Dear NPPA Patrons, Life Members, and Community Members: Jwajalapa,

On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA) celebrated Nepal Sambat 1145 and NPPA’s 33 rd anniversary at Shady Grove Middle School in Gaithersburg, Maryland. The celebration commenced with Ganesh Puja and was followed by an authentic Newah Samay Baji. Over 200 Patrons, Life Members, and community members participated in a traditional Newah procession and it concluded at the auditorium’s stage. The highlights of the procession were the idol of Honorable Shankhadhar Sakhwa in a kha (shoulder chariot – carried by Mr. Allan Maharjan, Mr. Anugh Shrestha, Mr. Nishchal Pradhan, and Mr. Suraj Shrestha), the Lakhay dance (performed by Mr. Shubham Bo) and the accompanying Dhimay music (played by Ms. Sandhya Maharjan, Mr. Snehal Tamot, and Mr. Pancha Shrestha).

Upon the conclusion of the procession, Masters of Ceremony Ms. Sandhya Maharjan and Mrs. Kanchan Khwaunju welcomed the guests and attendees. President of NPPA Mr. Manohar Shrestha presided over the opening ceremony. The MCs then requested the Chief Guest Delegate Dr. Harry Bhandari and the Guest Speaker Mrs. Tourism USA Universe 2024 Rajshree Shrestha to inaugurate the event by lighting the traditional Twadewa (oil lamp stands). The NPPA President offered flower garland to the idol of Honorable Shankhadhar Sakhwa, a gift to all the Newah Communities in DC Metro area from the Rashtriya Bibhuti Shankhadhar Sakhwa Pratishthan of Madhyapur Thimi, Nepal.

A group of young performers, including Miss Neva Shrestha Assing, Mr. Suave Suwal, Mr. Aarnav Suwal, Miss Ishanvi Suwal, Miss Melvina Shrestha, Miss Pralisha Shrestha, Master Subibh Suwal, Miss Shangrila Maharjan, and Master Nirvan Maharjan, presented renditions of both the U.S. and Nepalese National anthems. In his welcome address,  NPPA President Mr. Shrestha welcomed the guests and the participants and emphasized the importance of Nepal Sambat and outlined NPPA’s recent accomplishments during Nepal Sambat 1144, as well plans for the upcoming Nepal Sambat 1145. He highlighted NPPA’s ongoing commitment to promoting and preserving Newah culture and values in both the United States and Nepal since its establishment. Mr. Shrestha also expressed gratitude to all former Presidents for their continued support of the organization.

The Chief Guest Dr. Bhandari expressed his positive impression on NPPA’s unity and activities, which have persisted for 33 years. He suggested that the Nepalese community should now focus on engaging with legislative bodies in their respective States and Districts to support community objectives. During the event, Dr. Bhandari presented an Official Citation from the Maryland Legislative Asian American and Pacific Islander Caucus (AAPI) to NPPA, recognizing its contribution to promoting diversity and community engagement in honor of NPPA’s 33rd Anniversary. The Guest Speaker Mrs. Shrestha, recently crowned Mrs. Tourism USA Universe 2024, shared her journey of struggles and successes. She continues to perform as Radio Jockey and conducts interviews. Mrs. Shrestha encouragef younger generation to think outside the box and focus on their goals.

NPPA’s annual souvenir magazine Daboo was unveiled by the Chief Guest Dr. Bhandari, Guest Speaker Mrs. Rajshree Shrestha, NPPA founder President Mr. Ram Malakar, and NPPA President Mr. Shrestha. Chief Editor Dr. Raju Tamot highlighted the significance of publishing Daboo and its role in uniting the Newah people in the greater Washington DC area. This year’s Daboo theme is “Newah Art and Architecture”, First Vice President of NPPA Mrs. Shanti Shrestha concluded the inauguration ceremony by thanking the Chief Guest Dr. Bhandari and Guest Speaker Mrs. Shrestha. She also thanked the NPPA Advisors, Executive Members, Patrons, Life Members, sponsors, donors, and volunteers for their continued support and dedication to make this event successful.

The ceremony was attended by several prominent community leaders, including: Mr. Dibya Hada, President of Nepal American Senior Citizen (NASC), Dr. Prajwal Regmi, President of Nepal Education & Cultural Center (NECC), Mr. Mahindra Man Singh Pradhan, President of Newah Organization of America (NOA), And Mr. Bikrant Shrestha, President of The Nepa Community USA. Representatives from various media outlets were also present at the event, Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA), established in 1991, is a Newah organization based in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.  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 to preserve and promote Newah cultural heritage, traditions, and customs in the United States. including Mr. Bishwa Thapa from eNepalese, Mr. Umesh Sharma from DC Nepal, Mr. Ram Kharel and Mrs. Nilu Upreti from Sagarmatha TV, and Jayambu Ranjit of NewsNepa.

Following the inauguration, attendees were treated to a vibrant cultural program. The performances began with a Buddha Bhajan by America Nepal Paramparagat Buddha Dharma Sangha, followed by a Kumari dance performed by NPPA Youth & Culture Manager Ms. Sandhya Maharjan. Patron Mr. Sagun Tamrakar, joined by the entire NPPA executive committee, performed the NPPA Bhintuna song, which has been the organization’s official Bhintuna theme song since Nepal Sambat 1142.

