Nepal Bhasa online dictionary launched

By Nepal Oregon News reporter

A virtual program was organized on Saturday Dec 5, 2020  by World Newah Organization (WNO) for launching Nepal Bhasa online dictionary. Kathmandu Metropolitan City Mayor Bidya Sundar Shakya was the chief guest on the occasion.

WNO's chief Season Shrestha delivered the welcome speech, while Dipesh Shakya showed the demo of the online dictionary on the occasion.

President of Newah Dey Daboo Naresh Tamrakar and a number of Newah personalities representing different Newah organizations across the world expressed their views.

Speaking on the occasion, Mayor Shakya said that KMC is ready to cooperate and collaborate with the WNO during his tenure.

Mayor Shakya said that the activities of the WNO for the promotion and preservation of Nepal Bhasa is praise-worthy.

The program, which was conducted by WNO secretary Rasmila Prajapati, was also addressed by WNO founder member Daya Ratna Shakya.

"English to Nepal Bhasa Dictionary" said in a statement that this is a community enabled online English to Nepal Bhasa dictionary.

The statement went on to say:"Before submitting, please check our database and make sure the words that you are submitting ars not already in the database. The translation will appear online once approved by the admin." 

Meanwhile, a two day Global Newah Conference is to be organized by WNO on Dec 30 and 31, 2020.

Twenty three Newah personalities from 12 countries are going to present working papers at the zoom program to be organized on the occasion of the WNO's tenth anniversary.

A Global Newah Conference was held in Kathmandu two years ago by the WNO which was established ten years ago with the objective of uniting the Newahs living across the world.

This year, the two-day WNO conference is being organized through zoom because of the on-going coronavirus pandemic.

Newar Buddhist temple 'Nritya Mandala Mahavihara' celebrates its eleventh anniversary in Portland, America amid pandemic

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Nov 11 (Nepal Oregon News): Nritya Mandala Mahavihara (NMM), which is the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the West celebrated its eleventh anniversary in Portland, Oregon on Tuesday, Nov. 10, 2020 amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The eleventh anniversary of the Mahavihara started with the Kush Puja in the morning at the Mahavihara. The rituals of Kush Puja was performed by Mahavihara's co-founder and priest Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya.

Kush Puja is a Newah Buddhist Tantric ritual. The Puja is an esoteric one which usually is confined to the Newah Buddhist devotees who have been ordained with Nhikan Yayegu rituals at the shrines of the houses of the Shakyas and Bajracharyas.

Prajwal says,"Because of the pandemic, we are celebrating the temple's anniversary with social distancing and pandemic guidelines."

Kush Puja consists of different rituals with traditional and religious components. Among others, five grounding nectars in the form of five different kinds of alcohol and five different kinds of meat are used in the Puja.

In this Puja, emphasis is laid on Go Ku Da Ha Na, in which a cow is considered as a harmless creature, a dog is regarded as a sensitive animal, a horse gives continuity, an elephant is treated as a fearless creature, whereas Nara (or man) is known for his knowledge. The purpose of the Puja is to raise the consciousness of our own body and mind,  Vajracharya, the senior pujari at the Mahavihara told a journalist from Nepal Oregon News, USA.

On the occasion, 108 butter fed lamps were also lit. Similarly, refugee dance was performed by Prajwal Vajracharya and other Sangha members.

At the end of the Puja, Prajwal Guruju handed over small pieces of sacred flowers and sacred Kokha to the Sangha members and dabbed Hyaungu Sinha and Haku Sinha on their foreheads. 

Kaula (Prasad) and Samaya Baji was served to the participants of the Kush Puja on the occasion. Bulla (a Newah style soup made of fermented rice) was the center of attraction of the Samaya Baji.

The other important part of the eleventh anniversary was the performance of Charya dances.

Charya dance program was launched on Zoom because of the pandemic. Charya dancers from different parts of the USA, Nepal, Hong Kong, Brazil and Germany demonstrated their wonderful and amazing talent.

Because of the time zone difference, dancing through Zoom was arranged in the morning and in the evening. Both morning and evening sessions of international Charya dancing were moderated by Kuon Hunt, a member of the Sangha.

In the morning session of the dance program, Yamuna Baker from Germany performed Vajrayogini, Saldon Wu from Hong Kong presented Kurukulla dance, Vesta Corradini from Brazil showed Arya Tara dance whereas Anupama Dahal's students from Nepal demonstrated a Pancha Tara dance. Similarly, Bunu Shrestha (Bajracharya) from Germany performed White Tara while Prajwal Vajracharya presented a dance 'Maya Jaal.'

In the evening session of the dance program, a dance called 'Nairatma' was performed by Bunu Shrestha while Yogini Mandala was presented by Corinne Nakamura. A team of Charya dancers from Hong Kong including Tina Ho, Eliza La, Kerry Ho, Eliza Lau LY, Chin Chin Chang performed a dance 'Vajrasattva.'

Charya nritya dance 'Vajrasattva'

A dance 'Arya Tara' was presented by Shahrazad Huisman from Germany, while Kumari dance was performed by Kalpana Bajracharya from Nepal. Likewise, Annapurna dance was carried out by Uppa Shakya, USA and Sky Dakini dance was performed by Anna Shrustova, also USA. And finally, a Mahankaal dance was presented by Prajwal Vajracharya.

Sixteen offering goddess charya dance.

The vocal rendition for most of the Charya dances was provided by Joshua Proto, a Sangha member.

About 65 people had participated in the Zoom dance program in the evening and about 50 people in the morning. Among them, notable were Prof Dr Linda Iltis from Washington, Prof Dr Myrinda Shaw from California, Helen Appell, co-founder of the Mahavihara, Dr Shubhash Ram Prajapati from Washington, Dr Mahendra Man Shakya (Physics) from California, Home Shrestha a Ph D researcher from Canada, Daya Shakya, vice president of World Newah Organization and so on.

