Brampton: Canadian Newa Guthi recently celebrated the “5th World Newah Day” with vivid activities in Brampton. Guthi President Prakash Pradhan and eldest life member Laxman Muni Shrestha jointly inaugurated the program by lighting the artistic lamp ‘Twadewa”.
President Pradhan expressed happiness for being able to conduct event in person while guest Laxman Muni Shrestha extended greetings to all on the occasion of World Newah Day.
Guthi’s General Secretary Bimal Shrestha welcomed all the guests and told them about Guthi’s upcoming programs. Ms. Ranjana Sainju and Dr. Amar Sainju performed “Mangal Dhoon” an auspicious instrumental renditon with Sitar and other instruments.
Guthi’s Vice President Uttam Makaju highlighted the need of celebrating World Newah Day to help promote, preserve and practice unique Newah culture around the world. Speaking about the Newah cultural item “Sukunda”, an artistic bronze oil lamp crafted with the image of Lord Ganesh and serpents, Makaju explained that lamp is considered as token of Newah heritage as it is an integral part of each ritual of Newah community.
Another speaker Dr. Prajwal Pradhan spoke about Newah houses, elucidating that traditional Newah houses which consist of four floors, have specific window design according to the floor. “San Jhya” a bay window with technical stand is installed in third floor where as in second floor people install “Tika Jhya”, a latticed window which is very useful in terms of environment, sun light and secrecy”, added Dr. Pradhan.
Dr. Krishan Kayastha recited a poem on Newah culture and heritage where as Guthis women members Meelee Rajbhandari, Ranjana Sainju and Gayatri Kayastha shed light on the importance of women’s’ role in preserving culture.
Nepalese Canadian Cricket Club President Kiroj Shrestha and Muga Rajbhandari hailed activities carried out by Guthi to preserve Newah culture. AMr. Dinesh Shrestha expressed a vote of thanks. A quiz was conducted on Newah culture, history and language and guests were entertained with songs, dance and instrumental music by local artists.
