NPPA held its annual summer picnic on Saturday, August 15, 2015, at Wheaton Regional Park, Silver Spring, Maryland. This year’s theme was to have fun, fun, and more fun, with focus on active participation by the youth. Over 350 people participated in the fun filled picnic, where food, games, and entertainment were provided – the picnic also was supported by the beautiful weather.

The picnic began with delicious Newah menu of Baji, Chhoyela, Achar, Barbeque chicken, Hot dogs, and other delicious snacks provided by the members. Then the fun started with varieties of games, with the help of youth volunteers. The games include musical chair (youth, adults, and seniors), spoon race, three legged race, tug of war (youth, adults, and seniors), hula-hoops, etc. Children from age 5 and up and the adults participated in all the fun games and enjoyed a lot. NPPA President Saroj Prajapati gave away the prizes to the winning participants.

Lunch was served after the games, which consisted of Pulau, Noodles, Chicken Curry, Chhoyela, Achar, and varieties of vegetables, fruits, and desserts.

Representatives of various organizations attended the picnic. Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha of NOA, Mrs. Vijaya Shah of ANWA, Executive members of NECC, NRN-USA, and ANS, Mr. Govind Giri Prerana of Biswa Parikrama and Mr. Bal Singh of America Nepal TV were present at this picnic.

This year’s picnic also was entirely dedicated to the youth group so that we can empower young generation to promote Newah cultural heritage in the US. Therefore, most of the events were volunteered by the youth. In addition, a large group of youth from Baltimore and Silver Spring area also participated to make this event more successful.

NPPA would like to thank the following individuals for providing monetary and food contributions:

Ram & Bisnu Malakar – Pulau
Krishna & Saroj Prajapati – Yogurt
Raju & Shilu Joshee – Chicken Strips Curry
Buddha & Ganga Maharjan – Baji (Chiura) & Achar
Manohar & Anjaly Shrestha – Achar
Sarita Dongol – Achar
Pancha & Shanti Shrestha – Macaroni Salad & Baji
Nani & Magan Shrestha – Alu Tama
Prabin & Deepa Tamrakar – Chhole
Sunita Amatya – Chips and Drinks
Ramji & Durga Prajapati – Chana Masala
Dibya Hada – Fruits
Kailash & Rita Maharjan – Chhoyela
Sundar & Sabira Rajbhandari – Chhoyela
Ghar-E Kabob Restaurant – Tarkari
Curry Place Restaurant– Chicken Curry
Madan & Muna Tamrakar – Achar
Veda & Bidhya Pradhan – Fruits/Sweets
Jayambhu & Laxmi Ranjit – Vegetable Noodles
Ratna Ranjit – Fruits
Maheshwar & Beena Baidya – Cookies
Ashok & Jayanti Bhadel – Noodles
Heera Shakya – Vegetable Noodles

Many community members contributed delicious food, drinks, chips, fruits, etc. Following contribution were received to award the winners of the games.

Contribution:
Krishna Lal Maharjan/Allan Maharjan (Classic Diamonds): $200.00 Gift cards
Krishna and Saroj Prajapati: $60.00 Movie/Subway gift cards
Raju & Shilu Joshee: $50.00 Subway gift cards
Buddha & Ganga Maharjan: $50.00 Subway gift cards
Nani & Magan Shrestha: $50.00 Chipotle gift cards

NPPA would like to thank the volunteers Ganga Maharjan, Shilu Joshee, Anjaly Shrestha, Deepa Tamrakar, Rita Singh, Heera Shakya, Bidya Pradhan, Krishna Prajapati, and Pancha Shrestha for Food and Barbeque management. NPPA would also like to thank all the contributors, senior and youth volunteers, and the participants for making this year’s picnic a grand success.

NPPA’s next event is celebration of Nepal Sambat 1136 and its 24th anniversary at Shady Grove Middle School at 8100 Midcounty Hwy, Derwood, MD 20855, on Saturday, November 21, 2015. Please stay tuned for further details.

The NPPA, established in 1991, is a Newah organization based in the metropolitan Washington, DC. The Nepa Pasa Pucha Corporation is a registered legal name of NPPA which is a nonprofit tax-exempt organization under the IRC Section 501(c)(3). Its primary mission is the preservation and promotion of Newah cultural heritage, traditions, and customs in the USA.