Participants on Zoom during the event

In the last 11 years, Nritya Mandala Mahavihara has continuously served the sangha or community in many ways, and credit for this goes to co-founders duo Prajwal and Helen Appell.

In fact, many of Portland's Nepalese community activists coming from different spectrums have mentioned it as one of the quintessential aspects of Prajwal's unrelenting campaign to promote, preserve and protect the Buddhist traditions of Nepal.

The Mahavihara has provided a wide range of cultural, life cycle and calendrical rituals based on Newar Vajrayana Buddhism and Newah and Nepali traditions.

NMM has offered teachings and presentations, including by recognized scholars from around the world.

It has offered instruction and organized performances of Charya dances, as well.

While the temple itself has been closed during the pandemic, NMM has continued in the same spirit with zoom classes on Dharma, Dharani, Sadhana, Sanskrit, Charya Giti singing, Charya dance and scholarly lectures.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Nahli Swan Peegu: The First Day of Mohani Nakha

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Nepal Oregon News

Culturally and traditionally, Mohani Nakha or Dashain is the most important and longest festival of the Newah people as well as of the entire Nepalese population.

Mohani Nakha kicks off with Nahli Swan Peegu, the sowing of barley seeds, corn seeds and other seeds on the first day of the longest festival.

In fact, Nahli Swan  Peegu is the first day of Nav Ratri which lasts for nine days. Many of the subtle rituals of Mohani Nakha including the Nahli Swan Peegu are on the verge of extinction. I remember  during the days of my childhood in 1960s and 1970s, my late grand parents and late parents used to plant wheat, barley seeds, corn seeds and sesame seeds in sand and soil in Bhyega (pitcher made of mud) and Bata (big bowl made of copper). This all was done in the Nhika Yayegu Kotha (worshipping and praying room) at our home in Naghal Tole.

Sand for planting barley seeds was brought from Bishnumati river in Kathmandu in those days. The purpose of planting of barley seeds is to grow barley shoots (Jamara) which is given away by the eldest person to other family members on the day of Chalan (Dashami or the tenth day of the forthnight according to lunar calendar).

During our childhood, we, as kids, used to go to the shrine room of our home and used to play Kanta Dabdab (Damaru) in the morning from the day of Nahli Swan Peegu and onwards. Today, very few will bring sacred sand from Bishnumati river. Also, today, there won't be too many kids to play Kanta Dabdab to create a festive mood during the Mohani Nakha festival.

There is a subtle difference between Nahli Swan Peegu and Ghata Sthapana. Ghata Sthapana is celebrated by the entire Hindus of Nepal while Nahli Swan Peegu is celebrated only by Newah Hindus as well as by Newah Buddhists.

Here in Portland, America, just like all other Nepalese families in the US, my spouse also sow maize and barley seeds in pots filled with soil on the day of  Nahli Swan Peegu. And we also use Jamara on the tenth day of the lunar calendar.

The Mohani Jamara is yellowish because it is grown in dark with the cover. When you put the Jamara on your ear, then you feel like you are really celebrating the Mohani Nakha.

During the entire period of Mohani Nakha, we, here in Portland, USA keep listening to Mala Shree Dhun and "Haye Re Jyapuni Tata" a song by late Newah singer Ramesh Tamrakar and other Nepal Bhasa songs.

The Newah people living abroad celebrate Mohani Nakha with a feeling of nostalgia. 

Chatha Festival: A Day to Worship 'Thief God'

Rabin Man Shakya

(A Newar Vajracharya priest worshipping the Chatha Dyo in Kathmandu.)

Chatha Nakha (Chatha festival) is one of the interesting festivals of the Newah people of the Kathmandu valley in Nepal.

Chatha is also considered a miniature 'Mohani Nakha' by the Newah people. It is believed that if you celebrate Chatha festival in a good way, your celebration of Mohani Nakha will be great too for you.

This miniature Mohani Nakha is  celebrated by the Newah people of the Kathmandu valley on the fourth day of the Bhadra Shukla Chauthi or Yolan Thwo Chauthi as per the Lunar calendar of Nepal Sambat. 

The Newah people worship different Gods on different festivals. They even worship Chatha Dyo who is considered a Thief God. That is why if you call somebody Chatha Dyo, he will be very mad at you.

Knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or reluctantly, people commit some mistakes sometimes or even steal cash or other stuffs from other people. Chatha Dyo is worshipped so as to wipe away the wrongdoings in the past and move ahead  for a good and prosperous life.

It may be a coincidence, but Ganesh Chaturthi also falls on the Day of Chatha festival. As Lord Ganesh was born on this day, this day is also known as Ganesh Chaturthi. This festival of the Newah people is known as Chatha Nakha because it is celebrated on the Day of Chauthi.

On this day, the idol of Lord Ganesh at the local temples of Lord Ganesh at various neighborhoods in the Kathmandu valley is taken out on palanquins  on different local streets for jatra and worshipping.

Bau Ya Khwa Swayagu: Newah People's Father's Day

Rabin Man Shakya

Even though we celebrate Mothers Day and Fathers Day in the United States, these days are totally different in terms of dates and cultural value comparing to Bau Ya Khwa Swayagu and Maa Ya Khwa Swayagu in Nepal. Here, in America, we the people from Nepal celebrate Nepalese Fathers Day, Nepalese Mothers Day as well as American Fathers Day and American Mothers Day.

There is no doubt that Nepal is a land of nakha - chakha (festivals). A number of festivals are celebrated in Nepal regularly every year. In fact, it will not be an exaggeration to say that more festivals are observed in Nepal than in any other countries.

Among many festivals, Bau Ya Khwa Swayagu (Day for looking at father's face - Father's Day) is also one of the important festivals of Nepal. This day which is celebrated  in Nepal on the day of Kushe Aunshi (late August - early September) is a testimony to the honor and respect the sons and daughters offer to their dads.

Beauty of Nepal lies in the fact  that Nepal is a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic and multi-lingual country having more than 70 ethnic communities all of whom have their own festivals, culture, traditions and languages. Nepalese Fathers Day is celebrated by different Nepalese ethnic communities in their own way.

