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Shree Panchami Observed in Canada

Written by Administrator Sunday, 01 February 2009 04:32

Shree Panchami Observed in Canada

Devotees of diverse age groups from the Nepalese community in Canada gathered in Wellesley Community Centre, downtown Toronto on Saturday 31, January 2009 to observe Basanta Panchami (also known as Basant Shrawan, the advent of spring).   The devotees worshipped the goddess of knowledge, Saraswati, and listened to verses; lead by Mr. Umakant Gautam, who is 83 years old.  The devotees offered “Laddu” to goddess Saraswati (courtesy Mr. Mukti Gautam and family).
 A formal poetry recital program followed the worship session. It was emceed by Mr. Govind Singh Rawat and chaired by Mr Naba Raj Gurung, President of NRN-Canada National Coordinating Council. Mr. Mukti Gautam, National Coordinator of Language, Literature and Culture Committee (NRN-Canada) and Dr. Tulsi Dharel, founding member of NRN-Canada welcomed the participants and thanked them for attending the event by braving the cold weather.
 
The recital program contained poems from some poets who were not present in person.  Poems from Mr. Bishwo Berma (Scarborough), Ms. Anu Wagle (Scarborough), Mr. Mohan Aryal (Brampton) and Mr. Anil Paudyal (Ottawa) were read out.  Poems in English by young generation- Anushayana Gautam, Ani Bhattarai, Medhavi Gautam and Swarnima Gurung were the hit of the program.  Similarly, poets in attendance- Dr. Tulsi Dharel, Mr. Govind Singh Rawat, Mr. Mukti Gautam, Mr. Gopi Krishna Kaphle and Mr. Naba Raj Gurung recited their poems. The program was organized by NRN-Canada Language, Literature and Culture Committee and Toronto Sahitya Samaj.