First Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi 2025 – Celebrates Newa Culture and Heritage – Community Updates
6 September 2025 | Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), Diggers Rest, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria proudly presented the first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi, marking a historic milestone for the Newa community in Victoria and bringing one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most significant festivals to Melbourne.
The landmark celebration brought together approximately 6,000 people from the Newa, Nepali and wider Australian communities for a vibrant day of culture, tradition, music, dance and community participation.
The celebration showcased the richness and diversity of Newa heritage through a wide range of traditional performances and cultural activities, including live Dhime Baja, Dhime dance, Basuri, Rath Yatra, Swet Bhairav, Samay Baji and Pulu Kisi dance.
A major highlight was the Rath Yatra, accompanied by traditional music and cultural performances, creating an atmosphere that reflected the spirit and vibrancy of Indra Jatra in the Kathmandu Valley. The sharing of Samay Baji also provided an opportunity for community members and visitors to experience an important part of Newa food culture and hospitality.
The historic celebration was honoured by the presence of ministers, councillors, community leaders and special guests, reflecting the growing recognition of Newa heritage and its contribution to Victoria’s multicultural community.
The event brought people of all ages and backgrounds together, creating an opportunity for the wider Australian community to experience and appreciate the living traditions of the Kathmandu Valley.
The overwhelming participation and support made the first Melbourne Indra Jatra a grand success. The event demonstrated the strength of community collaboration and the dedication of the many volunteers, performers, organisers, sponsors, supporters and community partners who worked together to make this historic celebration possible.
For Newa Guthi Victoria, the first Melbourne Indra Jatra represents one of the most significant milestones in its journey. It established a platform for sharing Newa heritage with future generations and the wider community while strengthening cultural identity and community connections.
This archive entry records the historic first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi, celebrating the collective effort that brought this important Newa festival to Melbourne and contributed to the continued preservation and promotion of Newa culture in Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 6 September 2025
- Location: Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), Diggers Rest, Victoria
- Attendance: Approximately 6,000 people
- Organised by: Newa Guthi Victoria
- Event: First Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi
- Highlights: Dhime Baja, Dhime dance, Basuri, Rath Yatra, Swet Bhairav, Samay Baji and Pulu Kisi dance
- Special Guests: Ministers, councillors, community leaders and special guests
- Outcome: A landmark celebration of Newa culture, heritage and community
Platinum Sponsor
- NAB – National Australia Bank
Gold Sponsors
- Better Choice – Mortgage & Finance
- Eshan IT – Simplify IT
- Expert Education & Visa Services
- Everest Gardens Landscapes
- Everest Refrigeration & Air Conditioning Pty Ltd
- Grace International Education & Migration
- MaxiMax Education & Migration Services
- Sierra Homes
- Your Dream Home Conveyancing
Silver Sponsors
- APB Partners
- Capkon Home Loans Melbourne
- Colorate Signs
- Derrimut Butcher
- Elite Curtains & Blinds
- Maven Consulting Group
- Melbourne Institute of Technology
- Preferred Eduvisa Consultancy
- RS Painting & Maintenance
- Sapphire Estate Agents
- St Aust Cares
- Sunrise Saves Energy
- Supreme Mortgage & Finance
In Association With
- ANMC – Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre
- The Bristi Ganesh Temple
- Missa Pucha Melbourne
- Mahaguthi
- Baja Khala Melbourne
- Newa Pucha Melbourne
Supported By
- Embassy of Nepal, Canberra
- Consulate General of Nepal, Victoria
- NRNA – Non-Resident Nepali Association
- Nepalese Association of Victoria
- Didi Bahini Samaj Victoria
Media Partners
- Nepali Radio Hour
- DMS Production
- De_Lens Aura Studio
- Sanish Photography
- Himal Times
- SBS South Asian
- Connect Nepali
- Samudhayeka Kura
Valued Contributors
- Vic Bling
- Alliance Estate Agents
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NGM Volunteer Support for ANMC Teej Program 2025 – Community Update
26 August 2025 | Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), Diggers Rest
Newa Guthi Victoria volunteers came together to support the Nepali Teej Program, contributing their time, energy and community spirit to help the wider Nepalese community celebrate this important cultural occasion.
Members and volunteers provided support throughout the program, demonstrating the values of community service, cooperation and shared participation. Their involvement reflected Newa Guthi Victoria’s commitment to supporting cultural activities beyond the Newa community and building stronger connections across the wider Nepalese community in Victoria.