Home-cooked delicacies, sweets cakes and other delicious foods are offered to the fathers by daughters and sons. On this day, the narrow streets of Kathmandu are full of extended sweet meat shops. And also, married daughters are seen going to their father's home with goodies and sweet-meats.

The Nepalese Hindus - whose fathers have deceased - offer foods to them by doing Shraddha Puja, a traditional ritual to the deceased. Similarly, the Nepalese Hindus observe this festival by offering prayers to the Shiva temple at Gokarna while the Newah Buddhists go to Jana Bahal (Seto Machhindranath or White Tara) temple in down town Kathmandu.

Newar Buddhist Festival Gunla Dharma and Naam Sangiti Reciting in Portland, America

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, July 16 (Nepal Oregon News): If Nepal Sambat (Nepal Era) is one of the most unique calendar in the world because it is named after a nation, then the month of "Gunla" in the Nepal Sambat is equally the most unique month in the Nepal Sambat calendar especially for the Newar Buddhists.

There is no doubt that Gunla signifies a lot for Newar Buddhists. It goes without saying that the month of Gunla is very pious and sacred month for the Newar Buddhists in the Kathmandu valley.

Gunla is the ninth month in the Nepal Sambat, hence the name Gunla. Gun means ninth whereas La means month. This month is also known as Gunila which in turn means the month of a good quality.

A number of important festivals take place during the month of Gunla: Naag Panchami, Gunpunhi, Bahidyo Swowonegu, Saa Paru, Mataya Jatra, Panjaran and Nepalese Father's Day etc.

The historical significance of the month of Gunla is interrelated to the origin of the Kathmandu valley.

Photo courtesy: Gunla Instagram posts - Instazu.com

According to Swayambhu Purana, once upon a time, the Kathmandu valley was a huge lake. A Buddha called Vipaswi came there and sowed the seed of Lotus. When the Lotus blossomed, a ray emerged as the Dharma Dhatu Jyoti on the top of the Lotus.

According to Vajrayana beliefs, Lord Maha Manjushree together with his two spouses Varada and Mokshada went to Chovar hills. With the divine power Maha Manjushree possessed, the Lord struck the hill with his sword and released all the waters from the lake.

Later, Swayambhu Maha Chaitya was founded by Buddhist Mahayana Dharma Guru Shantikaracharya by covering the Dharma Dhatu inside the stupa.

And it is widely believed that the Gunla festival of making early morning pilgrimage to Swayambhu Chaitya dates back to the completion of founding of Swayambhu Chaitya.

Prajwal Ratna Vajracharya, co-founder of Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara says:"Gunla is a holy month for Newar Buddhists when they recite the scriptures particularly the Naam Sangiti, observes fasts and visit places of worship playing devotional music."

Prajwal Gubhaju went on to say:"It is one of the most important times in Newar Buddhism."

"We have been celebrating a month-long Gunla Dharma at America's only one Newar Buddhist temple -- Nritya Mandala Mahavihara --for last several years by chanting the Naam Sangiti - names of Manjushree," Prajwal added.

At the end of the Gunla month, the Paru Bhoye is organized by each Gunla Bajan Khala at the periphery of Swayambhu in Kathmandu. Similarly, a potluck Paru Bhoye was also organized by the Nritya Mandala Mahavihara at Laurelhurst Park in Portland.  15 Americans and Nepalese were present at the Portland Paru Bhoye, according to Prajwal Vajracharya.

In Vajrayana Buddhism, Naam Sangiti is one of the most important preachings of Shakyamuni Tathagata. It consists of 160 verses and mantra sentences.

Our life is full of memories about different people, festivals and events. Even though we are in the US, we celebrate our Newar festivals as much as we can. For instance, on the day of Gunpunhi, Kwati is prepared at our home in Portland whereas Khir is made on the day of Panjaran.

There are a lot of unforgettable events in your life. During the time of Gunla Dharma, I nostalgically remember taking part in the Bahidyo Swowonegu tradition in Kathmandu every year in !960s-1970s. It was so fun, you can not describe it in writing.

I also can recollect  going to Swoyambhu early in the morning with the Gulan Bajan group of the Ratna Mandal Mahavihara at Naghal Tole, Kathmandu.

Photo courtesy: Nyata Gunla Bajan.jpg - Wikimedia Commons

Likewise, in the evenings of the Gunla Dharma month, my late grandfather Sanu Bhai Shakya would call us: "Oh, Masta, Tuta Bwon Waa." ( Come on, kids, to recite the scriptures). And we used to attentively recite Nama Sangiti, Dus Paramita (Dana Balen) and Bandeshree etc with our grandfather.

Meanwhile,  traditional musical instruments are played at different places in Kathmandu to mark the month of Gunla Dharma. It is to be noted that there is a Buddhist Mahavihara at each Newar Buddhist locality in Kathmandu and each Mahavihara has its own Gulan Bajan team.

During the whole month of Gunla, the Buddhist communities of different localities of Kathmandu make daily pilgrimage to Swayambhu with the Gunla Bajan.

Gunla Bajan means "musical instruments" and "music playing team" during the month of "Gunla".

The musical instruments used in the Gunla Bajan are: Dhaa (a double sided drum), Taa (a small cymbal), Bhusya (a large cymbal), Naykhin (a small drum),  Chhusya and Payentah (a traditional long trumpet).

According  to  Dr  Subhash  Prajapati, a   Seattle- based  Newah music expert, Gunla Bajan is a tradition  which is as old as almost 800 years. 

The word "Gunla" may have been derived from the word "Gunila" mentioned in Gopal Rajvanshavali, says Dr Prajapati.

(Nepal Oregon News writer Rabin Man Shakya is a Newah journalist in USA)

"The Asian Reporter": Portland's Newspaper with an Asian Focus

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, June 29 (Nepal Oregon News): While "The Oregonian" is the only daily newspaper in Portland for sale and subscription, there are a number of other newspapers which are available free of cost at every nook and corner of Portland. Most of them are alt weeklies and fortnightly newspapers.

