Ji Newa? Am I Newar?

Is it just me who is searching for the true meaning of Newarism? Or is it just a mid-life crisis I am going through? Well, I have to confess that I don't know too much about our Newa culture or heritage. I was born in a Maharjan family, but my parents did not speak Newari that much. Because they were both Durbariyas!

Actually, I learned more Newari words and things about Newa culture after I came to America. Although, I did manage to take one course in Newari while I was in high school in Patan, but that was not an easy task, because all of my friends were non Newars.

Since my kids are growing up, I have been frantically searching for the meaning of true Newarism. I want to transmit some of my Newa culture to my kids. As I remember from my early childhood growing up in a typical Newa tole and playing champati with those Jyapu friends in Pulchowk, I learned many cultural values and ideals. The childhood experience is important part of growing up process. When we group up, we usuall compare tour childhood and reflect back all those good memories. My fondest memory was the Yomari Puni - when neighborhood people bring Chatamari and Yomari as a gift to show their appreciation. Also, from our culture I learned that respecting elderly and teachers.

Now we live in a global village with many different values which have been transmitted in our daily lives through various medium. We are rapidly loosing our Newa identity. The world has become a small community. Our old bahals, bajars and toles have been converted into mini malls. Our Newar friends in Kathmandu no longer use tikijhaa when they built their house, Rajamati no longer wears a haku parshi, (black sari), Many of Kathmandu's Newars seem to be more westernized than we are here in the States.

During my last visit to Kathmanu, I yearned for special bhoye, chatamari, yomari and chiyapan but instead I got pepsi cola and special buffet at my brother's reception. Surely, many authentic bhoyes are converted to special buffet. There is no more giving of Sagaa~ (special blessing with an egg and dried fish sg%, eating takhala t`la and sampling the paukwaa (pukuva)

Temples look like an eye sore in front of the modern western buildings, the dheme and tabala in the rajamati song have been replaced with computerized music.

I don't even know who the most famous Newa poets, artists and writers are. I know that Newars are supposed to be the most educated group in Kathmandu, but why are our culture loosing it's value, traditions and ideals?

We definitely need to discuss our culture more and understand the true meaning of Newa culture. We need to teach our youngsters so that they understand our culture better. All of us who knows more about our tradition should play a special role in this process.

As we look around, many nationalities and groups have their own cultural traditions. They promote their country, language, culture and tradition, but Newa people are lagging in this area.

Well, our generation did not have the opportunity to learn the Newari language, because when we were in school it was not required. Many of us can hardly read and write. Many of our traditions have been transmitted through special gatherings. If we want to make it ever lasting in this culture, we need to have practical experience rather than just being a mere observer.

As we go about transmiting our culture to our kids, we are missing many valuable pieces that bind us together. Many childhood experiences that helped to built our cultural characteristics are missing in our new life in America.

As I grow older and have my own kids to teach, I feel that it is essential to have organizations like the NEPA PASA PUCHA to share many valuable traditions.

Nepa Pasa Pucha, especially, is giving me an opportunity to learn more about my culture & tradition, that is one of the reasons I wanted to get involved with the organization. I want to teach my kids about my cultural so that they can be proud of who they are.

I feel that if we really want to call ourselves true Newars, we must know about our own culture and respect ourselves as well as respecting others. Without being able to respect ourselves we will never be able to respect others.

I feel these are some of the things we could possibly do to preserve our true Newa identities:

• Teach our kids about our language and culture
• Practice our traditional ceremonies and events ( Mhpuja, jnKv, mU_vy )
• Talk to children about the significance of our special holidays
• Keep close contact with organizations in Kathmandu to get up to date information.
• Research and publish works on both Newari culture and tradition and finally
• Have special gatherings and demonstrations to share about our culture.

As I recall, I was a rebellious adolescent - not wanting to listen to my parents. All of a sudden, I started to accept a culture's expectation after having kids of my own. I remember, my mother saying to me once, you will learn when you have your own kids!

Yes, I am learning now, how difficult it is to bring up kids and make them listen. It is our responsibilty, as teachers, community leaders and parents to teach them about our true cultural values.

Well, maybe some day our kids will realize that Newa culture has many positive values to offer them, which I am coming to realize as I look around for a true meaning of Newarism. Without having an understanding of our traditions, ideals and values, we can't and won't be able to develop a true Newa charecteristics.

tare mam....

since Dec. 1, 1998.

This page is designed by Raju/Sumitra Maharjan on August 21, 1996.