Press Releases of Kayeta Puja (Bratabhanda) 2015 Newah Organization of America (NOA) is pleased to announce the successful completion of 5th Group Kayeta Puja (Bratabhanda) Ceremony on Saturday, July 25th, 2015 on the presence of Chief guest Nepalese Ambassador to the United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki at the Hare Krishna Temple, Potomac, Maryland. The ceremony was performed and concluded by renowned Newah Priest Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay. This year participators were: Mr. Ryan Ayur Malla (s/o Mr. Deepak & Mrs. Ramita Malla) Ashburn, Virginia, Mr. Pranav Shrestha (s/o Mr. Rajesh & Mrs. Sunita Shrestha) Gremantown, Maryland, Mr. Binay Maharjan (s/o Mr. Uday Maharjan & Mrs. Satya Maharjan) Naperville, Illinois, Mr. Binam Maharjan (s/o Mr. Mangal Maharjan & Mrs. Chunu Maharjan) Elkridge, Maryland, Mr. Alexander Shrestha (s/o Uday Shrestha & Mrs. Romee Shrestha) Laurel, Maryland, Mr. Ayush Joshi (s/o Mr. Anup Mangal Joshi & Mrs. Anju Joshi) Frederick, Maryland, Mr. Brihatt Pradhanang (s/o Mr. Bishalendra & Mrs. Soni Pradhanang) N. Kingstown, RI The ceremony was blessing with Ganesh Bandana performed by Mr. Sushil Lal Shrestha. NOA congratulates these young boys for the completion of the Kayeta Puja. More than 200 guest including parents, their relatives, friends, and well wisher were attended the ceremony to bless young boys. Attendees enjoyed a light breakfast and delicious vegetarian lunch after the ceremony. Also friends and families enjoyed live broadcast via video streaming at www.newah.org. NOA President Mr. Ram Lal Shrestha welcomed all the participants, their families, guests, and expressed appreciation for their support and participation in this very important ritual ceremony. Mr. Shrestha thanked the NOA EC members, their spouses and volunteers for their tireless efforts to run this event successfully and all media associates for covering the event. He also expressed special thanks to the Honorable Nepalese Ambassador of United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki and his spouse, NOA founding members, past presidents and Past Vice President Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha and his spouse Mrs. Hari Baba Kayastha for serving as Nayo and Naki on the ceremony. He also thanked to The Hare KrishnaTemple for providing venue for the ceremony. Newah priest Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay initiated the Pitri (Nandimukhi) Shradda with Mr. & Mrs. Ganesh Lal Kayastha, inviting his ancestors and those of all participants. The puja proceeded in a complete and fully traditional way and finished around 4:00 p.m. with participants receiving blessings from the priest, parents, families and attendees. The crowd enjoyed gathering to witness the boys’ ceremonial seven steps on betel nuts and betel nut leaves, with highly entertaining and lively chases by the maternal uncles. Honorable Nepalese Ambassador to the United States Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki distributed certificate of completion to all seven Kayeta Puja participants and NOA President Mr. Shrestha presented Nepali Cap to all participant and NOA memorable gifts to their parents. On the occasion parent of participant Mr. Mangal Maharjan, Mr. Uday Shrestha and Mrs. Soni Pradhanang expressed special gratitude to NOA for well-organized ritual ceremony. Ambassador Dr. Karki urged all the community members to participate ritual ceremony to preserve our culture, national identity and congratulated all the participants on the completion of Kayeta Puja (Bratabhanda) and NOA for promoting and preserving our culture as well. During the ceremony, a book “Bhrikuti” (in English) written by respected Newah author Mr. Mohan Krishna Dangol has been released to the public. On behalf of Newa Dey Daboo (a Newah National Organization, Nepal) Advisor Mr. Mohan Krishna Dangol presented a letter of appreciation to NOA for the recognition of NOA’s ongoing work and effort to preserve and promote Newah culture, heritage and Language and also presented Fetta (a Newah traditional way of honor) to the President of NOA. On the same occasion President Ram Lal Shrestha presented a letter of appreciation to renowned social worker Mr. Mohan Krishna Dangol for his tireless contribution to promote and preserve Newah culture and language. The ceremony concluded with thanks from NOA President to all those who contributed food and beverages. NOA EC members and Mr./Mrs. Ravi Pradhan contributed the food. Event commended NOA for its ongoing success and work promoting and preserving Newah culture and tradition alive in the United States. It was a wonderful ceremony and NOA is very proud to serve the community in the U.S. with events like this. We warmly invite the community to join and continue support in future events to promote and preserve our traditions and culture. Concludes: Future Events: 1. Yenya Punhi Gathering - Sunday September 27, 2015 2. Mha-Puja Celebration - Thursday November 12, 2015 3. Nepal Sambat Celebration - Saturday December 5, 2015