Mercury weekly and Willamette weekly are prominent alt newspapers of Portland whereas  Portland Tribune is also a formidable weekly publication in Portland. These and a number of other newspapers are for free distribution but they leave no stone unturned in making adverse comments about local leaders, celebrities, city and state.

Copies of the Asian Reporter

 Rabin Man Shakya (a Nepali journalist in the USA) reading  the newspaper "The Asian Reporter"

The Asian Reporter is a fortnightly Pacific Northwest based newspaper in Portland, USA.  Even though it is not a daily or weekly newspaper and is only published twice monthly, it certainly is not an alt newspaper in the publication genre.

The newspaper with almost two decades of existence in Portland highlights international, regional and local Northwest news and events with an Asian focus. It defends the interests of Asian Americans but it is not as harsh as other alt newspapers in criticisms of the local authorities and the state.

The Asian Reporter which was launched in 1991 works as the voice of Asians and Asian Americans in Portland. There is no denying the fact that 'The Asian Reporter' is the community's premiere source for local and international news and information with focus on Asian matters. The only newspaper in English for broader Asian Portlanders is published on the first and third Monday of each month.

One of the remarkable aspects of 'The Asian Reporter' is: it publishes news about arts, culture, festivals and traditions of different Asian countries. Nepal's news about Himalayan expeditions and mountaineering  are generously published in The Asian Reporter.

Similarly, The Asian Reporter keeps publishing news about Nepalese culture and festivals, for example, a very comprehensive and detailed news about the living Goddess Kumari was also published in the Asian Reporter.  On March 2, 2020 it published a story about Shivratri festival headlined "Thousands light up joints during Hindu festival in Nepal".

Asian Americans of Portland do read the newspaper "The Asian Reporter" with great interest, so do the Nepalese Portlanders, as they are also the part of Asian demography of Portland.

Meanwhile, in what may be an insignificant flaw of The Asian Reporter, it has not covered or published news stories related to religion, culture, tradition, festivals, music, arts, heritage and Charya dance etc carried out by America's only one Nepalese Buddhist temple in Portland -- Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Obviously, from the journalistic point of view, the Living Goddess Kumari, the shortest man in the world, the Sadhus -- Babajis and the Himalayan expeditions are not the only news features about news from Nepal. Actually, there are more interesting aspects of human interest news about Nepal than meets the eye.

While analyzing about the contents of The Asian Reporter, it publishes news in different categories: Asia/Pacific, USA, Sports, Community/ACE, Arts, Culture and Entertainment, Recipe etc. It publishes news in brief about events taking place in different Asian countries under the column "Around Asia & the Pacific."

Opinion page of The Asian Reporter is the most readable stuff. Polo (Ronault L S Catalani) is a regular contributor of articles under the column "Talking Story in Asian America", while Dmae Roberts and Wayne Chan also throw light on Asian American issues in their column "My Turn".

The source of international and regional news including news about Nepal is the Associated Press (AP) which is one of the most prominent news agencies of the world. AP's news from Nepal is usually bylined Binaj Gurubacharya who is the foreign correspondent of AP for Nepal.

A newspaper usually consists of news as well as views. Standard practice of newspapers is: 75 percent news and 25 percent views. Opinion or views section of The Asian Reporter is little more than five percent of entire contents. Freedom of expression must be respected in the 'real' and the 'digital' worlds, where news and views are increasingly produced and consumed. Likewise, some of the conspicuous absence in The Asian Reporter are: it does not publish editorials and letters to editor. It goes without saying that editorial and letters to editor are important components of newspaper journalism. A newspaper's role as a trail-blazer to the community are reflected by news, views, editorials and letters to editor etc.

In today's competitive media industry, things are changing rapidly. Asian Reporter also should embrace for innovations. The Asian Reporter should be real voice of Asians and Asian Americans in Oregon. Local coverage of Asian events taking place in Portland is very scant in the newspaper. Today, investigative reporting is an important part of the newspaper journalism. I think the editorial team of the newspaper should give a thought about it. The Asian Reporter should be able to run exposes about different issues and problems of various Asian communities.

There is no doubt that The Asian Reporter's presence is already strong and effective among the Asian communities of Portland. But the top priority of the newspaper should be to focus both on good and bad news of the local Asian communities.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)

Boris Lissanevitch: Pioneer of Hotel Industry in Nepal

Rabin Man Shakya


Boris N. Lissanevitch, a Russian national, was the pioneer of hotel industry in Nepal. In other words, the history of hotel industry in Nepal is inter related with the name ofBoris.

Boris Lissanevitch launched Nepal's first tourist hotel -- Hotel Royal -- in 1951 in Kathmandu. Boris was born on Oct 4, 1904 in Odessa, Ukraine during the Czarist  regime, but he was destined to die in Nepal. He passed away at the age of 80 in Kathmandu on Oct 20, 1985.

Well, I never got to see or talk to Boris Lissanevitch. But I happened to be in Boris' birth place -- Odessa -- for six months in 1979-1980. No doubt, Odessa is a beautiful European city situated on the banks of Black Sea.

Likewise, I was a member of the National Committee that was formed in Kathmandu to celebrate the Centennial Birth Anniversary of Boris Lissanevitch. Boris was buried on the cemetery of the British Embassy at Lazimpat in Kathmandu. On the centennial anniversary day, a condolence meeting was held at the cemetery to pay glowing tributes to late Lissanevitch. I also paid tribute to late Boris by  offering flowers on his tomb at the cemetery. Present on the occasion were many dignitaries including the then Russian Ambassador Vladimir Ivanov.

By the way, on April 25, 1956, The New York Times published a news story with the headline: "Boris Lures Tourists to Land of Yak and Yeti". The news story said:"It was Mr Lissanevitch, a former ballet dancer and hunter, who persuaded the King of Nepal to begin granting visas to foreigners who just wanted to come have a look at the world's highest mountains."

