Gurung Lhosar in NYC
Lighting the Path to the 'Year of the Snake'
New York City, Dec 27, 2024:
The evening of December 27 witnessed an electrifying and heartwarming gathering of the Nepalese Gurung community at the Five Star Banquet Hall in Queens, New York City. The event, hosted by Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc., marked the celebration of Gurung Lhosar 2024, a cherished tradition that bids farewell to the outgoing year and welcomes the new one. This year, attendees said goodbye to the ‘Year of the Eagle’ and joyously ushered in the ‘Year of the Snake.’
Since its establishment in 2017, Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. has organized the Gurung Lhosar celebration annually. This event serves as a powerful symbol of unity, resilience, and the cultural richness of the Gurung community.
What is the Gurung Lhosar?
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Distinguished Guests and Opening Highlights
The event’s chief guest was Steven Raga, a member of the New York State Assembly for the 30th District. Other notable guests included John Liu, a member of the New York State Senate representing the 16th District in Northeast Queens, Presidents of other organizations, distinguished Nepalese figures, celebrities, and journalists.
The program was jointly inaugurated by chief guest Steven Raga and President of the organization, Manita Devi Gurung, by lighting a culturally significant Nepalese-style lamp on the stage. The program then began with the national anthems of Nepal and the United States, setting a tone of cross-cultural respect and pride. Mr. Bin Prasad Ghale, Senior Vice-President of the organization, delivered a welcome speech. The program continued with speeches delivered by other prominent members of the organization and esteemed guests. Certificates and citations were then distributed to deserving recipients, followed by speeches from chief guest Steven Raga, Senator John Liu, and President Manita Devi Gurung. Each speaker extended heartfelt Lhosar greetings and expressed their wishes for the continued success of the Gurung community and the organization.
Cultural Performances Steal the Show
A key highlight of the evening was the series of over a dozen cultural performances, featuring Gurung songs and dances presented by artists across all age groups. Among these, the revered Ghatu and Krishna Charitra dances stood out as cultural treasures, captivating the audience with their deep roots in Gurung heritage and their profound significance. All in all, the stage delivered complete entertainment to the audience.
Culinary Delights and Social Bonding
Adding to the festive atmosphere was a sumptuous array of authentic Nepalese and Indian dishes, delighting guests as they enjoyed the performances. The combination of delicious food and cultural entertainment created a memorable experience for all attendees, fostering social bonding.
The Grand Finale: DJ Dance
The event concluded with an electrifying DJ dance session that lasted over an hour. Nearly every attendee joined the dance floor, transforming the hall into a sea of joyous celebration. The energetic medley of dance music and the high-spirited participation of the crowd created an unforgettable finale to the evening.
A Legacy of Cultural Preservation
The Gurung diaspora in New York has consistently demonstrated its commitment to preserving and promoting Nepalese Gurung culture and traditions through events like Gurung Lhosar. Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. remains steadfast in its mission and looks forward to continuing this legacy for years to come.
The Gurung Lhosar 2024 celebration was not just an event; it was a testament to the enduring spirit and unity of the Gurung community in New York. It brought together people from all walks of life to honor their shared heritage, fostering a sense of pride and belonging that will resonate for generations. HAPPY LHOSAR - Year of the Snake!
New York State Senator John Liu addressing the audience
The revered Krishna Charitra dance in performance
Feast for Sisters and Daughters ~ 2024
A Celebration of Gurung Women: Honoring Tradition, Family, and Culture
New York City, September 28, 2024 - In a heartfelt celebration of Gurung women, Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. organized its most anticipated annual event - "Feast for Sisters and Daughters" ('l/+ Rxld s}+' in Nepali) in Jackson Heights, New York City. The event, hosted in honor of sisters and daughters by their Gurung male relatives, friends, and well-wishers, was a grand success, with an impressive turnout from the community. Traditional Nepali and Gurung music and songs filled the air, creating a vibrant atmosphere that reflected the rich cultural heritage of the Gurung people.
