Benalla’s Nepalese community celebrated Teej at the end of August with a colourful and culturally significant day on Jaycee Island.
Surakshya Regmi moved to Benalla with her husband, Manoj Sapkot, and 10-month-old son, Ojas Sapkota, six months ago and said they have loved living in the Rose City.
“I think this was the first time we have had Teej in Benalla. It is the festival celebrated by women in Nepal,” Surakshya said.
“It typically falls in August or September and lasts for three days.
“Women fast during this period to pray for the long life and wellbeing of their husbands, as well as for a prosperous family.”
The festival involves various rituals, singing, dancing and wearing red attire, and it holds significant cultural and religious importance in Nepal.
“It was really nice,” Surakshya said.
“We were in the park (Jaycee Island), and we had around 15 people from the Nepalese community.
“We all bring Nepalese food. We had rice, chicken curry, goat curry, lentil soup and lots of different things.”
She said a highlight for everyone involved was the number of local people not from the Nepalese community who joined in.
“There were so many local people who came and took part in the singing and dancing,” she said.
“We shared our food with them. It was really lovely, and they were so happy to be with us on that day.
“I can tell you, no-one went hungry.”
Surakshya said everyone involved would love to invite the Benalla community to celebrate Teej next year.
Keep an eye out for details in early August 2024.