A vibrant Newah group dance set to the song “Siri siri fasan jita” was performed by 16 Patrons, Life Members and community members (Mr. Amit Khadgi, Mrs. Anita Gurung, Mrs. Anu Joshi, Mrs. Bina Maharjan, Ms.Heena Bajracharya, Mr. Jayambu Ranjit, Mrs. Laxmi Ranjit, Mr. Raj Maharjan, Mrs. Ramila Rajak, Mrs. Reshmi Tamrakar, Mrs. Sabina Maharjan Suwal, Mr. Suave Suwal, Mr. Subham Bo, Mr. Sunil Suwal, Ms. Sushma Maharjan). This dance was choreographed by Life Member Mr. Yagya Man Shakya. Following the dance, a father-daughter duo presented a melodious Newah instrumental by Life Member Mr. Janak Shrestha (flute) and Ms. Yaju Shrestha Sarangi, an authentic Nepali string instrument.

Young members of the Nepali Pathshala delighted the audience with a beautiful group dance. The performers were Miss Aashvi Poudyal, Miss Aavya Subedi, Miss Alisha Lamichhane, Master Anav Karki, Miss Briana Rawal, Miss Jeshvika Rajaure, Miss Marais Rajbhandari, Miss Mishika Rajaure, Master Pranab Karki, and Master Saurya Singh Regmi.

The cultural program continued with a fashion show showcasing Nepali and ethnic communities of Nepal – Limbu, Sherpa, Newa, Nepali, Gurung, and Tamang. This was followed by two dance performances by Miss Gurans Kharel and Miss Eva Kharel on song Maitighar and by Mrs. Araju Shakya and Purba Shakya on song Pauma pauju. Another father-son duo Newah instrumental was performed by Dr. Anil Suwal (guitar) and his son Mr. Aarnav Suwal (flute). This was followed by a dance by Mrs. Rakshya Regmi, Mrs. Sonali Thapa, and Mrs. Dibyajyoti Regmi Maharjan. Local talent Mr. Kapil Thanju entertained the audience with a beautiful song, while Miss Ishanvi Suwal, Miss Melvina, and Miss Pralisha Shrestha charmed the crowd with a lovely dance performance.

Renowned singer Mrs. Sangeeta Shakya delighted the gathering with several of her songs. An attractive Sherbu dance was performed by Mrs. Monika Mali, Mrs. Sabina Shrestha, Sabita Shrestha. To conclude the cultural program, NPPA Patron Mr. Sagun Tamrakar, a renowned and talented singer, songwriter, and music composer captivated the audience with a fabulous storytelling performance through his own songs and those of his late father Mr. Ramesh Tamrakar.

During the cultural program, NPPA President Mr. Manohar Shrestha awarded certificates, pins, sarees, and tapulis to the five new Patrons and certificates and pins to ten new Life Members. NPPA is pleased to welcome the following new Patrons and Life Members:

Patrons:

Dr. Tulsi Maharjan & Mrs. Ellen Maharjan
Mr. Chris Mstowski & Mrs. Usha Kandangwa Mstowski
Mr. Jayaswor Shrestha & Mrs. Rekha Shrestha
Mr. Sagun Tamrakar & Mrs. Shucheeta Shrestha Tamrakar
Mr. Sunil Suwal & Mrs. Sabina Maharjan
Life Members:
Mr. Hari Kumar Shrestha & Mrs. Rupashowori Shrestha
Mr. Navin Mohan Ranjit & Mrs. Sumeetra Ranjit
Mr. Niraj Maharjan & Mrs. Jyoti Maharjan
Mr. Nishan Maharjan & Mrs. Meena Shrestha
Mr. Pramod KC & Mrs.Hema KC
Mr. Pratik Shrestha & Mrs. Karishna Shrestha
Mr. Raj Maharjan & Mrs. Bina Maharjan
Mr. Raju Pradhan & Mrs. Anita Gurung Bo
Mr. Ram Malla & Mrs. Nim Maya Malla
Mr. Umesh Sharma & Mrs. Shobha Sharma
Ms. Sumana Manandhar

The NPPA President also presented an appreciation plaque to Mrs. Tourism USA Universe 2024 Rajshree Shrestha. This year’s NPPA Outstanding Volunteer Award was given to Mr. Jayambu Ranjit for his continued, commendable, and exceptional support to all NPPA programs over several years.

About 350 Patrons, Life Members, and community members participated in the Nepal Sambat 1145 and NPPA’s 33 rd anniversary celebration.

Life Member Mr. Bikrant Shrestha of Namlo Events decorated the stage beautifully and Life Member Mr. Dinesh Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA), established in 1991, is a Newah organization based in the metropolitan Washington, DC area.  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 to preserve and promote Newah cultural heritage, traditions, and customs in the United States.

