Empowering women through Teej celebrations

By Caitlyn Grant

Aug 31, 2022

Celebrate: Aasha Aryal, Jyoti Sharma, Amveca Lama and Brishna Shakya.

Teej celebrations in the region have begun with a burst of colour and a recurrent theme of connection.

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On Wednesday, August 24 more than 80 people joined at the Shepparton Italian Social Club to commemorate one of the most sacred Hindu festivals.

Bishal Kunwar, Lekha Nath Aryal, Amrit Kandel, Bhesh Baral, Bhim Lama and Suman Thapa wanted to bring the Goulburn Valley’s Nepalese community together for a feast to celebrate the occasion.

“Our goal was to get everyone together and provide them with opportunity to connect with each other and share their stories,” Mr Kunwar said.

Teej is the largest Nepalese festival and is observed across the globe in August and September to celebrate and empower women.

Mr Kunwar said the festival was normally celebrated for three days, which includes enjoying a grand feast, fasting, worshipping Lord Shiva, bathing in the holy river and performing cultural and traditional dances.

Women wore traditional Nepalese dress at the event and traditional Teej music was played, with the inclusion of musical chairs and dancing competitions.

“We truly believed that this event has created a unity and harmony between the Nepalese people living in Shepparton,” Mr Kunwar said.

“They showed their love for culture and tradition, and this love for culture and tradition will eventually flow down to our children.”