Nepalese people in Edmonton recently observed 5th community Mha Puja (The Worship of Body Persona) and New Year (Nepal Era 1138) celebration amidst a special cultural event at Duggan Community Hall in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada on Saturday October 21, 2017. The cultural event was organized by Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), a local organization established under the Societies Act of Government of Alberta to practice, promote and preserve Newa cultural heritage in Edmonton. About 100 people including guests from different ethnic background, color and faith participated in the cultural event.

The cultural event was jointly inaugurated by Dr. Bob Turner, Member of Legislative Assembly, Government of Alberta, Canada; and Dr. David Baine, Professor of University of Alberta, by lighting up the Twadewas, traditional Nepalese artistic oil lamps. Similarly, Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of NCSA, garlanded in the portrait of Shankhadhar Sakhwa, the founder of Nepal Era.

In the inauguration session, Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of NCSA, delivered a welcome speech highlighting on the significance of Mha Puja and New Year (Nepal Era 1138) celebration. Dr. Joshi also briefly spoke about the philosophical aspect of Mha Puja. According to Dr. Joshi, Mha Puja can be performed by people of any background, color and faith simply to recognize, respect, empower and purify the soul for meaningful living.

During the inauguration session, Dr. Bob Turner, Member of Legislative Assembly, expressed his satisfaction to be part of the community for the wonderful celebration. He also wished on behalf of Government of Alberta, Premier Rachel Notley, and Cultural Minister for a wonderful celebration and very happy and prosperous New Year. Similarly, Dr. David Baine, Professor of University of Alberta extended greetings to the participants on the auspicious occasion of Mha Puja and New Year of Nepal Calendar.

After the inauguration session, an auspicious Mha Puja ceremony took place in a traditional way. All the participants including guests, sat cross-legged in front of their colorful Mandalas drawn to represent human inner soul. A group of senior ladies from the community facilitated the Mha Puja ceremony. Part of the ritual, they offered Dhau Shinah [a dab of colored paste made from yogurt, whole grain rice and vermillion powder] to the participants on their forehead. All the participants worshiped their soul lighting a candle [substitute for Khelu Ita (wicked oil lamp)] and by offering flower, whole rice grains, puffed rice, and vermillion powder in their Mandalas.

As part of the ritual, all participants in the Mha Puja ceremony received an auspicious tray containing garlands, Kokha (sacred threads to wear around the neck), fruits (honey pomelo, lemon, banana, persimmon, and orange), ethnic sweets (Cell madhi, Julbi and Ladoo), Masala Po (a package of dry nuts, spices and candies), whole walnuts, Syangli (whole filbert nuts), and pea nuts in shell as a Bhintuna Decha (best wishes gift). All participants also received Khen Sagan [a ritual food comprised of deep-fried egg, Bara (deep fried donut made from black lentil), small fried whole fish, steamed and fried pieces of meat, and small quantities of Aela (whisky) in a Kholcha (small bowel)] from the senior ladies as blessings for prosperity, longevity and good luck.

During the cultural event, participants were also entertained with vivid cultural program (drama on Shankhadhar, ethnic songs and dances as well as cultural quiz related to Mha Puja and Nepal Sambat (Nepal Era) calendar.