The Nepalese community in Edmonton, Canada observed annual Sithi Nakha and Bungdyah Jatra festivals amidst a special culture event at Duggan Community Hall on June 16, 2018.  The cultural event was hosted by Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), a local Newa organization established in April 22, 2013 to practice, promote and preserve Newa culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.

 

The cultural event was jointly inaugurated by Dr. David Baine, Professor Emeritus, University of Alberta; and Dr. Hemanta Joshi, founder President of NCSA; lighting up the Twadewas, traditional Nepali artistic oil lamps.  In the inauguration ceremony, Ganedyah (Ganesh, the god of beginnings); Sithidyah (Kumar, the god of protector); andBungdyah (Rato Machindra Nath, the god of rain and good harvest) were worshipped offering freshly cooked Wo (an ethnic pancake made from black lentils) and Chataamari (an ethnic pancake made from rice flour) as well asChakusala (a special ethnic candy made from sesame seeds and molasses).  As part of the ritual, Prasad (Chakusala) was also distributed to the participants as divine blessing.  In the inauguration ceremony, a booklet about NCSA was launched and life membership certificates were distributed to life members of NCSA by Dr. David Baine.

In the cultural event, Dr. Hemanta Joshi highlighted on the importance of Sithi Nakha and Bungdyah Jatra festivals.  Meanwhile, on the day of Sithi Nakha, people worship Sithidyah offering six varieties of ethnic pancakes made from black lentils, red lentils, green lentils, small peas, rice flour, and wheat flour.  According to Dr. Joshi, Sithi Nakhaalso has environmental significance as on this day, people clean major water sources such as ground wells, stone water fountains and springs in their community.  Bungdyah Jatra festival in Patan usually starts in April/May and ends in June/July according to lunar calendar.  This festival is the longest festival of Nepal.  This festival is unique to Nepal.  During this festival, two chariots [one for Bungdyah and one for Chaquadyah (also known as goddess Min Nath, sister of Bungdyah)] are pulled together around the main localities of the city taking turns for special worships and celebrations.  This festival concludes with displaying a Bhoto, an ancient ethnic inner vest studded with precious jewelleries, from the four corners of the chariot of the Bungdyah at Jawalakhel locality.  Both Hindu and Buddhist observe this festival with great importance and enthusiasm.  According to Dr. Joshi, the chariot used for pulling Bungdyah is about 65 feet tall and believed to be the tallest chariot in the world.  The chariot of Bungdyahneeds at least 100 manpower (people) to pull it around the city.

In the cultural event, Dr. David Baine expressed his satisfaction being part of the celebration of Newa cultural festivals.  He spoke about the culture and immigration with interesting facts and figures.  He said that the political and cultural values and perspectives immigrants bring to Canada are very important.  According to Dr. Baine, the cultural model that Canada has is the cultural model of the mosaic; the mosaic people can keep their unique culture and identity.

In the cultural event, participants were entertained with Kumari Charya dance, songs, music medley, and cultural quiz related to Sithi Nakha and Bungdyah Jatra festivals.  Photos depicting Newa culture and traditions as well as activities of NCSA were also displayed in the culture event.  Participants were served with Wo, Chataamaris andAchar (an ethnic appetizer) as refreshment.  The cultural event was concluded with a delicious ethnic dinner.