Gurung (aka DJ D) provided the sound system. Patron Mr. Binesh Maharjan, Life Member Mr. Bishwa Raj Thapa of eNepalese, Life Member Mr. Umesh Sharma of DC Nepal, and freelancer Photographer Mr. Robin Malakar digitally captured the entire program. NPPA also thanks the administration of Shady Grove Middle School, Gaithersburg for providing the wonderful venue and its personnel for their cooperation.

While the participants were enjoying the traditional five course Newah Bhwaye, Nepalese Education and Culture Center (NECC) members performed Deushi. Several Patrons and Life Members contributed over $20,000 to support the construction of a Nepali temple in Germantown.

Patron Mr. Krishna Prajapati skillfully conducted the raffle draw with the assistance of young volunteers. This year’s prizes included iPad, an Apple EarPods, and several gift certificates.

The event’s success was due in large part to the efforts of several key individuals. Patrons Mr. Suman Tuladhar and Mrs. Niti Mathema skillfully and successfully moderated the live cultural program. Life Member Ms. Sandhya Maharjan and Patron Mrs. Kanchan Khwaunju for flawlessly moderated the inauguration program. Patrons Mrs. Ramita Maharjan and Mr. Sagun Tamrakar for coordinating the cultural program. NPPA expresses its gratitude to all these individuals for their contributions to the event’s success.

NPPA also expresses gratitude to the numerous volunteers who helped serve the Samay Baji and Jhwa Bhwaye. These volunteers (Patrons, Life Members, and Community Members) Mr. Jayaswor Shrestha, Mr. Samip Shrestha, Mr. Rushan Dongol, Mrs. Shanti Shrestha, Mrs. Rohina Shrestha, Mrs. Ramita Maharjan, Mrs. Sabina Suwal, Mrs. Kanchan Khwaunju, Mrs. Anjaly Shrestha, Mrs. Rita Singh, Mrs. Roshani Gorkhalee, Mrs. Shilu Joshee, Mrs. Shucheeta Tamrakar, Mrs. Aasma Maharjan, Mrs. Banita Tamot, Mrs. Deepa Tamrakar, Mrs. Rekha Shrestha, Mr. Shambhu Sainju, Mr. Dev Maharjan, Mrs. Ratna Dangol, Mrs. Sanju Malakar, Mr. Purna Shrestha, Mr. Sunil Suwal, Mr. Amit Khadgi, Mr. Nischal Pradhan, Mr. Suraj Shrestha, Mr. Suman Shakya, Mrs. Rejina Malakar, Mr. Bir Sunwar, Mrs. Kitty Sunwar, Mrs. Anu Joshi, Mrs. Chandni Shrestha, Ms. Heena Bajracharya, Mr. Jayambu Ranjit, Mrs. Laxmi Ranjit, Mrs. Reshmi Ranjit-Tamrakar, Mrs. Ramila Rajak, and Mrs. Sushma Maharjan for their outstanding job serving the food.

The organization also acknowledged the contributions of writers who submitted articles, essays, and poems for NPPA’s annual souvenir magazine, Daboo. NPPA recognized that publishing Daboo is a significant undertaking requiring exceptional teamwork. Special thanks were extended to the Vice-President Mrs. Shanti Shrestha, Dr. Raju Tamot, and Mr. Prabin Tamrakar of the NPPA Executive Committee, Mr. Suresh Kiran Manandhar and Mr. Tej Maharjan of Nepalbhasa Times in Nepal, and Sopan Press. Their collective efforts were crucial in the successful publication of Daboo.

Financial management is a crucial aspect of any organization. NPPA extends its special gratitude to Second Vice- President Mr. Allan Maharjan, Treasurer Mrs. Rohina Shrestha, Vice-Treasurer Mr. Sagun Tamrakar, and IT Manager Mr. Anugh Shrestha for their hard work in this area. NPPA also thanks the registration volunteers Mrs. Deepenti Shrestha, Mr. Snehal Tamot, Mr. Kalyan Sapkota, Mr. Rnav Shrestha, Mr. Sunny Shrestha, and Mr. Roger Gorkhalee. NPPA is grateful to the communication and information technology support provided by General Secretary Mr. Suman Tuladhar, Secretary Mr. Samip Shrestha, and IT Manager Mr. Anugh Shrestha.

NPPA appreciates the support of its donors/sponsors Classic Diamond, Lumanti Virginia, Red Roof Inn, and Three Sisters. NPPA also would like to take this opportunity to thank all the individuals who provided financial support. NPPA would like to thank Lumanti Virginia (Patrons Mr. Rushan Dongol and Mrs. Aasma Maharjan) for catering the delicious Samay Baji and Jhwa Bhwaye. Additionally, Mom’s Achar and Pema Handcrafted showcased various household products at stalls that were well-received by attendees.

This event marked the 33 rd year of NPPA’s successful celebration of Bhintuna (Nepal Sambat 1145). It was made possible by the selfless dedication and exemplary work of all the Executive Committee members and volunteers, who are the lifeline of all NPPA activities. NPPA sincerely thanks all its volunteers for their unconditional support and hard work.

For additional information please contact Mr. Manohar Shrestha (([email protected])) or please visit our websitewww.nppa-usa.org.. Additional event photos are available in NPPA’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/nppausa.

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!!