GROUP PHOTO: Some of the participants in traditional Newari dress.

By Usha Wagle Gautam


Newa Pucha-Qatar (NP) marked Nepal Era New Year 1336 at a programme at Gulf Horizon Hotel recently.
The programme was chaired by Upendra Ratna Sakya, president of NP. Guests included Bhawan Bhatta From Japan, Vice President of Non-Resident Nepalese Association-International Coordination Committee; Maksud Alam, President of Non-Resident Nepalese National Coordination Council; and other dignitaries.
Nepal Era is the national lunar calendar of Nepal, largely followed by Newar community of Kathmandu Valley. Established in 2011, NP is the umbrella organisation of non-resident Newaris in Qatar.
Women at the programme wore ethnic Newari dress Haku Patasi (sari) and Patuka (waist band), while men wore the Nepalese national dress Daura Suruwal (shirt and trousers) and Dhaka Ko Topi (Nepalese cap).
After prayers, traditional Newari cuisine was served, including Bara (patty of lentils grilled or deep fried), Chataamari (Newari pancake), Samya Baji (a Newari dish), Ju Ju Dhau (sweet yogurt) and Gwarmari (deep fried spicy dumplings).
Sakya said this was the fourth time NP was celebrating the Nepal Era New Year in Qatar.
Bhatta, the chief guest, said, “I found that Nepalese actively promote their culture wherever they are, which is the pride of Nepal.”
Pradip Shrestha, one of the participants, said, “I am in Qatar since 2008 with my entire family. In the duration of seven years in Qatar, this was my first Mha Puja. Due to [such cultural events,] I can teach my two daughter about our Newar community culture and tradition in foreign land.” The programme was hosted by Dil Kumar Shrestha.