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The Newah community of Baltimore held its fifth annual Nepal Sambat celebration on October 25, 2009, at Woodbrook Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. More than 175 members of the Baltimore-Washingto n Nepalese community and 30 American friends enjoyed an evening together celebrating the New Year, eating delicious traditional foods, and learning about Nepali culture. The party also raised funds for a worthy cause—Nahuda, a non-profit organization established in 1992 in Nepal to provide health care to disadvantaged women, especially those living in rural areas.

The Nepal Sambat 1130 celebration was inaugurated with a Lord Ganesh prayer by Newah priest Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay followed by the lighting of the traditional oil lamp, Twadewa, by Mrs. Menuka Shrestha.

Event Chairperson Mr. Season Shrestha welcomed guests and extended greetings for the New Year. He announced that proceeds from the evening would be donated to support the Nahuda Well Women Clinic in Sankhamul, Patan, Nepal. Nahuda's main focus is on reproductive health and the prevention of cervix and breast cancer.

Co-chairperson Mrs. Meena Pradhan shared an appreciation letter from Nahuda President Mr. Dinesh Raj Sharma. Mr. Sharma applauded the efforts of the Newah community of Baltimore to help Nahuda provide a free annual clinic membership to women who need help monitoring their reproductive health. Over the last three years, this Nepal Sambat celebration has raised more than $1,200.00 for Nahuda's work.

Co-chairperson Mr. Ravi Pradhan thanked all of the volunteers for their tireless efforts to make the event successful as well as the participants for their overwhelming support. He also announced the formation of an ad-hoc committee to explore chartering a Baltimore chapter of the Newah Organization of America (NOA).

President of NOA, Mr. Rajesh Shrestha exchanged Nhu Dan Yah Bhintuna greetings and highlighted current activities of the organization. He led the crowd in chanting a spirited Bhintuna yah Bhintuna, Nhugu dan yah Bhintuna. Dr. Roshan Shrestha highlighted the traditions of the Nepal Sambat celebration and explained how Shankhadhar Sakhwa, as a common citizen, spent his own money to free society from their loans to the King, marking the beginning of a new era of financial freedom. Finally, Mr. Chris Siciliano from the Towsontowne Rotary Club shared information about the club's work donating an ambulance to Seti Ganga Community Hospital in Damauli, Nepal. Mrs. Nancy Young announced that the Rotary Club of Hunt Valley, Maryland is planning a wine tasting event on Saturday, November 14 to raise money for the same hospital in Nepal.

The evening was very festive, and good time was had by all. The delicious Newah feast (Bhoye) was prepared by Mrs. Meena Pradhan and Ms. Mamata Joshi with contributions from Mrs. Rohini Shrestha and Mrs. Menuka Shrestha. While guests enjoyed dinner, the cultural program got underway with singing and dancing. There was a lovely Newah couples dance performed by Mr. and Mrs. Dhruba Onta, a beautiful traditional Newah dance by Miss Sadika Maharjan, a typical Tihar dance by Miss Kritika and Miss Shreeti KC, and a moving, modern Nepali dance by Mr. Bishnu Shrestha. Live singing performances by Mr. Bishomver Pradhan, Mr. Rajesh Shrestha, Mr. Dinesh Bhandari, and Mrs. Sarishma Amatya made the event extra special. DJ Mr. Bishnu Raj Shrestha entertained partygoers throughout the evening with a wide selection of music for dancing.

Special thanks are extended to following: Kathmandu Kitchen of Towson, Maryland, for preparing khasi ko masu, chicken tandoori, and aloo chhon; Mr. and Mrs. Arendra Shrestha for bottled water, sodas, and tableware; Mr. and Mrs. Bishomver Pradhan for wo, a fruits and vegetables tray, and the Nepal Sambat banner; Mrs. Kenny Kafle for lalmohan; and Mr. Suman Singh and Mrs. Edlyn Singh for supporting the venue rental.

Of course, the biggest thank you goes to the attendees for their participation and donations!