Newah Organization of America celebrated eighth annual Nepal Sambat 1130 on Saturday, November 14th. Ven. Vante Ananda and legendary singer Mr. Prakash Shrestha were this year’s special guests of honor. The special gathering was enjoyed by a cross-section of the Nepalese community residing in the Washington, DC and Baltimore metropolitan area.

NOA President Mr. Rajesh Shrestha welcomed the Chief guest; Ambassador of Nepal His Excellency Dr. Shankar Sharma, Special guests Ven. Vante Ananda and legendary singer Mr. Prakash Shrestha, organization representatives, media representatives and all attendees. He extended his greetings to all on the occasion of Nepal Sambat 1130. He highlighted the importance of Nepal Sambat and called on the current Nepal Government to enforce Nepal Sambat as the National Sambat as soon as possible. Mr. Shrestha also highlighted the back ground and the mission statement of the Organization (NOA) and also presented NOA’s activities and the achievements in past twelve months.

The representatives various organizations - Mr. Laxman Pradhan of NPPA, Mr. Ram Malakar of NASC, Mr. Simon Dhungana of ANA, and Mr. Khem Bhattachan of ANS also spoke on the occasion. Media representatives of Washington, DC and Baltimore metropolitan area – Mr. Ram Kharel of Sagarmatha TV, Mr. Govinda Giri “Prerana” of Vishwoparikrama and Mr. Nagendra Poudel of Radio Dovaan thanked NOA for inviting them and letting them to express their views on the importance of Nepal Sambat. They also expressed their appreciation to NOA for it’s contribution in preserving Newah culture, tradition, heritage and language. Past President and advisor of NOA Mr. Beda Pradhan greeted all the guests on the occation of Nepal sambat 1130. He highlighted the significance of Nepal Sambat. Past President and advisor of NOA Mr. Tribhuvan Tuladhar shared Nepal Sambat greetings and he also small presentation on Rastriya Bhibhuti Sankhadhar Sakhwa.

Gracing the occasion, special guest Ven. Vante Ananda gave a brief description on the importance of Nepal Sambat. Ven. Vante called upon the community to build a Buddha Vihar to represent the country of the Buddha’s birth place. Special guest, Mr. Prakash Shrestha his expressed his happiness for being able to participate in NOA’s Nepal Sambat 1130 Celebration. Ambassador Dr. Sharma thanked NOA executive committee for inviting him as the chief guest. He extended his best wishes for Nepal Sambat and talked about the important role Newah culture, tradition, art and architects has played in well representing Nepal to the world.

On the occasion, NOA founding member, Mr. Hariman Shrestha recited a poem “This is my Life” (Yo Mero Jeevan) and Mr. Basanta Shrestha recited a poem dedicated to Nepal Sambat. NOA First Vice President Mr. Ganesh Kayestha presented the vote of thanks and expressed his sincere thanks to all the participants for their overwhelming support.

Special thanks go to the Mrs. Sunita R. Shrestha, the Master of Ceremony and Ms. Sushanki Chaudhari and Ms. Ruby Shrestha for hosting the lively cultural program at the end. The cultural program featured many local songs and dances by local artists including special Newah dance and song by the students from the Newah Organization of America Language Center (NOALC). The cultural night culminated with Mr. Prakash Shrestha entertaining the delight of the audience with his many famous songs. As always, all participants enjoyed the delicious traditional Newah feast (Samaye Bajee).