Sa Paru & Summer Picnic – Press Release 2023

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

Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA) observed this year’s Sa Paru and annual summer picnic on Saturday, September 2, 2023, at the Wheaton Regional Park, Silver Spring, Maryland. Sa Paru is a unique festival celebrated mostly by the Newahs (but not limited to) in Nepal. This festival is observed on the first lunar day of Gunlaga Bhadra (August/September) month. This festival started in the medieval era and was observed as a tantric ritual to pay homage to Yamaraj (यमराज), the lord of death in Hinduism. However, it is now observed in the memory of departed family member(s) and to celebrate their lives.