Mississauga: The Newah Community of Nepal residing around the Greater Toronto Area observed new year Nepal Era 1143 and “Mha Puja” (Worshipping own body) recently.
Welcoming the guests and participants, Guthi’s General Secretary Bimal Shrestha expressed his pleasure to be able to organize “Mha Puja” event in person after two years in the line of easing Covid -19 restrictions. Mr. Shrestha also conveyed his greetings on the eve of new year Nepal Era 1143.
Speaking at the program, chief guest Regional Councillor (Ward 3&4) of Brampton city Martin Medeiros appreciated Canadian Newa Guthi for carrying out Newa cultural activities to add extra flavor in diversity mosaic of Brampton. Medeiros also asked Guthi to formulate youth oriented cultural and other programs and assured to extend support.
Expressing greetings for the New Year and shedding light on the importance of “Mha Puja”, Guthi’s Vice President Uttam Makaju elucidated that “Mha Puja” is a procedure of cultural journey on emphasizing to know yourself and to respect yourself.
Makaju explained that 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 added that our ancestors are farsighted to connect the rituals with environment, sustainability and simplicity.
At the program, Vice President Makaju honored two octogenarian ladies of Guthi, Dr. Tarakeswari Rajbhandari and Ms. Asta Kumari Tamrakar. Both of the ladies have been accomplished with “Bhimaratharon”, an aging ceremony of Newah tradition. At the end of the program, Guthi’s Secretary Suman Rajbanshi thanked all for their kind support to make the event successful.
At the end of the worshipping ceremony, all the participants chanted “Happy New Year Nepal Sambat 1143”, 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, that 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 1142 years ago. Later, guests were entertained with songs, instrumental numbers and dances by local artists and DJ open floor dance.
Report and pictures:Uttam Makaju