The volunteering effort also provided an opportunity for members to work alongside other community groups, build relationships and contribute to the successful delivery of the Teej celebration.
Community service and volunteering remain an important part of Newa Guthi Victoria’s activities. By supporting cultural events across the wider community, members have opportunities to share their time and skills while promoting cooperation, friendship and cultural understanding.
This archive entry records the volunteer contribution of Newa Guthi Victoria members at the Nepali Teej Program and the organisation’s continued commitment to community service, cultural participation and strengthening connections across the wider Nepalese community.
Event Details
- Date: 26 August 2025
- Location: Australian Nepalese Multicultural Centre (ANMC), Diggers Rest
- Event: Nepali Teej Program 2025
- Activity: Volunteer support for the Teej celebration
- Highlights: Community volunteering, event support and collaboration
- Focus: Community service, cultural participation, volunteering and community connection
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Nasa Dya Puja and Baja Pikoigu 2025: Celebrating – Community Update
24 August 2025 | 3/1 Leader Street, Truganina, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria organised Nasa Dya and Baja Pikoigu, bringing community members, families and learners together for a meaningful celebration of music, devotion, cultural learning and community participation.
A major highlight of the program was the graduation of Dhime Baja learners, recognising the dedication, progress and commitment of students who had completed their learning and training. The occasion celebrated their achievement while encouraging them to continue practising and sharing the tradition of Newa music with future generations.
The celebration also featured a Samay Baji program, bringing families and community members together to enjoy traditional Newa food, share conversations and strengthen community connections.
The Nasa Dya and Baja Pikoigu reflected the important role of music and cultural learning within Newa traditions. It provided an opportunity to recognise the efforts of learners while highlighting the importance of regular practice, community participation and cultural transmission.
The event also demonstrated the collective spirit of Newa Guthi Victoria, with learners, families, volunteers and community members contributing to the celebration and supporting the continuation of Newa cultural practices in Victoria.
This archive entry records the Dhime Baja learner graduation, Nasa Dya and Baja Pikoigu celebration and Samay Baji gathering, reflecting the continued growth of cultural learning and community participation within Newa Guthi Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 24 August 2025
- Location: 3/1 Leader Street, Truganina, Victoria
- Event: Nasa Dya and Baja Pikoigu
- Highlights: Dhime Baja learner graduation and Samay Baji program
- Focus: Cultural learning, devotion, traditional music, community participation and connection
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Public Meeting for Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi Melbourne 2025 – Community Update
23 August 2025 | Glenroy Senior Citizens Centre, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria organised a Public Meeting for Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi 2025, bringing community members, volunteers and supporters together to share updates on the progress and preparations for the historic first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi.
The meeting provided an opportunity for the community to learn more about the upcoming celebration, including the planned cultural program, festival preparations, volunteer opportunities and ways to participate.
Community members had the opportunity to connect directly with the organising team, ask questions, share ideas and stay informed about the work taking place in preparation for the festival.
The gathering highlighted the strong spirit of community participation and collective effort behind Melbourne Indra Jatra. Volunteers, cultural teams, organisers and supporters worked together to help bring one of the most significant festivals of the Kathmandu Valley to the wider Melbourne community.
The public meeting also served as an important platform for strengthening communication between the organising team and the community, ensuring that people could remain informed and actively involved in the historic celebration.
This archive entry records an important stage in the preparation for the first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi, reflecting the dedication and collective efforts of the community to establish and celebrate Newa heritage in Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 23 August 2025
- Location: Glenroy Senior Citizens Centre, Victoria
- Event: Public Meeting for Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi 2025
- Activity: Community information, discussion and festival preparation
- Highlights: Festival updates, cultural program information, volunteer engagement and community discussion
- Focus: Community participation, festival preparation, cultural awareness and Newa heritage
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International Business Forum – Community Update
21 June 2025 | Wyndham Council, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria participated in an International Business Forum at Wyndham Council, providing an opportunity to connect with community representatives, civic leaders and members of the wider Victorian community.
As part of the gathering, Missa Pucha proudly shared an invitation to the upcoming first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi, introducing the festival and highlighting its cultural significance to community and civic leaders.
The invitation formed part of Newa Guthi Victoria’s broader community outreach efforts in the lead-up to Indra Jatra. It provided an opportunity to build relationships with local organisations and community leaders while increasing awareness of Newa culture, heritage and traditions.
