Mississauga: Canadian Newa Guthi observed new year Nepal Era 1144 and “Mha Puja” (Worshipping own body) recently in Mississauga.
Before starting the Mha Puja program, the participants rallied around the cluster of the program area chanting ‘Happy New Year 1144’.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Guthi’s General Secretary Dr. Prajwal Pradhan shade light that Guthi has been organizing various events to preserve Newah culture and conveyed his greetings on the eve of new year Nepal Sambat 1144.
Speaking at the program Canadian Multicultural Council’s Executive Vice President Prof. Dr. Tulsi Dharel appreciated Canadian Newa Guthi for its activities to promote and preserve culture of Nepal in Canada. Prof. Dharel also informed that Canadian Multicultural Council has also been showcasing South Asian culture, cuisine and attires in Canada and conveyed his greetings to all.
Prof. Dr. Tom O’ Neill of Brock University highlighted the activities carried out by Guthi to preserve Newah culture and memorised his involvement in Guthi’s activities, specifically the research on Nepali immigrants conducted jointly by Guthi and Brock University.
Mr. Ian Turner, a Ph.D. student of Toronto University on Newah Buddhism elucidated that Newah community is very opulent in terms of culture, cuisine, craftmanship, ornaments and attires. Mr. Turner also expressed his support to Guthi for cultural preservation. Mr. Turner delivered his speech in fluent Nepalbhasa language which made the guests attentive.
Similarly, NRN Canda Vice President Mr. Kiroj Shrestha expressed his happiness being able to learn about unique Newah culture in Canada too and expressed his greetings on the occasion of Nepal Era 1144.
Elaborating on abut the Nepal Era, Guthi’s President Uttam Makaju said that “Mha Puja”, a unique Newah culture, is a procedure of cultural journey which emphasizes to know yourself and to respect yourself before understanding other and Mandala, a geometric shaped circles used in the worship for each individual, connects with soul and the lamp offered to the person in the worship relates with the brightness of the life.
Makaju also added that Nepal Era is distinctive in the world as it carries country’s name unlike other eras.
After the official program, at the end of the worshipping procedure, all the participants chanted “Happy New Year Nepal Sambat 1144”, exchanged greetings with each other and ate the “Sagun” together.
The “Sagun”, which comprises of boiled egg, meat, fish, lentil pie and alcohol or curd, symbolizes items of five elements of universe. Nepal Sambat was started by a business man named Sankhadhar Sakhwal who cleared all the debts of the people 1143 years ago.
At the end of the program, Cultural Secretary of Guthi Mr. Rajendra Maharjan delivered thanks to all for their support to make the event in grand manner and anticipated the support in future too.
Later, guests were entertained with songs, instrumental numbers and traditional Nepali dances by local artists.
At the cultural program, Mr. Ian Turner, Canadian national and a Ph.D. student of Toronto University performed Newah song “ Wa maya waa waa jimithaaya lachhi waa” which enchanted audience and clapped continuously as a respect to him.
