The sprawling Nepali community in Qatar celebrate festivals with the same energy that they do back home. Recently, Nepali women came together to celebrate the monsoon festival of Teej.
Over a dozen organisations hosted Teej parties, attended by women in red saris and adorned in fancy ornaments. The participants sang folk songs, danced and were served Daar — traditional Teej cuisine featuring fruits, salads and barbeque.
The largest festival of Nepali Hindu women, Teej marks the union of Mahadeva and his wife Parvati. During the festival, married women fast an entire day for the good health and long life of their husbands, and unmarried ones to get a good husband. Teej is considered a festival that strengthens sisterhood among Nepalese women.
Nepalese Women Society-Qatar (NWS) organised a programme at Asian Town Cricket Stadium. President Rekha Rai chaired the programme, which was attended by more than 500 participants.
During the programme, folk singer Rupa Gharti Magar performed songs along with 20 other artists. A group of dancers — Poonam Kattel, Kanchan Chaulagain, Maya KC, Sangita Lama and Susmita Bhusal — performed on a nostalgic folk tune. Another dancer, Mina Gurung advocated gender equality through her performance.
National folk singer Rupa Gharti Magar performed seven of her Teej songs. She pulled all in the audience to dance, and cracked jokes in-between. Performing for the first time in Qatar, Magar was amazed by the audience response. Chief Guest and social worker, Sarita Pandey thanked NWS. “Celebrating Teej with migrant sisters was mesmerising,” Panday said.
Kaski Welfare Society (KWS) joined hands with Fewa Cultural Family (FCF) to organise a programme at the Green Village Restaurant. Non-Resident Nepalese Association (NRNA) leader Hamsharaj Chhetri was the guest of honour and KWS President Man Prasad Rana Magar presided. About 200 people attended.
Folk singers Laxmi Nepal and Chandra Karki performed their hit songs together with Doha-based local artists. Local artists — Salina Gurung, Sabitri Giri, Chanda Pariyar, Hari Binod Adhikari, Chandra Pariyar, Keshav Lama, Nanu Ghale and Indira Aryal — performed songs and dances.
Laxmi Nepal performed as much as eight songs. Asked for an encore, Nepal said she can perform as much as 50 times. Performing for the second time in Qatar, Nepal said she loved the energy of the audience members.
Another Teej programme was hosted by Dang Deukhuri Service Society (DDSS). The DDSS programme saw performances by dancer Radhika KC, singer Radha BC and stand-up comedian Suraj BC.
Nepalese United Society (NUS) also organised a programme to mark the occasion. The programme was chaired by NUS President Amina Khan. Dancer Renuka Karki, Kumari Kanda and Susma Ram performed their best moves. Khan said the programme attempted to bring all Nepalese women community together.
Nawa Prativa Cultural Family also celebrated Teej with more than 24 local artists. Non-Resident Nepali star Krishna BC, Damodar Neupane, Madhu Lama and Janaki Magar were some of the notable performers.