The engagement also highlighted Indra Jatra as a celebration of Newa identity, music, dance, rituals and community spirit, encouraging people from diverse backgrounds to learn about and participate in the historic Melbourne celebration.
Participation in forums such as this also reflects Newa Guthi Victoria’s commitment to building meaningful relationships beyond the Newa community and creating stronger connections with the wider Victorian community.
This archive entry records the community outreach, cultural promotion and relationship-building efforts that supported the first Melbourne Indra Jatra and helped strengthen connections between Newa Guthi Victoria, civic representatives and the broader community.
Event Details
- Date: 21 June 2025
- Location: Wyndham Council, Victoria
- Event: International Business Forum 2025
- Activity: Indra Jatra invitation shared by Missa Pucha
- Highlights: Community engagement, civic connections and cultural outreach
- Focus: Cultural awareness, community relationships and promotion of Newa heritage
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Press Meeting: Announcement of Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi 2025 – Community Update
14 June 2025 | Consulate of Nepal for Victoria Office, Glenroy, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria held a special Press Meeting for Indra Jatra 2025, marking an important milestone in the lead-up to the historic celebration of the first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi.
The meeting was organised to formally announce the upcoming festival and extend a public invitation to the wider Nepali, Newa and multicultural communities across Melbourne. Representatives, community leaders and guests were introduced to the significance of Indra Jatra, the planned cultural program and opportunities for the community to participate in the historic celebration.
The announcement represented an important moment in bringing one of the Kathmandu Valley’s most significant festivals to Melbourne. It created an opportunity for people from diverse backgrounds to learn about and experience Newa traditions, music, dance, rituals and cultural heritage.
The press meeting also highlighted the collective efforts of Newa Guthi Victoria members, volunteers, supporters and community partners who worked together to establish Indra Jatra as a major Newa cultural celebration in Melbourne.
The event helped generate awareness and build momentum for the historic first Melbourne Indra Jatra, while reinforcing Newa Guthi Victoria’s commitment to preserving, promoting and sharing Newa heritage with future generations and the wider community.
This archive entry records the public announcement, community outreach and preparation that helped pave the way for the first Melbourne Indra Jatra – Yenya Punhi.
Event Details
- Date: 14 June 2025
- Location: Consulate of Nepal for Victoria Office, Glenroy, Victoria
- Event: Indra Jatra 2025 Press Meeting
- Purpose: Public announcement and community invitation for the first Melbourne Indra Jatra
- Highlights: Festival announcement, community information and public invitation
- Focus: Cultural awareness, community participation and promotion of Newa heritage
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Dhime Baja Classes Begin for New Learners – Community Update
19 April 2025 | Truganina, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria began its weekly Dhime Baja classes for new learners on 19 April 2025, creating a dedicated opportunity for community members to learn, practise and connect with an important part of Newa musical heritage.
The classes were guided by Aryan and Rajan Guru, who shared their knowledge, skills and experience with new learners in a supportive and engaging environment. The sessions were designed to introduce participants to the fundamentals of Dhime Baja, while encouraging confidence, teamwork and active participation in Newa cultural traditions.
The launch of the weekly classes represented another important step in Newa Guthi Victoria’s commitment to preserving, teaching and passing on Newa cultural heritage to future generations.
Regular cultural classes provide an important space for learners of all ages to develop their skills while building friendships and strengthening connections within the community. Through Dhime Baja, participants can experience the rhythms and traditions that form an important part of Newa cultural identity.
The classes also helped create a foundation for future cultural performances, community events and opportunities for learners to share their skills with the wider community.
This archive entry records the beginning of the weekly Dhime Baja classes for new learners and the continued efforts of Newa Guthi Victoria to keep Newa music, knowledge and cultural practices active and accessible in Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 19 April 2025
- Location: 3/1 Leader Street, Truganina, Victoria
- Activity: Weekly Dhime Baja classes for new learners
- Instructors: Aryan and Rajan Guru
- Focus: Newa music, Dhime Baja, cultural learning and community participation
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8th World Newah Day 2025: First Collaboration with World Newah Organisation – Community Update
29 March 2025 | Footscray Park, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria proudly marked the 8th World Newah Day in collaboration with the World Newah Organisation, marking the organisation’s first collaboration with the international Newah community and an important milestone in strengthening connections beyond Victoria.
The gathering at Footscray Park brought community members, families, volunteers and participants together for a relaxed BBQ and community gathering. The occasion provided an opportunity to connect, share experiences and celebrate the sense of community that continues to bring Newah people together.
