The Nepalese community in Edmonton, Canada observed 2569th Buddha Jayanti amidst a special cultural event at Lansdowne Community Hall in Edmonton on Sunday May 11, 2025. The cultural event was hosted by Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), a local organization to practice, promote and preserve Newa culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
The cultural event was inaugurated by Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of NCSA, by lighting the oil lamp of Twadewa, a traditional artistic oil lamp stand. Dr. Joshi also paid homage to Lord Buddha by offering Khada to Buddha’s statue.
In his welcome speech, Dr. Hemanta Joshi briefly spoke about activities of NCSA including a tradition of observing Buddha Jayanti in the community to commemorate Buddha’s birth anniversary, enlightenment and Mahaparinirvan. According to Dr. Joshi, Buddha’s teachings on non-violence and compassion are especially relevant in controlling the violence and conflicts happening in nook and corner of the world. According to Dr. Joshi, UNESCO (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) in 1997 designated Lumbini, the birthplace of Lord Buddha, as a world cultural heritage site.
At the cultural event, a special Buddha puja was performed on behalf of the community by Mrs. Chandra Shrestha, senior lady of the community. Devotees also offered prayers to Lord Buddha to mark the birth anniversary.
At the cultural event Mr. Tri Prasad Dhoubhadel, Vice President of NCSA, and Mr. Dwarika Shrestha, senior member of the community, spoke about the history and significance of Buddha Jayanti. Dr. Suresh Pradhan, member of the community, entertained the community members with a beautiful dhoon “Swan Ya Mikha Swo Swan Hey Sansar” playing his Sarangi. At the end of the cultural event, an ethnic potluck lunch was served to the community members.
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