The news story added:"He was still a teenager when the Communists took over Odessa, his hometown. As a cover, his aunt who happened to be ballet mistress of the Odessa opera house, enrolled him in its troupe. To his surprise, he enjoyed it,  and even toured Europe for several years afterward with Diaghilev's Ballet Russe.

The news story went on to say:"When Queen Elizabeth paid a call in 1961, he flew in cavier from the Caspian Sea, and lined up 376 elephants to salute her with their trunks."

That's how I celebrated my birthday in Portland, America last year during coronavirus pandemic

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Birthday guy Rabin Man Shakya in front of the traditional Sukunda at his home in Portland.

Portland, April 28, (Nepal Oregon News): Birthday, which is a special occasion for everybody, comes once a year. 

"Sozhaleniyu Den Rozhdeniya Tolko Raz V Godu. Ya Igrayu Na Garmoshke," goes on an old popular Russian song. It means:"Unfortunately, a birthday only comes once a year and I am playing the accordion."

  Social media news stories and posts  about organizing virtual parties  and celebrating birthdays  by cutting big cakes and lightening candles with the participation of relatives and friends during the Covid - 19 crisis over the zoom are also inundating in the social media sites.

This year, amid ongoing coronavirus crisis, I celebrated my birthday here in Portland with Khen-Sagan (hard boiled egg, a small fish and a khola of ayla) handed over to me by my spouse Naveena. Then, my spouse Naveena Shakya, son Ranjan Shakya and daughter Palistha  wished me happy birthday.

A Puja Bha Dema consisting of Hyangu and Bhasugu Sinha, Dhau, Jaki, Dhup , flowers and Jajanka etc was prepared by my spouse.

Sukunda and other birthday items.

Sukunda, which is an auspicious traditional lamp used during a number of rituals of the Newah people, was also lit during my birthday. That is the way how we have been celebrating our birthdays here in Portland, USA for past several years. I believe in simplicity. Still, that day was a special day for me and our home in Portland felt more festive in a simple way: with the Sukunda lamp, candles and pleasant smelling incenses. And that was a modest celebration. Nevertheless, it was one of the most memorable birthdays I have ever had.

My birthday in 2020 during the coronavirus pandemic was special for me: my spouse and both my kids were present at the birthday ritual. For that matter, my daughter Palistha Shakya  was in Chicago in 2017 and my son Ranjan Shakya  was in South Africa in 2018. Also, many friends and relatives from Nepal, the US and from across the world wished me Happy Birthday through the social media sites.

By the way, immediately after passing the SLC examinations in 1973, I went to the English Language Center at the American Library (USIS) at New Road, Kathmandu for an advanced English language training course. Little did I know then that I will land up in the USA for good in 2002. Here you go: I have been living here in the country of Uncle Sam for almost two decades.

Before that I was in the former Soviet Union for ten years from 1979 to 1989 doing my Masters and Ph D in Journalism.


Speaking of a Sukunda,  a Newah birthday ritual is never complete without a Sukunda. In fact, Sukunda is an epitome of richness of Newah arts and culture. The Nagrajas are depicted above the Sukunda while Lord Ganesh (the God of good fortune) is depicted on the middle of Sukunda in which cotton wicks are kept lit in oil during auspicious rituals.

The word "Sukunda" reminds me of an annual students magazine in Nepal Bhasa published by students of Ratna Rajya Laxmi Campus in Kathmandu. My article entitled "Mass Media in the USSR" was published in Sukunda magazine in Nepal Bhasa in 1983. That issue of Sukunda was edited by Siddhi Ratna Shakya, my high school and neighborhood friend. That was the time when I was studying journalism at the Faculty of Journalism at the Belarusian State University in Minsk, Belarus.

I am sure that different nationalities and different indigenous communities have their different ways of celebrating birthday. Newah people of Nepal have also a very unique way of celebrating birthday. Birthday guy sits cross-legged on a mat  and a round-circled figure is painted with syaucha (light brown colored soil).

Naugraha is also worshipped on that round figure. Usually a Gubhaju (Buddhist priest) also comes to the house for ritualizing a birthday of the male chief of the household in the family.

In fact, in Vajrayana Buddhism of Nepal, birthday of a human being is also considered to be a part of life-cycle rituals. Therefore, a birthday of a man or a woman has a religious as well as cultural significance in the Vajrayana Buddhism.

Lots of rituals are on the verge of extinction. Gone are the days when Dhau Baji was given away to the neighborhood kids on the occasion of a birthday. The female chief of the household used to call the neighborhood kids from the main entrance door: "Dhau Baji Ka Wa, Masta.".

Anyway, a birthday of a man or woman is the time for soul-searching about what you have done in the past in your life and what you gonna do in future for the good of family, community and the nation as a whole.

The global Covid - 19 pandemic has changed the lifestyle of the people all  over the world by drastically disrupting their daily life. Coronavirus pandemic is looming large in the minds of the people all over the world creating a lot of anxieties, confusions  and uncertainties.

People across the world are facing the coronavirus challenge in their own ways. We have to control ourselves with different coronavirus safety measures if we know what is good for us: like staying home as much as possible, wearing masks, washing hands as many times as possible, using hand sanitizers and maintaining social distancing quarantine. Definitely, it is not the time for fun, show off and exhibitionism. 

One of my friends during my long stay in the Soviet Union, Deepak Shrestha, who is a senior engineer and also treasurer of Mitra Kunja, said to me in a Facebook status:"Birthdays mean a fresh start; a time for looking back with gratitude at the blessings of another year."  Well, my friend, I cannot disagree with you. A very relevant and thought-provoking message in deed.

Meanwhile, coronavirus is hitting hard on the people all over the world. On the occasion of my birthday, I prayed to Lord Buddha and Lord Ganesh for the quick breakthrough of the novel coronavirus and for an end to the  problems and sufferings of the people caused by coronavirus.

