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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Pako Festa Geelong 2025 Community Update

22 February 2025 | Geelong, Victoria

Newa Guthi Victoria proudly participated in Pako Festa Geelong 2025, marking an important milestone as the organisation’s first street performance for the wider community.

Members, volunteers and supporters of the Newa community came together for a vibrant Dhime Baja community rally, bringing the powerful rhythms and energy of traditional Newa music to the streets of Geelong.

The performance provided a wonderful opportunity to share Newa music, culture and heritage with the wider community, introducing the distinctive traditions of the Kathmandu Valley to festival audiences from diverse cultural backgrounds.

The energetic Dhime rhythms created a lively atmosphere throughout the festival, attracting attention and encouraging people to learn more about Newa culture. For participating members, the event was also a celebration of community pride, teamwork and cultural identity.

Beyond the performance itself, the participation demonstrated the commitment of Newa Guthi Victoria to promote, preserve and share Newa heritage across Victoria and to create opportunities for younger generations to actively participate in their cultural traditions.

As the first street performance by Newa Guthi Victoria, Pako Festa 2025 holds a special place in the organisation’s journey. It marked an important step in bringing Newa music and cultural traditions beyond the community and into the wider public space.

This event remains a memorable milestone in the history of Newa Guthi Victoria and reflects the collective effort of the members, volunteers and supporters who helped make the performance possible.

Event Details

Date: 22 February 2025
Location: Geelong, Victoria
Event: Pako Festa Geelong 2025
Significance: First Newa Guthi Victoria community street performance
Activity: Dhime Baja community rally
Highlights: Traditional Newa music, community participation and cultural sharing
Focus: Newa heritage, cultural pride, community engagement and cultural preservation

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Bhintuna 1145: Celebrating Newa Culture and Community Update (2024)

10 November 2024 | Souvenir, Thomastown, Victoria

Bhintuna 1145 (2024) marked a historic milestone as the very first event of Newa Guthi Victoria, bringing the Newa community together for a celebration of culture, heritage and community spirit.

The inaugural event featured a vibrant program showcasing the richness of Newa traditions, including Dhime Baja, Dhime dance, Kumari dance, traditional Newari dances and songs. Community members came together to celebrate Newa culture and create a strong foundation for future cultural activities in Victoria.

A traditional Newari bhoj provided an opportunity for everyone to enjoy authentic Newa cuisine while sharing food, conversations and community connections.

The event also included a special sponsor appreciation segment to recognise the individuals, businesses and supporters who helped make this first celebration possible.

As the first official event of Newa Guthi Victoria, Bhintuna 1145 holds a special place in the organisation’s history. It marked the beginning of a journey dedicated to preserving Newa heritage, strengthening community connections and passing cultural traditions on to future generations.

This archive entry records the beginning of Newa Guthi Victoria’s community journey and the collective effort that laid the foundation for many cultural programs and celebrations to follow.

Event Details

Date: 10 November 2024
Location: Souvenir, Thomastown, Victoria
Event: Bhintuna 1145
Significance: First event of Newa Guthi Victoria
Highlights: Dhime Baja, Dhime dance, Kumari dance, Newari dances, songs and Newari bhoj
Special Recognition: Sponsor and community appreciation
Focus: Newa culture, heritage, community connection and cultural preservation

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