Nritya Mandala Mahavihara Moves to Centerstage in Nepalese Community in Oregon, USA

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Dec 21 (Nepal Oregon News): The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara - which is the only Nepalese  Buddhist temple in the USA so far - has  moved to centerstage in Nepalese community in Oregon by observing the age-old festivals of the Kathmandu valley and keeping alive the traditions and culture of the people of Nepal.

Promoting, preserving and protecting traditional and cultural values of Nepal are not an easy work, but Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland is giving it a shot. The establishment of Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland in 2009 has paved the way for local Nepalese Portlanders to carry on with lots of ritual and cultural ceremonies like the way it is done in the Kathmandu valley.

Balancing personal works, trips to different countries, Charya dance teaching,  observing Nepalese festivals are not always simple, but Prajwal Vajracharya is focusing on what is important in the long run.

Meanwhile, a Dakila ritual ceremony was held recently at the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland to commemorate the first anniversary of my mother Man Shova Shakya's demise.

Dakila (first anniversary of a person's demise) related rituals like 'Bhawana Puja' and 'Guru Mandala Puja' were performed by Prajwal Guruju. Bhawana Puja consists of offering flowers, sinha, raw rice, water and dhun (Nepali incense stick).The religious ritual during the Dakila tradition involved a number of objects including - Dhun, Dewa, Sukunda, Ita, Goja, Jajanka etc.

The Guruju chanted  gatha for the eternal peace of the deceased and wished for the accommodation in the Sukhavati Bhuvan.Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya on the occasion using Gan (Ritual bell) and Vajra chanted religious rituals praying for Vajrasatwo and Pancha Buddha. He said our universe is made of Panchatatwo: earth, water, fire, air and sky. We also offer praying to Vajra Satwo which provides salvation to humankind, said Prajwal Guruju.

At the end of the Dakila ritual, a Sira Daan in the name of my deceased mother was offered  to Prajwal Guruju. Me and my family express deep gratitude to Prajwal Guruju for finding time for the Dakila rituals despite his busy schedule.

Well, the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has made celebrating the Newah festivals and observing the Newah style ceremonies centerpiece of its activities.

In fact, many Nepalese living in Portland know Prajwal for his commitment and dedication to enhance Nepalese arts, culture and traditions in Oregon.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)