We are all very common and simple people. But I have made a lot of friends in Nepal, the former Soviet Union and now in the United States. 

I am really, really overwhelmed by the happy birthday wishes from my friends and relatives in the Facebook, e-mails, the Messenger and through phone calls.

I just want to tell you guys: We are made to feel special by people who have some place in their hearts for us. I extend my heart-felt thankfulness to all of you for the birthday greetings.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)

Coronavirus in Oregon: Nobody from Nepal tested positive for COVID-19

Dr Rabin Man Shakya
Portland, USA

I have interacted with a number of Oregonians face to face about the impact of the novel coronavirus. Usually, all of them reacted: "It is very scary." "But good thing we are in Oregon." "Human tolls are unimaginable." "Its economic fallout is beyond imagination."

Meanwhile, according to Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) sources, nobody from Nepal living in Portland and Oregon has been tested positive.

The Nepalese community population in this part of the US is estimated to be about 1,000 - 1,200 people.

As of April 21, Tuesday, 1956 people have tested positive and number of people who died of coronavirus in Oregon has reached 75. On Feb 28, 2020, the first case of coronavirus was announced in Oregon.

From what we know about the fatal consequences of the global terrorist disease from the news media as of April 21, Tuesday, 800,932 people have tested positive and 43,006 people have died of coronavirus in the US, whereas confirmed global cases are 2,501,156 and 171,810  have died in the world because of coronavirus.

Compared to other states of the US, the cases and deaths related to the deadly virus are lower in Oregon. Staying home, staying safe, wearing gloves and masks, social distancing measures are some of the good things that the Oregonians have been practicing.

According to a news report, the unprecedented disruptions affecting millions of Oregonians appear to be reducing the transmission of novel coronavirus between 50 to 70 percent. 

Right now, Oregon is isolated just like other states to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Schools, universities,  aviation, parks, recreation facilities, hotels, restaurants, eateries, gyms, barbers, gift shops, tattoo shops and so on are shut down.

Oregon's public school students will not return to their classrooms this academic year. Oregon's Governor Kate Brown on April 8, 2020 announced that her school closure order originally slated to end April 28, will now stretch into June in an endeavor to maintain the state's progress in stemming the spread of the novel coronavirus.

On March 22, 2020 Governor Brown banned residential eviction during the virus outbreak. Brown issued a temporary moratorium on residential evictions for failure to pay rent. 

The current coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout is beyond imagination. The Nepalese living in Oregon are also facing a lot of challenges. Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) has a big role to play in the community during such an unprecedented crisis. NAO's presence is already strong among the Nepalese community in Oregon.

The whole world is facing the worst crisis in its history and the situation may further deteriorate if an early solution is not figured out. The current coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout is very huge. 

The Nepalese living in Oregon are also facing a lot of challenges. Nepali Association of Oregon has a big role to play in the community during such an unprecedented crisis. NAO's presence is already strong among the Nepalese community in Oregon.

NAO's president Daya Shakya says that NAO has undertaken some steps to help the community members. NAO is checking and inquiring about the health of community people through the members of the executive committee of the NAO.

Similarly, NAO is sending out the e-mails to community Yahoo groups and posting in website, and Facebook pages in SM Fund Raising project is already started as of 4-20-20, adds NAO president Shakya.

Likewise, NAO has been trying to disseminate more information about COVID - 19.  Related information are posted in NAO website including relief related links: nepaloregon.com

Apart from  providing small business relief fund link in Portland, Beaverton, Hillsboro etc, NAO has also posted video on how to apply unemployment claim, says Shakya.

It is also heard that NAO and NRNA Oregon Chapter are planning fund raising among the community members for people hard-hit by coronavirus.

To tell you honestly, everybody is hard-hit by coronavirus crisis in the community except, maybe, some doctors and Intel employees.

NAO has a very good saving for educational projects. At this moment of crisis, it is obvious that coronavirus problem is more important than education. Why not transfer some of the funding from educational project to the worst-hit families by coronavirus, obviously with the kind consent of donors. Just a thought.

The focus of this kind of assistance should be to provide relief to genuinely needy community members. No doubt, NAO should always strive to meet the expectations of the Nepalese Oregonians who are in need of help because of the current coronavirus crisis.

* Also please read my article headlined "Eight Nepalese in the US succumb to coronavirus" (Published in Nepal Oregon News 4-8-20).

Number of Nepalese coronavirus deaths in the US reaches 15

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya
Portland, USA

The number of Nepalese who have succumbed to death from deadly coronavirus has reached 15 in the United States.

Anil Limbu, 48 an Uber driver, died on March 24 and he was the first Nepali to die of coronavirus in the US.

Then, three Nepalese Sonam Lama, 40,  Thokme Bista, 48  and Ajaya Man Chhochoo, 56 breathed their last on April 5, 2020 because of coronavirus.

Similarly, Nima Temba Sherpa, 43  and Raj Kumar Thapa, 47  passed away on April 8 and April 11 respectively.

Likewise, Pawan Kumar Malla, 44   and Mahesh Amatya, 70  died of coronavirus on April 15 and April 16 respectively. Among 15 losses of lives, 12 succumbed to death in New York,  2  in Colorado and one in Virginia.

Most of  the deceased are the Nepalese living in New York which is the epicenter of coronavirus crisis in the USA. Rest in peace to the departed souls. 

Meanwhile, according to NRNA sources, a total of 54 Nepalese living in the US, the UK, UAE, Turkey, Ireland, the Netherlands and Japan have succumbed to death owing to coronavirus so far.

According to media reports, as of  the end of April, 2020, as many as 1,000 Nepalese   were feared to have contracted the coronavirus in the United States.

Meanwhile, according to NAO (Nepali Association of Oregon) sources, nobody from Nepal living in Portland and Oregon has been tested positive. The Nepalese community population in this part of the US is estimated to be about 1,000 - 1,200 people.

