The Nepalese community living in Edmonton, Canada observedYenya Punhi (Indra Jatra) and Gun Punhi (Kwati Punhi) festivals amidst a special cultural event at Kinsmen Park on Saturday September 17, 2016. The cultural event was organized by Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA), a local organization to practice, promote and preserve Newa culture and traditions in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. Meanwhile, Yenya Punhi festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Indra, king of heaven, for timely rain and good harvest and Gun Punhi festival is mainly dedicated to Lord Mahadev, the god of destruction, for protection from the evils. canada

The cultural event started with a welcome speech from Dr. Hemanta Joshi, President of Newa Cultural Society of Alberta (NCSA). Dr. Joshi briefly highlighted on objectives and annual activities of the NCSA in Edmonton. Dr. Joshi stressed the need for observing cultural festivals in the community annually to maintain, preserve and showcase unique Newa language, culture, tradition, identity and pride. Dr. Joshi also praised the support and encouragement received from the City of Edmonton and the Government of Alberta in maintaining Newa culture and traditions in Edmonton.

After the welcome speech, an auspicious Puja ceremony of Ganesh(the god of initiation), Bhairab (the god of strength) and Indra (the god of rain and king of heaven) was performed by Mrs. Chandra Shrestha, a senior lady of the community, offering Neela (sacred water from the Saskatchewan river) in a Kalash (a holy water container), Tika (red vermilion powder), Naibedya (a mixture of rice grains, special puffed rice and beaten rice), Jajamka (sacred threads),flowers, fruits, Khaye (holy drink from yogurt, substitute for alcohol), and Samay Bajee [a unique Newa ethnic food/feast comprised of Bajee (rosted beaten rice), Syabajee (roasted puffed rice), Khen (fried and boiled egg), Wo (ethnic pancake cooked from black lentils), Nya (fried fish), Choyela (roosted spicy meat), Simpu(boiled spicy kidney beans), Bhuti (boiled spicy black eyed beans),Lava Palu (fried and sliced garlic and ginger), Wauncha (boiled and spiced green vegetable), Mushya Wala (roasted spicy black soya beans), Aalu Wala (boiled and spiced potatoes), Achar (ethnic spicy appetizer made from cucumber, dikon, roasted sesame seed powder, soaked small peas, cilantro, and fresh lemon juice), sweets, yogurt, and Sisa Pusa (comprised of sliced dikon, soaked peas and a pinch of powder salt to consume at the end of the feast as digestive food items)]. An Aarati (a part of Puja in which oil light from oil light holder is offered to the deities) was also offered to the deities by lighting a traditional artistic oil lamp attached in the Panash (oil lamp holder) and burning the incense. All the participants also paid homage to the deities and received divine blessings for the prosperity and well-being.

After an auspicious Puja ceremony, participants were served with a bowl of Kwati (an ethnic soup made from nine different soaked beans) andChuchun Mari (ethnic roasted bread made from flour) as Kaula (appetizers before the Samay Bajee feast), as part of commemorating Gun Punhifestival. After Kaula, Mr. Dwarika Nath Shrestha, who is visiting his family in Edmonton, delivered a cultural speech about Yenya Punhifestival. Similarly, Mr. Tri Prasad Dhaubhadel, founding member of NCSA, delivered a speech on Gun Punhi. Mrs. Jaya Corson, associate member of NCSA, shared her childhood memories related to Gun Punhifestival in Nepal. Dr. Kishor Shrestha, Executive Secretary of NCSA, thanked all the guests and community members for their active participation and cooperation in making the cultural event enjoyable and successful.

During the cultural event, a Lakhe (a demon) mask dance was performed playing Dhimay (traditional musical instrument of drum) and Bhusya (a pair of cymbals) instruments to create the festive environment. A cultural quiz related to Yenya Punhi festival was conducted by Mrs. Bejuna Joshi to entertain and create cultural awareness among the participants. Gift cards were given to the participants who answered the cultural questions correctly. At the end of the cultural event, a delicious Samay Bajee ethnic feast was served to all the participants.