The Nepa Pasa Pucha Amerikaye (NPPA), a Newah organization based in the Washington, D.C. metro, was established in 1991. Its primary responsibilities include preservation and promotion of cultural heritage, traditions, and customs of Newah community in the USA, Nepal, and abroad.

On October 28, 2006, one of the most important yearly activities, the 15th Annual NPPA Meeting, was held coinciding with the celebration of New Year Nepal Sambat 1127 at Wheaton High School in Wheaton, Maryland. This year’s theme was "Health & Heritage." The celebration included “MHA POOJA” (worship of inner self) also known as “BHINTUNA” (Good Wishes).

During the annual meeting, the fifteenth annual issue of NPPA’s DABU newsletter was distributed to each participant.  The Nepalbhasa visual songs “TAJILAJI” was also presented as well as marketed.  This is the first effort of NPPA to promote Newah songs in visual screen, which was produced in collaboration with Nepal Bahasha Mankaa Khalaa on the occasion of New Year Nepal Sambat 1127.

The event began with “GANESH POOJA” followed by a luncheon serving traditional Newah SAMAY BAJI catered through the Baltimore-based Himalayan House Restaurant.  The program was then inaugurated by Chief Guest Charge-de-Affair Counselor Mr. Rudra Nepal of Nepal Embassy by lighting the traditional TWADEWA (oil lamp stand).  He emphasized the richness of the Newari culture and tradition.  Mrs. Meera Shrestha, President of NPPA, started the program with a welcome speech and stated that the mission of NPPA is to promote the cultural heritage and tradition of the Newah people in America and to continue to educate our youths about the Newari culture.  She also highlighted the activities of NPPA, particularly a successful completion of the IHI (Bel-Bibah) ceremony.

The invited heads of Organizations included Mr. Tribhuvan Tuladhar, President of Newah Organization of America (NOA), Mr. Prem Sangruala, President of America Nepal Society (ANS), Dr. Narayan Rajbhandari, President of Nepalese Association in Southeast America (NASeA), Dr. Tulsi Maharjan, President of Friends of Nepal (FON-New Jersey), Dr. Mohan Sitoula, President of International Nepal Literary Society (INLS), Mrs. Rita Tiwari, Coordinator of America Nepal Women’s Association (ANWA) in DC, and Bishnu Thapa, Board Member of Nepali Women’s Global Network (NWGN). They all expressed their views on the Newah Culture. Dr. Narayan Rajbhandari, President of NaeSA and the former NPPA general secretary, delivered the keynote speech and spoke about the importance of understanding historical evolution of Newah culture and its scientific values. Mrs. Neeva Pradhan, NPPA Patron and Advisory Board Member successfully moderated the inauguration session.  

Mr. Laxman Pradhan, Vice President of NPPA, gave concluding remarks and expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to all of the participants and dedicated members who made the celebration a great success. He emphasized that active participation and working, as a team is critical for the success of any organization.

The Health & Heritage forum was organized and moderated by Dr. Maheswor Baidya, a local cardiologist residing in Maryland. Mr. Ram Malakar and Dibya R. Hada presented their experiences and views on aging and stroke awareness.  The Youth Activity forum was organized by Mrs. Sheila Shrestha and Mr. Subarna Malakar.  The forum was successfully conducted with a number of children’s participation.

The art exhibition focused on encouraging young talents. During the art exhibition, Mrs. Meera Shrestha was began an initial art painting and that was completed by a young artist, Mr. Bikrant Man Shrestha, The painting was presented to Mrs. Shrestha at the end of Cultural Program. Mr. Bikrant Man Shrestha and Mr. Bishal Man Shrestha organized the program’s art exhibition. 

The evening included a live and thrilling cultural program that included Newah and Nepali music, songs, and dances. Mr. Yaman Shrestha, popular folk singer Mr. Prem Raja Mahat and Bhim Dahal were among the performers. Ms. Sharmila Upreti successfully moderated the cultural program.
   
During the cultural program intermissions, the NPPA recognized new patrons and life members, outstanding contributors, and the writer of Dabu’s best article.  NPPA also presented an award of appreciation to Sagarmatha TV, NepalHorizons, and young artists. The program ended with raffles and door prizes. 

The end of the program concluded with the traditional Newah “BHOYE’, a sitting feast with 300 attendees.  As per tradition, NPPA volunteers served the sitting guests with a variety of typical Newah dishes traditionally found in BHOYE. This marked the fifteenth year that the NPPA has successfully held a BHINTUNA celebration. 

Sincerely,
Mrs. Meera Shrestha
President, NPPA

For More Information Contact:
Mrs. Meera Shrestha (shrem002@yahoo.com) or Visit www.nppa-usa.org

For more pictures please visit http://www.nepalhorizons.com/beta/zenith/display.php?t=bycat&q=16&nr=89&st=0&upto=12&p=1