Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA)
Established in 1991
3rd IHI Ceremony - Press Release
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May 16, 2011
On Saturday, May 7, 2011, NPPA organized its 3rd IHI ceremony at Hare Krishna Temple in Potomac, Maryland. IHI is the most inevitable and ritual ceremony in Newah Society to retreat Newah girls at the age of 5-11 years old. As a tradition, NPPA organizes IHI program (Bel Bibaha) in every two years interval. Twenty six girls from 8 different states at the age of 5-9 years old participated in this IHI ceremony.
The event began with “Laskus” – traditional welcoming to 26 girls from 8 different states at the age of 5-9 years old by the head of Thakali – Mrs. Ram Malakar and Naki – Mrs.Bishu Malakar at Puja Mandap. NPPA President Laxman Pradhan gave a welcome speech and highlighted the importance of IHI ceremony in Newah community in the US. He said that NPPA has been actively involved in important cultural and ritual functions to support and meet the growing demand of Newah community. Priest Basav Rajpopadhyay performed various rituals such as Purification Puja, Mandap Puja, Mandap Parikrama, Sindhuorhan, Kanya Daan, Kumar Puja, Barachuyagu, Taayabhu, Kumari Puja , Aavishek, Aashirba and Jal Prasad on an orderly manner.
IHI Participants: Savannah Joshee, Grishma Shrestha, Ayana Shrestha, Aabha Shrestha, Maaya Shrestha, Parineeka Shrestha, Shimrun Bista, Sadichya Shrestha, Shivali Shrestha, Sakchhi Tuladhar, Sofia Kadam Marzullo, Mimansha Shrestha, Swechha Maharjan, Suzanee Maharjan, Prinita Onta, Priyanka Onta, Neejata Shrestha, Esha Shrestha, Arati Amatya, Priya Joshi, Merica Joshi, Julia Singh, Faith Mackenzine Duwal, Shreya Singh, Aparmita Bajracharya and Saukhya Shrestha.
Three pairs of Thakalis and Nakis – Mr. Pancha and Mrs. Shanti Shrestha, Mr. Krishna and Mrs. Saroj Prajapati and Mr. Manohar and Mrs. Anjaly Shrestha helped and facilitated the ritual processes as directed by the Priest.
During the ceremony, the chief guest His Excellency Ambassador Dr. Shankar Prasad Sharma extended his greetings and best wishes to all participants and their parents. His Excellency the Ambassador, in his speech, praised NPPA for its continued efforts in promoting and preserving unique Newah culture and value like IHI. After the completion of the IHI program, Nepal-American Senior Community members and volunteers served food to all participants and guests.
The invited heads of Organizations including Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, President of Newah Organization of America (NOA), Mr. Bijaya Shrestha, President of BANA, Mr. Ram C. Kharel, Founder/Producer of Sagarmatha Television, and Mr. Govinda Giri Prerana, Chief Editor, Vishwa Parikrama were present in the ceremony.
More than 350 observers were present in the ceremony and also delighted viewing a variety of rituals and mantras performed by Priest Basav Rajopadhyay. About 6,000 people from all over the world observed this ceremony live through the NPPA website. Chief Editor Mr. Ramhari Subedi of DCNepal.com also broadcasted the live IHI event through the link of NPPA website. Live webcast was set up and equipped by NPPA life member, Mr. Prabodh Shrestha and NPPA General Secretary Mr. Raju Joshee. NPPA life member Mr. Bal Krishna Shrestha took photographs and video during the program. Mrs. Shiela Shrestha, NPPA Life Member, helped manage the program. Mrs. Magan Shrestha and Mrs. Sarita Pradhan, Patrons of NPPA, facilitated IHI registration process. Mrs. Babita Shrestha handled the ornaments for IHI participants.
Mrs. Saroj Prajapati, Vice President of NPPA, called name of participants and President Mr. Laxman Pradhan presented Certificates to all IHI girls. He also expressed his sincere gratitude and appreciation to all participant girls, parents, volunteers, drinks and food contributors, executive committee members, advisory board members, media, and Hare Krishna Temple for catering food and space. He expressed special thanks to NPPA Executive Member Mrs. Shanti Shrestha for taking a lead role in organizing this unique event. More importantly, he said that the credit for the success of today’s event goes to all participants, supporters and volunteers. In sum, NPPA has completed its third IHI program with great enthusiasm and success.
The NPPA, established in 1991, is a Newah organization based in the metropolitan Washington, DC. 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 the preservation and promotion of Newah cultural heritage, traditions, and customs in the United States.
For more information please contact Mr. Laxman Pradhan (laxman.pradhan@nppa-usa.org).