THINKING OF FIRST NEPA PASA PUCHA
By Dibya Hada
THINKING OF FIRST NEPA PASA PUCHA
By Dibya Hada
Many old and new friends were there to celebrate our traditional festival worshipping Lord Ganesh. Our Thahkali, (head of the group) Mr. Asakaji Shrestha gave prashad with blessing to all the guests. Mr. Ram Malakar, the second Thakali offered Samyebaji (Nepali snacks). Mrs. Bishnu Malakar and all the ladies were busy serving drinks.
Mr. Malakar proposed the establishment of the Pasa Pucha for the purpose of observing Mhapuja and Nepa Sambat each year. Contributions were to be collected to purchase a statue of Lord Ganesh. Seating for the traditional bhoye (Newari style dinner) began in order of seniority. The bhoye consisted of a twelve course dinner with four kinds of meat, different kinds of beans, vegetables with yogurt and fruits followed by continuous drinks. I was so surprised to find that I did not need to get up to wash my hands. Some young ladies volunteered to go around with a pot and water for us to wash. It reminded me of Nepal long ago when I used to go for bhoye. This was a golden opportunity for girls and boys to look and talk to each other and if they liked someone, to ask their name. The boy could request his mother or another relative to approach the girl or her parent for an engagement. You may probably not believe it now.
But it was true during our time. Some of my friends did fine their brides this way and are living happily ever after.
After the long bhoye and discussion all the heads of the households represented went to Mr. Shyam Ranjitkar's home with the statue of Ganesh for Dhyapabigu (giving the statue to Mr. Ranjitkar for next year's Guthi). Traditionally, Mr. & Mrs. Ranjitkar offered drinks and snacks (lakhamari) to all who came with Ganesh to their home. It is a kind of welcome to their guests.
Officially, Nepa Pasha Pucha (Nepal Friendship Society) was formed in 1991 with its first President being Mr. Ram Malakar. The Nepali cultural program was added to this event. The present President is Mr. Tribhuban Tuladhar who has spent a lot of time and effort to make Nepa Pasa Pucha a success.
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