Pasa Puchah Guthi UK (PPGUK), London celebrated Mha Puja coinciding with the Nepalese New Year Nepal Samvat 1134 at Oakington Manor School, Wembley. More than 300 guests attended the unqiue tradition of worshipping one’s own body in order to revive one’s energy for rest of the new year.
The event commenced with a formal welcome by PPGUK President Balmukund Prasad Joshi. He informed that PPGUK London’s executive committee has been working hard to offer their best to the Newahs in London and this Mha Puja was an ideal example. President of the PPGUK Board of Trustees Mahanta Shrestha expressed that PPGUK has an enviable national and international network, through which it has led Nepalese culture around the globe. Also present were PPGUK Founder members Arjun Pradhan and Dharma Bhakta Shakya, and PPGUK immediate Past President Sachetan Tuladhar.
President of Bhairav Nach Guthi, Nepal, Bishnu Lal Prajapati who graced the event as a chief guest, expressed that Pasa Puchah Guthi UK has made an impressive contribution in the preservation of Newah culture in the UK. He added that Newah culture is one of the richest in the world and every individual has a common responsibility towards it’s preservation. In the event, Dhan Bahadur Mali was honoured as one of the eldest Newah settled in the UK. Chief Guest Prajapati then released the 13th issue of annual Guthi Magazine.
While the dignitaries performed Mha puja on stage, members from the audience worshipped on their tables decorated with manda: (or mandala). After the panchakanya and other volunteers offered tika to everyone, the worship concluded with everyone having saga:, a traditional menu of rice flakes, soybean, chhwoyela (meat cuisine), egg and anchovies.
A talented ensemble of members and supporters from the Guthi presented various dance performances which were enjoyed by all. Not only did the cultural segment include traditional dances like those of Kumari and Bhairav, it also boasted of contemporary items ranging from interesting fusion numbers to ultra modern performances. Traditional Newah feast and liquor was provided as a delicious dinner to the guests.
Towards the end of the show, trophies were awarded to various winners of the annual table tennis event and all cultural artists were also felicitated. Free copies of annual Guthi magazine were distributed to the guests and various prizes were given to the winners of raffle draw. PPGUK General Secretary Sanyukta Shrestha concluded the event with vote of thanks to all supporters and volunteers.
To view photos from the event, please click here.
