Punya Foundation in Canada and Australia celebrated Tihar aka Deepawali 2020 organising Deusi and Bhailo. The year 2020 has been tough to organise celebrations due to the ongoing pandemics.
Abiding by COVID-19 precautionary regulations, Canada team went creative organising virtual celebration, connecting various provinces and coast to coast. Mr Indra Timsina (Board of Director, Punya Foundation Canada) facilitated the entertaining program. Mr Laxmi Adhikari, a schoolteacher back in Panchaoti English School and currently a composer, singer and a social worker was the lead deusi-bhailo singer. Mr Chabi Dhakal (vice president, Punya Foundation, Canada), Mr Tilak Khapangi and Mr Shiva Nepal were others augmenting the program. Mr Timsina traversed deusi-bhailo team through a number of houses in different provinces in Canada and externally.
Under the lead of Mr Kashi Adhikari (Director of Programs), Punya Foundation’s Executives including its CEO Mr Til Chand Sapkota, Director of Finance Mr Hari Pokhrel and Coordinator Ms Chandra Subedi attended deusi-bhailo in Adelaide. Mr Prem Gurung attended the harmonium and Mr Dilli Adhikari and Mr Ashish Baral volunteered. Mr Puskar Poudyal representing Senior Helpers Paradise helped in coordination.
Deusi-bhailo team were welcomed by Namaste Supermarket and Jewellery shop, Sam’s Continental and two families. The Deusi-bhailo program raised $1180 (Namaste Supermarket $270, Chandrakot Jewellery $280, Sam’s Continental and Restaurant $300, Mr Devi Charan Sapkota $ 130 and Mr Hari Sharma $200).
Councillor City of Salisbury, Mr Chad Bauchanan graced the program as a special guest. Punya Foundation extends sincere thanks to the special guest, board members who managed to participate, volunteers and donors.