at the event. We are hoping that the survey we collect will help us understand the vaccine hesitancy among nepali community. We were able to get 36 surveys from this event alone. We are hoping to collect surveys in the near future event being hosted by Nepal Seattle Society (NSS). 

GALLERY

Nepal Seattle Society is one of the most valued nepali organization in Washington state. We have been successful in maintaining good relationship and harmony with our neighboring organizations and assisting eachother in need.

This time of the year NEYPVAL (Nepal Elder-Guided Youth Partnership Vaccination Accessibility Liaison) Team collaborated with Newah Organization of America (NOA) in the occasion MHA puja on 10/26/2022 to provide updated information on flu and covid.

MHA Puja, which in Newari means “worship of the self,” honors one’s inner spirit. The ritual denotes an auspicious start to the New Year and bestows riches and longevity to those who take part. Wherever Nepalese have settled, MHA Puja and Nepal Sambat are also observed.

Executive Director Subekshya Regmi with President of Newah Organization of America Ishwor Lal Khosin

This event was successful with the presence of two team members from the NEYPVAL team, Subekshya Regmi, the Executive Director and Shubhechha Shakya, the community engagement and IT coordinator. Small goodies were distributed to children and adults which included hand sanitizers, lip balm, stationary supplies, and the survey form.

They were also very successful in thanking the President, Ishwor Lal Khosin in person and handing him a thank you certificate which was made by Shraddha KC, the communication and digital content creator. There were about 100 bags of goodies which were made by Shubhechha Shakya with the help of two community ambassadors Aakarshan Simkhada and Soniya Kunwar.

The team also provided 2 trays of sweets to NOA to represent the culture of celebrating festivals within the Nepali community. The team was successful in collecting enough surveys for the data collection. Most people were amazed to find the role of Nepal Seattle Society in a good cause like this. The team received good spotlight in the event. As a token of appreciation NOA gifted two bags of “Masi poh” to the team members.

Thankyou Newah Organization of America for this wonderful opportunity

GALLERY

This initiative was spearheaded by Photographer, Videographer, Rachit Raj Shrestha. Also special mentions to our Vice President, Saurav Kakshapati as well as Sierra Cvech for their help in creating and executing content.

Enjoy these wonderful and educational Videos:

1. Fight COVID | Corona Bhagau

This video features and is Directed/ Edited by Rachit Raj Shrestha who shares the importance of masks and vaccines.

“Let’s keep ourselves and our community safe!”

2. Teej B.S. 2078

A wonderful performance by NSS Youth Committee and the beautiful ladies of our community celebrating Teej while showcasing importance of safety and being proactive to fight COVID.

3. Dashain PSA by Dr. Arjun Adhikari

A video requesting our members to be safe while celebrating dashain.

4. Tribute to Dashain

A video showcasing festivities of Dashain and reminding members to continue being safe.

5. To many more Dashain and Tihar in the future

Another short video with montages of Tihar festivities and Dashain while reminding members to prioritize their health by being vaccinated and masking on.

6. Yomari Puni 2021

A video in collaboration with Newah Organization celebrating a delicious Newari Nepali delicacy, Yomari with a reminder that COVID is still out there and how to combat it.

7. COVID 19 Home Test Kit

Featuring Reena Subba, Ms Asia Washington 2020, Miss Infinity America 2021 among many other things we learn how to use COVID Tests in Nepali.

8. Mental Health Webinar

Era Budhathoki and Palpasa Manandhar in guidance with NSS Health Committee helped organized a Mental Health Webinar and they went over the stigma and resources around brown communities’ mental health.

Panelists:

  • Sudikshya Baskota, ND
  • Mitra Dhital, Clinical Case Manager
  • Jagadamba Adhikaree, MSW
  • Utsav Bajgain, Certified TM Teacher
  • Nitin Thapa, ND

9. Message from NSS President, Dasharath Budhathoki

Announcing a lot of initiatives such as our first ever vaccination camps and tech-literacy events, our President shares a PSA.

