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organized by the Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala

NEW YEAR CULTURAL RALLY

Date: Kachhalathwa 1 (October); Place: Basantapur; Time: 7 A.M.

The Nepal Bhasa Manka Khala organizes a cultural procession on Kachhalathwa 1 to mark New Year's Day of the Nepal Era. It is the grandest of the Manka Khala's annual celebrations. The pageant consists of musical bands and participants dressed in traditional costumes who march through central Kathmandu extending New Year greetings to the townspeople. The revelers represent cultural and musical societies, literary groups, neighborhood associations and social organizations.

The parade begins at Basantapur, Kathmandu Durbar Square, and proceeds along the old festival route to end at the starting point. The concluding function consists of speeches by community leaders, noted scholars and other prominent personalities. Prizes are awarded to the best cultural group and the winners of various competitions. The Chief Guest at the festivities is usually the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister. A fair is also held at Basantapur where music CD's, cassettes, books, magazines, calendars, T-shirts and other New Year's Day souvenirs are sold.

Nepal Sambat 1127 New Year Programmes     

BLOOD DONATION PROGRAM

Date, Place and Time: Changeable

The annual Blood Donation Program reflects the Manka Khala's commitment to social work. One of its major programs is publicizing the importance of donating blood and encouraging the public to participate by organizing blood donation camps at various places. The Manka Khala has received many awards for making the highest blood donation.

NEWAH MUNA

Date, Place and Time: Changeable (usually during the summer)

The Newah Muna is an informal garden party where guests are offered samay baji (Newar festival food). A large number of celebrities and members of the general public attend it. The Newah Muna is held as part of the Nepal Era New Year celebrations.

BHINTUNA SANIL

Date, Place and Time: Changeable

Another event marking the New Year, the Bhintuna Sanil is an evening of stage entertainment featuring songs, dances, comic skits and other acts.

SHANKHADHAR CUP NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT

Date, Place and Time: Changeable (usually during the winter)

Held to honor the memory of Shankhadhar Sakhwa, who introduced the Nepal Era 1124 years ago, the tournament brings together Nepal's finest table tennis players to compete against one another.

BIRTH ANNIVERSARY OF SIDDHI DAS

Date: Yanlaga 2 (September); Place: Kel Tol; Time: 5 A.M.

Siddhi Das Mahaju (1867-1930) is revered as one of the four pillars of Nepal Bhasa. He was one of the leaders of the literary renaissance that began in the late 1800's. The laureate poet's birth anniversary is commemorated with a musical procession at dawn. The participants march through the historic section of Kathmandu singing a song in his praise.