Newah Organization of America (NOA) successfully completed 10th Group Kayeta Puja (Bratabandha) Ceremony on Sunday, July 10th, 2022 at Washington Kali Temple, Maryland in the presence of a large cross section of community members, family members, representatives of various organizations and media partners. Kayeta Puja is a unique and significant religious milestone ceremony considered as a rite of passage marking the boy’s transitions to young adulthood, enabling to perform his duties faithfully, gain knowledge and take responsibilities according to hindu scripture. Renowned Newah Priest, Scholar and Cultural Ambassador Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay performed the sacred ritual ceremony.
This year’s participants are as followings:
The auspicious ceremony commenced with lightning of traditional Twarba by NOA’s senior most founding member Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha, who also recently celebrated his third Janku (Devratharohan) and is considered as symbolically attained divinity as per the hindu culture. Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha and his spouse Mrs. Haribaba Kayastha consistently assisted and led Kayeta Puja ceremonies as Nayo and Naki for many years and NOA is fortunate for their contribution and service to the community. Then Newah priest Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay initiated the Pitri Shraddha (Nandimukhi) and sacred puja is assisted by NOA’s one of the other senior founding member Mr. Hariman Shrestha serving as the Nyoku for the ceremony and NOA is thankful and appreciate for this important role, then followed with symbolically summoning and remembering three generations of ancestors of all the participants. Kayeta puja ceremony commenced with the traditional custom of receiving blessings from the priest, parents, relatives and huge attendees. The enthusiastic participants enjoyed ritual practice and witnessed the boy’s first ever hair shaving leaving the middle sacred hair (Angsa) by the maternal uncles (Pajus) and other relatives, then the hairs cautiously collected by the aunties (Ninis), the tradition of wearing Kayeta made of 7 special cloth pieces, carrying bow and arrows, the fascinating rituals of seven steps on the betel-nut leaves along with betel nut and followed by highly entertaining chases by the maternal uncles (Pajus) along with live music of traditional Dhimey and Bhusya instruments charmingly played by Mr. Jayambu Ranjit, Mr. Divakar Dhauhadel and Mr. Yagya Man Shakya.
NOA treasurer Mr. Divakar Dhaubhadel was the coordinator of this year’s Kayeta Puja and also facilitated the ceremonial program with the priest. At the conclusion of the ceremony, renown Newah priest and scholar Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay expressed his satisfaction and thanked NOA for the opportunity and conducting this milestone program. In his address to the audiences, Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay evidently reminded the significance of conducting the rituals, maintaining our rich culture, tradition and commended NOA president and entire team for their outstanding work in continuously promoting, preserving our heritage in the USA. He also distributed Certificates of Completion to all Kayeta Puja participants respectively and NOA president Mr. Yagya man Shakya presented a souvenir and token of love to all parents of the participants. NOA is deeply honored and extended sincere gratitude to parents and relatives of the participants and felicitated them all on this milestone ceremony.
On behalf of the NOA, President Mr. Yagya man Shakya sincerely thanked all the participants, their families, representatives of various organizations, guests and expressed appreciation for their trust, support and participation in this important ritual event organized by NOA. Mr. Shakya also conveyed sincere gratitude to renowned newah priest Mr. Basav Rajopadhyay for seamlessly completing the ritual ceremony and NOA treasurer Mr. Divakar Dhaubhadel for successfully coordinating this year’s Kayeta Puja event. He also extended special thanks to the NOA’s founding members Mr. Ganesh Lal Kayastha and his spouse Mrs. Haribaba Kayastha for inaugurating and continuously serving as Nayo and Naki of the ceremony and NOA Founding member Mr. Hariman Shrestha performing the important role of Nyoku for Puja ceremony. Mr. Shakya thanked NOA’s Founding Members, past Executive Committee members, Past Presidents, Advisor and representatives of various organizations for their continued patronage. Mr. Shakya also thanked Executive Members and their spouses for their tireless efforts and great team work, volunteer friends for great assistance, eNepalease media partner for live broadcasting, recognized Mr. Brajesh Maharjan for capturing exquisite moments, Mr. Roshan Lal Shrestha of THV media for outstanding videography, Chutney Restaurant, Columbia, MD for catering delicious vegetarian food and the Washington Kali Temple for providing an excellent venue.
NOA Executive member spouses and dedicated volunteers served breakfast in the morning and delicious vegetarian lunch in the afternoon. NOA believes and hopes this milestone ritual ceremony concludes with unforgettable memories and wonderful experiences. NOA is honored to be a partner in this sacred journey of our life cycle and takes great pride in promoting, preserving, and practicing rich Newah culture, heritage and tradition in the United States.
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