10. Tech Literacy Videos

How to use My Chart- Nepali Version

A video teaching how to navigate my chart in this increasingly digitized world. Thank you to our Narrator Shubheccha Shakya who is also our Financial and Administrative Assistant.

Also check out, zoom instructions created by our volunteers, Samek Mulapati and Jyoti Lama.

Zoom Instructions in Nepali (Computer Version):

Zoom Instructions in Nepali (Mobile Version):

This initiative was spearheaded by Photographer, Videographer, Rachit Raj Shrestha. Also special mentions to our Vice President, Saurav Kakshapati as well as Sierra Cvech for their help in creating and executing content.

Enjoy these wonderful and educational Videos:

1. Requesting COVID-19 Vaccine Intake | कोविद-१९ को खोप लगाउन को लागि हाम्रो अनुरॊध ।

This video features our Nepali provider and one of the chairs of the NSS Health Committee, Dr. Nitin Thapa.

2. COVID Talks | Corona Ka KuraKani

Our lives have changed since the COVID-19 pandemic started. In this video, we talked to our community members from different walks of life and listened to their struggles, fears, and hopes with the onset of the COVID-19 vaccines. We also talked to some health professionals about the effect of COVID-19 vaccines, how it affects us, and what we should do even after being vaccinated. 

Shout out to Mingma Tashi Sherpa, Rewati Raman Bhandari, Sanjeev Yonzon, Saraswati Bhandari, Dr. Shraddha Kakshapati, and Sushila Shiwakoti for sharing their stories. We also would like to thank Abhibandu Kafle and Samita Parajuli for narrating this so well! 

Lastly, we would like to provide our thanks to our talented team, Rachit Raj Shrestha for capturing this video, Shubhechha Shakya for writing this wonderful article, and Saurav Kakshapati (Our VP) for handling and coordinating all the behind-the-scenes action. 

3. Let’s Talk About Mental Health | Kura Manasik Swasthya Ko

Our mental health is as important as our physical health and this pandemic has made it more apparent. This video explains what resources we have available for our Nepali Community members and why it is important to manage our mental health concerns. The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) is a federal law that required the creation of national standards to protect sensitive patient health information from being disclosed without the patient’s consent or knowledge. The PHQ-9 is a screening tool, an aid in the diagnosis, and helps track a patient’s overall depression severity as well as track improvement. For more info about available mental health resources, please visit the link below: https://nepalseattle.org/coronavirus/health-and-wellness/

Our Communication Officer, Rachit Raj Shrestha has spearheaded the creation of these amazing videos sharing our culture, awareness about COVID and encouraging community engagement.

Priest Arjun Adhikari’s PSA

Dashain Tihar Video

With CDC Foundation’s grants not only were we able to provide important community service such as Nepali-Speaking volunteers and easy access to the COVID-19 Vaccine but we were also able to partner with different organizational stakeholders and community based organizations such as ours.

October 30th, 2021: In collaboration with Pacific Northwest Black Business Coalition we hosted this initiative. Our whole team went to Kent to provide not only the COVID vaccine and booster but also chili and hot cocoa to the community. Kent Library’s staff came to greet us while providing free library books to the people walking by and greeting us. This was during the Halloween weekend so we appreciated the creative costumes of people visiting our campsite.

December 8th, 2021: For this event, we partnered with Columbia Basin College. Our Program Manager, Leema Pradhan drove down to Pasco to receive her booster too. We were able to vaccinate a Nepali father and son!

Special shoutout to our NSS Health Committee leaders Dr. Maya Magarati, PHD and Dr. Nitin Thapa, ND who also participated to help out another DOH Care-a-Van event and representing NSS(see pictures below).

December 26th, 2021: This event was hosted in Northgate where our Public Health Officer, Shraddha Malla went to participate, support, and volunteer. Idris Mosque’s leadership teams have been great collaborators and partners with NSS and this event helped strengthen the relationship.

Two of our UW students were there to get their boosters too. They received their shots in Nepal and they were still able to receive boosters here after talking to the representative of DOH and the Somali Health Board.