As of April 21, Tuesday, 1956 people have tested positive and number of people who died of coronavirus in Oregon has reached 75. On Feb 28, 2020, the first case of coronavirus was announced in Oregon.

From what we know about the fatal consequences of the global terrorist disease from the news media as of April 21, Wednesday, 800,932 people have tested positive and 43,006 people have died of coronavirus in the US, whereas confirmed global cases are 2,501,156 and 171,810 have died in the world because of novel coronavirus. 

America has been hard-hit and badly affected by coronavirus catastrophe. 

These statistics paint a more troubled portrait of the human losses.

We are still grappling for answers to explain the sudden rise of the coronavirus deaths in the world and there is still no breakthrough or solution in the near future. The coronavirus crisis and its economic fallout is beyond imagination.

But this is not the time for panicking and saber-rattling. The right move for the whole world is to make correct decision: stay home, stay safe, keep cleaning hands, wear safety masks and keep social distancing.

The massive human casualty has elicited soul-searching around the world even as it raised more basic questions about why the world leaders were unable to take basic safety measures at the very beginning of the eruption of corona volcano. 

As the world faces a catastrophe of apocalyptic coronavirus, nations are bogged down into deep economic problems.

Poor economy affected by corona tsunami is driving the people across the world to be disillusioned by myopic vision of the world leaders.

The whole world is facing the worst crisis in its history and the situation may further deteriorate if early solution is not figured out.


*Also please read my article headlined "Coronavirus in Oregon: Nobody from Nepal tested positive" (Published in Nepal Oregon News 4-20-20).

World Newah Day: "Day of Reckoning Is Not Far Away"

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, USA.

First of all, on behalf of Nepal Oregon News and Newah American Buddhist Association, I would like to extend "Happy World Newah Day" to all my friends in Nepal, the US and all over the world.

At a time when Newah culture, Nepal Bhasa and Newah people are being constantly undermined and encroached by the state, the bold decision of the World Newah Organization in July 2017 to observe the last Saturday of the month of March as the World Newah Day is very commendable and praiseworthy.

It is very sad that World Newah Day is not being celebrated this year on March 28 as scheduled because of curfew and stay home orders owing to the ongoing coronavirus crisis all over the world. World Newah Day still can be observed by organizing live Facebook conference and tele conferences. To protect yourself from coronavirus, stay home and stay healthy are the best things to do. That is just the world we live in today. 

Last year, just like in other major cities of the US, the Newah Portlanders also marked the World Newah Day by organizing a program and a pot luck dinner at Portland's Nritya Mandala Mahavihara.

Meanwhile, observers of the indigenous communities and Newah movement and critics of the Nepal government's biased federal policy express the confidence that the day of reckoning can not be very far away. What is the reason for dilly-dallying to give the name Nepal Mandala pradesh?

Nevertheless, World Newah Day (WND) is an opportunity for the Newah people across the world to renew our commitment for the Newah cause in changing times. Celebration of World Newah Day is a solemn occasion for the Newahs to raise the value of Newah identity.

WND should be celebrated to remind our government to respect the Newah value and culture and declare Nepal Sambat the national and official calendar of Nepal. A Newah may be a Buddhist or a Hindu, a Newah may be an Aryan or of a Mongoloid origin but a Newah ultimately is a Newah with Newah values and traditions.


Newah culture and Newah traditions are major sources of cultural identity of Nepal. Culture, rituals and religions are the integral part of our national life. Culture and traditions are like the mirrors which catch the glimpses of the whole nation.

Newah civilization is very ancient. In economic terms, Nepal may be a poverty-stricken country, but in the front of arts, culture, rituals and traditions, there are reasons for Nepal to be proud of her cultural heritage, ancient arts and architecture.

Despite facing threats and encroachment fro various state and non-state sources, the Newah people should continue to raise the voice against injustice meted out on them and also work unitedly to preserve and protect the Newah identity.

When I was in Nepal in 2017, I happened to meet legendary Newah singer Bhrigu Ram Shrestha who on a question about unity among Newahs said:" Newah Newah Dhayan Chhuyaye, Newah Ta Tha Tha He Milay Maju." (Newahs are not friendly to each other no matter what you say about Newah unity.)

Division on the basis of caste system is one of the biggest obstacles in the Newah unity. Celebrating Jyapu Day, Nay Day and so on is fine, but it must not sow the seeds of division on the Newah unity.

By the way, it was in 1994 and I was still with The Rising Nepal. It was at that time that I had the honor of interviewing late Dr Padma Ratna Tuladhar on behalf of The Rising Nepal. My interview or encounter with Dr Tuladhar was focused on Nepal Bhasa literature and journalism, not on politics and human rights. In other words, I interviewed  late Dr Tuladhar as a member of the luminary club of Nepal. For taking the interview, I still remember I went to late Dr Tuladhar's residence which was located at Lazimpat in Kathmandu. Late Dr Tuladhar, in that interview, had emphasized the need for unity among the Newah people.

According to Nepal's population census of 2068 BS, demographic representation of the Newah people is only five per cent. The same census says that only 3.2 percent of the population speak in Nepal Bhasa as the mother tongue.

If these numbers are true, which I think they are not, it is a wake-up call for the Newahs in Nepal and across the world. Equally alarming is the percentage of Buddhists at nine percent in the national census in a country where Lord Buddha, an apostle of world peace, was born.

Ivan P. Minayev: First Russian Nepalogist

Rabin Man Shakya

When Ivan P. Minayev travelled Nepal in 1875, the Himalayan kingdom was totally isolated from the outside world and was in the grip of the despotic Rana oligarchs, whereas Russia was ruled by Czars. 

Ivan Minayev who was one of the few  Russian Sanskritists (scholar of Sanskrit) at that time was also an expert on Pali language.

Minayev who was the first Russian Nepalogist (expert and researcher on Nepal) was also a member of Russian Geographical Society.

