The Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA) recently launched a Newa Language, Music and Dance Cultural Heritage Project (2016) in the community with the support from the City of Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. The three-month long project which began on June 12, 2016 is offering classes on Newa language, music and dance to the children, youth and adults in the community. The classes run on every Sunday in the morning and evening at Lansdowne Community Hall till August 2016.   The cultural heritage project was kicked off by worshiping Saraswati, the goddess of wisdom and learning; and Nashawdyha, the Lord of Dance, by the participants and their parents, instructors, and the project staff of the NCSA.

According to Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of NCSA, the main objective of the cultural heritage project is to promote and preserve Newa identity, language, culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. According to Dr. Joshi, the project focuses on reading, writing and conversation in Newa language using interactive approaches; training on playing Dhime and Bhushya traditional musical instruments; training on modern and traditional Newa dances (including Lakhe mask dance); and providing opportunity in practicing Newa songs to the interested children, youth and adults.

According to Dr. Joshi, NCSA has been conducting this type of cultural heritage project every summer since 2014 with the support from the City of Edmonton. Meanwhile, NCSA, a non-profit organization, was established in April 22, 2013 under the Societies Act of Government of Alberta, to practice, promote, and preserve Newa language, literature, arts, culture, and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.  Since its establishment, NCSA has been annually organizing various project activities and cultural events to commemorate important festivals (Pahachhre, Janabahadyah Jatra and Biska Jatra; Buddha Jayanti; Sithi Nakha and Bungdyah Jatra; Gun Punhi and Yenya Punhi; community Mha Puja and New Year Celebration; and Yomari Punhi) in the community. More information about NCSA and its project activities and cultural events are available at www.ncsacanada.com.