On May 5th, 2022, the Nepal Seattle Society organized a Gardening 101 class to learn the basics of gardening in the pacific northwest region. Our respected community leader and organic gardener, Nil Tilija conducted the class and gave us a tour of his garden. Even though the evening started with some rain; our host Nil Tilija started up a fire pit and served us some warm tea with organic mint and honey from his garden. He started the class by sharing some benefits and background of how he began his journey to become an organic gardener. 

Benefits of Gardening 

With several benefits from gardening, Nil mentioned some from his own experiences. For instance: 

  • Gardening as meditation and stress reliever; a relief of mind, body, and soul.
  • One can be as close as possible to nature. 
  • A great form of physical activity; pulling plant roots, digging soils, reaching to various tools and plants, twisting and bending your body helps strengthen muscles, and build flexibility.
  • Eat what you grow, healthy and nutrients from your own hard work. 
  • Cost efficient and pesticides free organic food. 

Process of Growing your Vegetables

As a beginner for gardening, an individual should have some basic knowledge and familiarize themselves with what kind of planting zone they belong to such as timing and seasons best for each vegetable, consideration of exposure to lights, water, soil, fertilizers, and insects. To start with, we do not require a big yard to start. One can start from their patio or a small backyard where there is better exposure to light.

Timing is one crucial part in gardening that every individual should be aware of and which season is best for which kind of vegetables. There were varieties of vegetables and herbs that were planted and explained which vegetables are best according to seasons. He gave a brief explanation about vegetables that are suitable for summer, spring, fall and winter seasons. The best growing season in the pacific northwest region is from May 10 to October 5 (5/10 to 10/5) , but there are certain vegetables that can be grown in winter such as: garlic, leeks, potatoes, kale, chards, mustard green (Rayo Saag), and other root vegetables such as carrots, beets, turnips, parsnip etc.

In addition, an individual should have knowledge on what kind of nutrients are required for the plants. Another crucial ingredient for the initial stage of gardening is soil and light. He also mentioned that using organic compost is a good nutrient for the plants and better for the environment. Nil makes his own organic compost which is very beneficial to the plants and soil health. He collects vegetable waste from his kitchen including eggshells and coffee grind in a worm bin to make the organic compost by feeding earthworms in order to expedite the fertilization process. Earthworm casting is the source of organic fertilizer that is full of microorganisms. This process is beneficial for the growth of the healthy plant. Furthermore, he also mentioned that without pollinators we can not grow vegetables and fruits. Bees, hummingbirds, and other forms of insects and flies are the best pollinators.

The final step after planting is proper irrigation. It is another crucial process for growing healthy vegetables. The best way to water plants is with the help of a sprinkler system. We can also water plants with a hose and make sure that the water reaches the root of the compost by feeding earthworms in order to expedite the fertilization process. Earthworm casting is the source of organic fertilizer that is full of microorganisms. This process is beneficial for the growth of the healthy plant. Furthermore, he also mentioned that without pollinators we can not grow vegetables and fruits. Bees, hummingbirds, and other forms of insects and flies are the best pollinators. The final step after planting is proper irrigation. It is another crucial process for growing healthy vegetables. The best way to water plants is with the help of a sprinkler system. We can also water plants with a hose
and make sure that the water reaches the root of the plants without overflowing our plants.


He then took us inside to his first phases of gardening where he explained how to start the seeding process and how to take care of seeds at an early age and when to transfer them outside.
For the initial stage of seeding, one should be prepared with seeds, potting mix, and seed starter kit which are easily available in the market during the season. The most informative part of the seeding process is that it depends on the size of the seed and how deep we need to plant the seed. The early stage of seeding needs heat and light. As we live in the pacific northwest, heat and
light are the things to be concerned about. Nil mentioned that in this kind of weather like the pacific northwest, we can put the seed starter by the window for light and provide them with additional grow light and heat pad. Once the plants are a few inches tall from the starter kit, it can be transferred outside for further growth. Another takeaway note was, not to transfer the seed starter if the weather is not consistent. The plant needs consistent heat and light and the weather should not be frosty, which will kill the plants.

