Gurung (Tamu) Society celebrates Lhochar in New York :: Gurungs Online :: Tamu Nasa - An online village of Gurungs and Friends of Gurungs

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Jul 23, 2008 - 01:49 PM

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Gurung (Tamu) Society celebrates Lhochar in New York

The Tamu Society Inc., a non-profit organization of Gurungs in the USA, organized its 9th annual Lhochar program on Saturday, December 29th in New York City. This year is Chyu-Lho (mouse) year, according to the Tamu tradition. The program was attended by more than 400 people from New York Tri-state area, Boston, Washington D.C., Atlanta, and Canada. The Nepalese Ambassador to the U.N, H.E. Madhuraman Acharya and Mrs. Acharya also attended the event.

It was a beautiful Saturday evening, relatively warmer for the month of December. People started flocking to the venue from 7 PM when the doors opened. The Tamu volunteers welcomed the guests and representatives of various organizations with traditional 'khada' (white/golden scarf) at the door. Adult Tamus and their children were wearing traditional Tamu dress. People were seen greeting each other "Happy Lhochar". The hosts of the cultural program, Khagendra Gurung and Radha Gurung started the show on time at 8:30 PM . Adviser of Tamu Society, Dr. Sukh Gurung welcomed the guests and then spoke briefly about the meaning of Lhochar or "New Year" in Tamu tradition. The new President of Tamu Society, Tika Gurung thanked and bid farewell to the outgoing President, Narayan Gurung.

The cultural program featured many traditional Nepalese and Tamu dances choreographed by Ramesh Gurung and Dharambir Lama. Artists from Boston Tamu Samaj also danced. Noted singers, Roshan Gurung and Jit Gurung performed and entertained along with Prakash Gurung and Rajesh Thapa. Many dancers were talented young Tamu students, mostly from middle and high schools; they showcased several traditional Tamu dances.

"In addition to the wonderful talent displayed by the young people, the most remarkable thing was to see them developing appreciation for their cultural heritage and deep sense of community", said Ashok Gurung, Director of India China Institute at the New School University, New York City and adviser of Tamu Society.

Tamu Society's President Tika Gurung distributed certificates of appreciation to all artists and volunteers. He specially thanked Harkajang Gurung, the main coordinator of this year's Lhochar event for his leadership and job well done.

Tamu Society Inc. fosters and promotes youth participation and development through its various programs such as education project in Tanting village school, a scholarship program, language school for young kids, and youth committee activities. It has been organizing annual event in New York City for the last nine years.