Since 2018, the last Saturday of March every year has been celebrated as World Newah Day. Welcome to this year's World Newah Day.
Regarding the celebration of this year's Newah Day, the Nepal Chapter of the World Newah Organization has stated that a formal program will be held on Chaitra 14th at Basantapur Dabali. It is said that the Mayor of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Vidya Sundar Shakya will be the chief guest on this day which is being organized to unite the Newars all over the world.
Surendra Bhakta Shrestha, Chief Coordinator of the 4th World Newah Day, Nepal 1141, informed at a press conference held a few days ago that eight distinguished personalities who have made a significant contribution to the development of Newah society and Nepali language will be honored at the event.
Journalist Kalpana Maharjan, who made a name for herself in the World Book of Records by successfully climbing Mt. Everest from both Nepal and China, will also be honored at the event.
Similarly, Newah leaders will be present at the debate program on 'Newah Challenges and Opportunities in the World'. Scholars Malla K. Sundar, foreign affair expert Hiranya Lal Shrestha and Dr. Maheshman Shrestha will be the keynote speakers. It is said that a photo exhibition of Newah ancestors who made a special contribution in the field of Nepali language and literature, Newah Parikar stall, cultural program, and various activities of the forum will also be released in the program.
Even outside Nepal, Newah have been celebrating various festivals. Currently, Newah of America have been celebrating Yenya: Punhi, Sithinakh, Saparu, Pahanch: Hare, Yashmari Punhi, and other festivals. There is a growing trend of celebrating these different festivals in Canada, Australia, Japan, and other countries in Europe.
In most of the foreign countries where Newah people reside, the practice of celebrating Mhapuja every year had already started. During these festivals, the entire program focuses on cultural activities. There is some time to discuss on Newah language, culture, and rights. Therefore, the celebration of World Newah Day has been started in 2018 to discuss language and culture, raising awareness on a specific day for these activities.
At present, there is a special discussion on the big problems that are trying to displace the local people, culture, and heritage of the Kathmandu Valley in the name of development. Newah The community is culturally very rich. Let's create solidarity to protect our culture.
Suyog Dhakal
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