By: Enrica Bade, Youth Leadership Team Member of the FONNJ
March 29, 2026, New Jersey Buddhist Vihara, Princeton
Walking into the New Jersey Buddhist Vihara that morning with my family felt like stepping into a piece of home, not the physical home we live in now, but the home carried in our memories, our stories, and our blood. As a Newah born in the USA far from Nepal, I’ve always felt a quiet longing to understand where I come from. But on this day, surrounded by familiar
sounds, colors, and faces, that longing softened into something warmer: belonging.
Lakh Batti, Chaitya Puja & Procession
The event began with the Lakh Batti (Offering of One Hundred Thousand Lights) ceremony, and as the flames flickered, I felt something shift inside me. It wasn’t just a ritual; it was a reminder of the generations before me who lit these same lamps with the same hopes. Standing beside my
parents, watching the Chaitya Puja and walking in the procession with the Bhantes (Buddhist monks or venerable teachers), I felt connected not only to my family but to an entire lineage.
There was a moment during the procession when I looked around and saw elders, children, friends, strangers, all moving together in quiet reverence. It struck me how powerful it is to be part of a community that carries its culture with such devotion, even thousands of miles away from its origin.
World Newah Day Celebration
The celebration that followed was vibrant and full of life. The beat of the Dhime drums from the New Jersey and New York groups echoed through the areas, and for a moment, it felt like the streets of Kathmandu during a festival. The dances, the songs, the laughter, everything blended into a beautiful reminder of who we are.
What touched me most was seeing people from so many backgrounds join us. It reminded me that culture isn’t something to keep hidden or guarded; it’s something to share. Watching my parents talk proudly about our traditions, seeing children dance in traditional outfits, and hearing
stories from community members made me realize how alive our heritage truly is.
As someone born into a Newah family in the USA but raised far from Nepal, I often wondered if I could ever feel the same depth of connection my parents feel. But that day, I did.
Stupa of Enlightenment
The dedication to the Stupa was one of the most peaceful moments of the entire event. Standing before it, I felt a sense of calm I didn’t expect. The idea that even the wind touching the Stupa becomes blessed, and carries that blessing to every being it brushes, felt incredibly moving.
I thought about the people who built it, the devotion behind every stone, and the intention to create something that will bless generations long after us. It made me think about what we leave behind, what we pass on, and how culture survives through acts of love like this.
What This Day Meant to Me?
Being there with my family, watching my parents’ eyes light up with pride, hearing the language of my ancestors spoken around me, it all made me feel grounded in a way I rarely experience. It wasn’t just an event; it was a reminder of who I am and where I come from.
I left feeling full of pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of identity. And I know I’m not alone. Many of us who grew up outside Nepal carry pieces of our culture quietly, sometimes unsure of how to express them. But events like this bring those pieces together and make them whole.
I’m already looking forward to next year, to celebrating again with my family, my community, and everyone who comes with open hearts to honor Newah heritage.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Tulsi Maharjan, Founding President of FONNJ, whose vision and dedication made this celebration truly meaningful; to the President and members of FONNJ for their continued leadership; to INAS New Jersey for their unwavering
support; to the New Jersey and New York Dhimey Dance Groups for filling the event with the vibrant heartbeat of our culture; and to all the volunteers, participants, and sponsors whose generosity, hard work, and spirit brought this memorable event to life and allowed our community to come together in pride, unity, and joy.
Enrica Bade, Youth Leadership Team Member of the Friends of Nepal-New Jersey, if you like to join the Youth Leadership Team, contact fon.newjersey@gmail.com
The Asha Project 