Attendees enjoyed an array of typical Nepali and Gurung delicacies, immersing themselves in the joyful spirit of the event. The evening saw lively dances, heartfelt greetings, and a strong unity among the participants, making it a memorable celebration of Gurung culture and the special bond between families.
Summer BBQ Picnic ~ 2024
Grilling, Games, and Gurung Tunes Galore!
New York City, July 27, 2024 - Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. hosted its highly anticipated annual 'Summer BBQ Picnic' at Flushing Meadows Corona Park, Queens. The event saw a massive turnout, with picnickers from in and around New York coming together to celebrate and enjoy a fun day.
The picnic featured a wide variety of delicious food, bringing the flavors of Nepal to Queens. Traditional Nepali and Gurung music filled the air, creating an atmosphere of joy and cultural pride. Attendees danced enthusiastically, celebrating their heritage and enjoying the festive ambiance.
The day was packed with fun and engaging games, ensuring entertainment for all ages. Highlights included the sack race, spoon race, musical chairs, tug of war, and the very popular Nepali version of shot put, known as "Chhelo", which brought out the competitive spirit among participants.
The day was not only about fun and games; a special felicitation program honored performers from previous events recognizing their contributions and achievements, and recent visitors and newcomers from Nepal.
The picnic concluded successfully, with everyone returning home with satisfied hearts and happy faces. The event was a testament to the strong sense of community and cultural pride among the Gurung people in New York.
Hop, Hop, Hop! Kids' Sack Race
Tamu Pariwar New York Inc. Successfully Hosts 8th Annual General Convention
Jackson Heights, NY – May 18, 2024: Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. successfully held its 8th Annual General Convention. The event, chaired by the president Mrs. Manita Devi Gurung, was exclusively organized for the life members of the organization. It was a pivotal gathering aimed at addressing the significant milestone of purchasing a community home (td" wL+ in Gurung) to serve multiple purposes, including an office, a storehouse, a source of rental income, and many more. Prominent members of the organization addressed the convention on various issues.
Fundraising
For the past few years, the organization has diligently planned to acquire a property that would function as a central office and storage facility and generate income through rental opportunities. However, collecting the necessary funds has proven to be a considerable challenge. To overcome this hurdle, the newly formed dedicated committee responsible for the home purchase organized this special program during the Annual General Convention. The committee is headed by Mr. Chitra Koney Gurung one of the advisors of the current Advisory Board of the organization.
Pamphlets and Presentations
During the event, the committee distributed informative pamphlets to the attendees, detailing the rationale behind the intention to buy a house. These pamphlets outlined the strategic methods for fundraising and provided a step-by-step explanation of the legal procedures involved in purchasing the property. The thorough and transparent approach ensured that all life members were well-informed and supported the initiative.
Engaging and Informative Session
The chief of the committee along with the treasurer, Mr. Tikaraj Gurung, and the secretary of the organization Mr. Devijung Gurung, took the stage to address questions from the attendees, providing clear and concise answers that underscored the importance of having dedicated space for the organization's activities. Emphasizing the long-term benefits of owning a property, the committee head appealed to all members to contribute generously towards the fundraising efforts.
Positive Reception and Agreement
The program saw a robust turnout of life members, reflecting the strong sense of community and shared purpose within the organization. The comprehensive explanations and earnest appeals by the committee resonated well with the attendees, most of whom expressed their agreement and support for the house-buying initiative.
Looking Ahead
The success of the 8th Annual General Convention marks a significant step forward for Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. The organization is hopeful that with the continued support and generosity of its members, the dream of owning a property will soon become a reality, furthering its mission and enhancing its capacity to serve the community and promote the Gurung culture and traditions.
Together, we can make this vision a reality and strengthen our community's foundation for future generations. Tamu Pariwar New York, Inc. extends heartfelt gratitude to all its members for their unwavering support and dedication. Let's continue to work together for a brighter future.
President of the organization, Mrs. Manita Devi Gurung, addressing the convention.
Chief of the 'Community Building Project Committee', Mr. Chitra Koney Gurung, briefing on the project.