Very few Westerners had travelled Nepal during the period of  despotic Rana oligarchy and one of them was Minayev whose visit was, however, confined to the Kathmandu valley only by the Rana rulers.

Minayev was not just a Sanskritist and  a scholar of Pali language, he was a widely known  Russian scholar on Buddhism. In fact, a seed of Nepal-Russia Buddhist ties was planted by Minayev still in 1875.

Nepali Temple in Portland, US Eventful with Various Religious and Language Classes

Dr Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 27 (Nepal Oregon News): Established in 2009 in Portland, Oregon,  Nritya Mandala Mahavihara which is the only Nepalese Buddhist temple in the USA has been launching various religious, cultural, traditional, musical, dance and educational activities to promote, preserve and protect traditional and cultural values and heritage of Nepal.

The Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is abuzz and eventful with different educational, religious and cultural activities.  Additional practices on Gurumandala Puja consisted of both the practical as well as the theoretical aspects of the Puja are being held each Saturday at 10:30 AM in the morning at the Portland Baha.



Likewise, classes on Dharani recitation are also being run very actively and enthusiastically at the Mahavihara. Dharani recitation is on the verge of extinction, therefore, with the objective of publicizing the importance of Dharani and keeping it alive, the Mahavihara has decided to conduct classes on Dharani recitation, says Rev Prajwal Vajracharya. Classes are being run every Tuesday at 7 PM at the Mahavihara.

Dharani literature has existed for over two millennia in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition. Typically used to prevent misfortune, remove obstacles, heal and protect, Dharani are also used in life cycle rituals and other practices.

Similarly, Rev Prajwal is also going to conduct "Retreat and Empowerment" in Hongkong this year.

Meanwhile, an evening of Indian classical music is to be organised at the Mahavihara on Feb 8, 2020. Acclaimed international performer David Trasoff will be playing on Sarode together with renowned multi-instrumentalist Benjy Wertheimer at the Raga program.

A workshop on wisdom movement, which introduces the theory of the movement style, mudra yoga, accompanying visualizations and chants, is going to be held on Feb 7-9, 2020. According to Nritya Mandala sources, participants will be guided through basic movements and dance sequences of this yogic dance form.

Similarly. classes on how to read and write Devanagari script are going on every Thursday 7 to 8 PM at the Mahavihara, according to Rev Vajracharya. Devanagari is a left-to-right alphasyllabery based on the ancient Brahmi script used in the Indian subcontinent. It was developed  in ancient India from the 1st to the 4th century AD and was in regular use by the 7th century AD.

The Devanagari script - composed of 47 primary characters  including 14 vowels and 33 consonants -  is one of the most adopted writing systems in the world being used for over 120 languages including Sanskrit and Pali languages.

These classes are preparation for learning Sanskrit, says Rev Prajwal Vajracharya. The classes are being taught in a deep and meaningful yogic way, such that students learn the connections of each alphabet to our own bodies, adds Rev Vajracharya.

Nritya Mandala Mahavihara is also going to launch Sanskrit language classes for a month effective April 16 to May 15, 2020. The classes, which are to be conducted by renowned Sanskritist Dr Gautama Vajracharya, Professor Emeritus at University of Wisconsin, Madison, are designed to run two hours a day, five days a week, co-founder of the Mahavihara Vajracharya told a journalist from Nepal Oregon News, USA.
Besides these programs and classes, we also do meditation, rituals and tea at the Mahavihara every morning, says Rev Vajracharya.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in America)

New Year Celebration Purification Ritual Held at Nepali Temple in Portland, America

Dr. Rabin Man Shakya

Portland, Jan 2 (Nepal Oregon News): A New Year Celebration Purification Ritual - Dhalan Danegu - was held at Nritya Mandala Mahavihara in Portland on Wednesday, Jan 1, 2020. The purification ritual which was held for about three hours was performed by Rev Guruju Prajwal Vajracharya.

About 40 people - majority of them were local Americans - joined the Puja for purifying and reviving the old energy of the previous year and for overcoming obstacles and opening to fresh new potential through the annual New Year's purification ritual at the Mahavihara.  

The Gurumandala Workshop  trainees - Helen Appell, Anna Shustrova, Anastasia Roderick, Aleksei Dobry, Joshua Proto, Leson Baker, Gabriel Quitslund, Dina Shakya and Naveena Shakya - were also among those present at the purification ritual. Vajra (thunderbolt) and Gan (bell) were also used by all the Gurumandala participants.

The traditional community ceremony honored oneself and others by making offerings of purified elements and was guided by using one's own mandala of sand.

A special Puja Sankalpa consisting of Jaki, Sinha,  Ita, Dhup, Swan, Jajanka, Taaye etc was  carefully prepared for each participant who were seen sitting cross-legged in different lines inside the Portland Baha.

On the occasion, a mandala - which is a circle or cosmic diagram for ritual or interior visualization, representing various realms of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas and their cosmic energies - was drawn for each participant. Also, three Gojas on the sand Mandala were worshipped during the ritual.

On the occasion, participants were also given time for a short meditation. They were later offered with Khen Sagan together with a  fish and Thwon. Similarly, a long Pasuka  (sacred thread) was used, spread, passed over to all the New Year purification ritual participants. It was an important component of the purification rutual.

Vajrayana tradition is based on Tantric Buddhism, so rituals performed by Rev Prajwal Guruju included using of mantras, dharinis, mudras, mandalas and visualization of deities and the Buddhas.

Talking with a journalist from Nepal Oregon News, USA, Rev Prajwal Vajracharya said that mantra is a word which means chanting or meditation, containing within it the sacred power and cosmic energies of a Buddha or Bodhisattvas.

Rev Vajracharya went on to say that the Mantra protects the mind from negative mental states by invoking devine energies within oneself.

Purification ritual event was followed by dinner and an interaction on Newah culture and traditions by Daya Shakya who is also the president of Nepali Association of Oregon (NAO) and NRNA-NCC-USA Oregon chapter.

(Rabin Man Shakya is a Nepali journalist in USA)