Lastly, as a participation appreciation, the participants received various seeds which Nil Tilija
had harvested in his garden and distributed to the group. It was an informative gardening
session for beginners as well as medium gardeners. There were positive responses from the
participants and Nepal Seattle Society is looking forward to conducting this kind of event again
in the future.

On March 20th, 2022, the Nepal Seattle Society- Health Committee’s NEYPVAL Team organized a first-ever literacy training focusing on teaching technology to our older Nepali-speaking population. This event was hosted at the Asian Counseling Referral Service Kent Office. We had a total of eight eager and friendly participants ranging from 60 to 71 years all from the local kent area. We all enjoyed piping hot samosas and chiya. During this event, we showed our participants how to use the self-test kits via video and live demonstration and how to use their cellphones.

Aayush Gupta, our community ambassador teaching participants how to use their phones.
Shraddha Malla, our public health officer teaches participants how to set a timer on their phones.

The crowd favorite was how to use Facebook, especially using the like button and posting their grandchildren’s pictures on their Facebook profiles. Unfortunately, two hours was a short time to teach all about social media to our adorable participants. The good news is that we are thinking of hosting similar literacy workshops, whether it be technology or health-focused such as measuring blood pressure. For now, if you are interested, please go ahead and put your thoughts under the comments or email us at [email protected].

Lastly, this event couldn’t have been possible without our volunteers: Aayush Gupta, Bickrant Shrestha, Saurav Kakshapati, Mitra Dhital, Tara Aryal, Padam Pokhrel, Buddhi Kunwar, Arjun Adhikari, Durga Shrestha, our Board of Directors and Advisory Board, as well as our partners CDC Foundation and Department of Health. We are grateful to Asian Counseling Referral Service at Kent for letting us host our event there. Thank you also to our volunteers Jyoti Lama and Samek Mulapati for making the instructional videos you can find here on how to use the zoom on mobile phones and computers. Also, if you want to learn how to use my chart for your healthcare organizations click here.

These days there’s an app or website to do everything, from calling family back home to making doctor appointments. If you would like help navigating the wide world of new technology available, come join us at our Tech Literacy event on March 20th. We will be showing you how to navigate through My Chart, access your electronic vaccination card, and use Zoom. If there is anything else you would like to learn about, please RSVP and leave us a comment down below.

Our elders 60+ are encouraged to attend, but everyone is welcome!

RSVP Link: https://forms.gle/3JcogfW4kkDuyx6h6

What is Teej? 

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. 

Namaste!
We hope you all are safe and in good health during this pandemic. We would heartily like to wish you and your family a very Happy Nepali New Year 2078 B.S. May this new year bring happiness and good health to you and your loved ones.

On this note, we would like to urge you and your loved ones to check if you qualify for Covid vaccine and get vaccinated at your earliest convenience. This is another step to keep you, your family and community in a safer position. Once everyone is vaccinated, we can return back to our normal lives and celebrate our upcoming events together in-person. We will continue to provide you with all the services from our community as we grow.

We have collected some information to help you make informed decisions regarding COVID-19 vaccination below : 

Have You Been Fully Vaccinated?
People are considered fully vaccinated only:
– 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines,
– or 2 weeks after a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine

If you don’t meet these requirements, you are NOT fully vaccinated. Keep taking all precautions until you are fully vaccinated.

If You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated, You Can
— Visit inside a home or private setting without a mask with other fully vaccinated people of any age
— Visit inside a home or private setting without a mask with one household of unvaccinated people who are not at risk for severe illness
— Travel domestically without a pre- or post-travel testTravel domestically without quarantining after travel
— Travel internationally without a pre-travel test depending on destination
— Travel internationally without quarantining after travel

You Shouldn’t
— Visit indoors, without a mask, with people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19
— Attend medium or large gatherings

For further information, please visit the links below : 
WA Department of Health 
Department of Health (In Nepali)
CDC (Center of Disease Control and Prevention)
What to do and not to do after you are fully vaccinated

Dhanyabaad, 
Nepal Seattle Society

Copyright © 2021- Nepal Seattle Society. All Rights Reserved.