A special acknowledgement was also given to community members who proudly represented Newa culture at the Nepal Festival, recognising their time, dedication and contribution to showcasing Newa heritage to the wider community.
The celebration reflected the spirit of World Newah Day, bringing people together through community participation, cultural pride, recognition and shared responsibility. It provided a meaningful opportunity to celebrate Newah identity while strengthening relationships within the local community.
The first collaboration between Newa Guthi Victoria and the World Newah Organisation marked another important step in building stronger connections with Newah organisations and communities both locally and internationally.
Through such collaborations, Newa Guthi Victoria continues its commitment to preserving Newa identity, promoting cultural heritage and strengthening global Newah solidarity.
This archive entry records the 8th World Newah Day celebration, the first collaboration with the World Newah Organisation, and the community participation that continues to shape Newa cultural life in Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 29 March 2025
- Location: Footscray Park, Victoria
- Event: 8th World Newah Day
- Collaboration: World Newah Organisation
- Significance: First collaboration between Newa Guthi Victoria and the World Newah Organisation
- Highlights: Community BBQ, community gathering and acknowledgement of Nepal Festival participants
- Focus: Community connection, cultural pride, recognition and global Newah solidarity
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Nepal Festival 2025: Celebrating Newa Culture at Federation Square – Community Update
15 March 2025 | Federation Square, Melbourne
Newa Guthi Victoria proudly participated in the Nepal Festival 2025, joining one of Melbourne’s major celebrations of Nepalese culture, heritage and community.
The Newa community brought the vibrant traditions of the Kathmandu Valley to the festival through a lively Ghitang Ghisi rally, live Dhime Baja and Dhime dance performances. The energetic sounds and movements created a strong Newa cultural presence and provided festival audiences with an opportunity to experience traditional music, dance and cultural expressions.
The participation highlighted the rich diversity of Nepalese heritage, demonstrating how different cultural traditions contribute to the wider Nepalese community in Australia. It also provided an important platform for sharing Newa culture with people from diverse cultural backgrounds.
Members, performers and volunteers of Newa Guthi Victoria came together to support the rally and performances, reflecting a strong spirit of community participation, teamwork and cultural pride.
Events such as the Nepal Festival provide valuable opportunities for cultural organisations to connect with the wider community, introduce younger generations to their heritage and continue the work of preserving and promoting Newa traditions in Victoria.
This archive entry records Newa Guthi Victoria’s participation in Nepal Festival 2025 and the collective efforts of its members and volunteers to share the richness of Newa culture with the wider Australian community.
Event Details
- Date: 15 March 2025
- Location: Federation Square, Melbourne
- Event: Nepal Festival 2025
- Activities: Ghitang Ghisi rally, live Dhime Baja and Dhime dance
- Highlights: Traditional Newa music, dance and community participation
- Focus: Cultural performance, community engagement and promotion of Newa heritage
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Nasa Dya Puja 2025: First Nasa Dya Puja Celebration Community Update
8 March 2025 | Durga Temple, Victoria
Newa Guthi Victoria organised its first Nasa Dya Puja, bringing families and community members together for a meaningful day of worship, cultural tradition, traditional food and community connection.
The celebration honoured Nasa Dya, an important deity in Newa culture associated with music, dance and the performing arts. The gathering provided an opportunity for community members to come together, honour cultural traditions and share meaningful practices with family, friends and fellow community members.
A special Samay Baji program was also organised as part of the celebration. Sharing traditional Newa food provided an opportunity for families and community members to connect, strengthen relationships and celebrate their cultural heritage together.
As the first Nasa Dya Puja organised by Newa Guthi Victoria, the event marked another important milestone in the organisation’s journey to preserve, practise and promote Newa cultural traditions in Victoria.
The gathering reflected the spirit of community participation, cultural devotion and collective responsibility, highlighting the important role that cultural and religious traditions play in bringing the Newa community together.
This event remains a meaningful part of Newa Guthi Victoria’s history, recording the beginning of the Nasa Dya Puja as an important cultural and community activity in Victoria.
Event Details
- Date: 8 March 2025
- Location: Durga Temple, Victoria
- Event: First Nasa Dya Puja
- Significance: First Nasa Dya Puja organised by Newa Guthi Victoria
- Highlights: Nasa Dya Puja and Samay Baji program
- Focus: Worship, Newa traditions, traditional food and community connection
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