Nepali Mela: The Himalayan Festival

August 06

Nathan Philips Square, Toronto was the venue this year for a new Nepali Mela. While Newcastle Mela, England was getting towards the end of its first day on 27 August, Toronto, Canada was getting into action with its first Nepali Mela. Organised by the Nepalese Canadian Community Services (NCCS) this was a platform for Nepalese and non-Nepalese to experience and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of Nepal. It featured an extensive array of Nepalese arts, crafts, food, and music that gave a taste of the rich cultural heritage and diversity of Nepal. This new Mela is seen as a vital opportunity for building cross cultural ties between Nepalese and non-Nepalese and enhancing the multicultural spirit of Toronto.

One key goal of the Nepali Mela is to try and present Nepal in its rich diversity. Unique folk dances like Laakhe dance, Tamang Selos, Yak dance, Tharu dance and traditional as well as modern songs of different genres performed in the mela captured a range of beautiful nuances of diverse castes and cultures of Nepal. From the low lying Terai belt inhabited by Maithili, Tharu and Chowdhary communities, to the Tamang, Newar, Gurung, Kirat and the Tibetan community who live in the mid hills and the upper Himalayas of Nepal, all were repreesented.

The Nepali Mela included a painting and photo exhibition of Nepal by Toronto-based Nepalese artists. Also participants were able to get a taste of Nepalese food and view and purchase Nepalese crafts from the wide array of stalls.