13 Jan, Limassol
The Magar community living in Cyprus celebrated this year’s Maghe Sankranti in a grand and joyful way. The Maghe Sankranti Special Cultural Program, organized by the Nepal Magar Association Europe Region Cyprus, was successfully held last Sunday at the Neo Fista Hall in Limassol.

The program was organized to preserve and promote Nepali culture, traditions, identity, and unity among Nepalis living abroad. Representatives from different Nepali organizations, social workers, intellectuals, artists, volunteers, media persons, and community members attended the event in large numbers.

The founding member and chief advisor of Nepal Magar Association Cyprus, Jasu Pun Magar, attended the program as the chief guest. Also present were Dr. Ram Jeevan Panjiyar, Head of the Nepali Consular Office in Cyprus, and the President and General Secretary of the Non-Resident Nepali Association Cyprus, Dhatananda Pandey and Renuka Thapa Magar.

Speaking at the program, Consul Dr. Ram Jeevan Panjiyar extended best wishes on the occasion of Maghe Sankranti. He said that promoting and protecting native art and culture while living abroad plays an important role in strengthening unity within the Nepali community.

Similarly, NRNA Cyprus President Dhatananda Pandey congratulated the organizers and said that some individuals or groups have recently tried to spread negative messages on social media about Nepali institutions in Cyprus. He reminded the audience of the positive social work done by Nepali organizations in the past and encouraged everyone to move forward in a more united and organized way.

The program was attended by representatives from various ethnic and social organizations, including Nepal Tamang Ghedung Cyprus, Kirat Rai Yayokkha Cyprus, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung Cyprus, Sherpa Kidug Cyprus, Tamu Samaj Cyprus, Chitwan Sewa Samaj, Sudurpaschimeli Sewa Samaj, and Helping Hand.

To make the event more entertaining, Europe-based guest artist, singer, and lyricist Tulsi Siwakoti gave a special musical performance. Despite the cold weather in Cyprus, his energetic performance kept the audience engaged and created a lively atmosphere.

The cultural segment featured traditional dances and performances from the Magar, Tamang, Sherpa, Kirat, and Chaudhary communities. Highlights included the traditional Magar Kaura dance by local artists from Limassol and Paphos, Mendomaya dance by Nepal Tamang Ghedung Cyprus, Sebru dance by Sherpa Kidug Cyprus, Kelang Chyabrung dance by Kirat Yakthung Chumlung Cyprus, and Sakela Sili by Kirat Rai Yayokkha Cyprus. A Chaudhary cultural dance added more color to the program.

Around 450 people attended the program, many of them wearing traditional ethnic dress. Nepalis from Mechi in the east to Mahakali in the west were present, showing that the event was a shared cultural celebration for the entire Nepali community in Cyprus.

The organizers thanked hosts Kham Maya Pun Magar and Puran Magar, DJ Laxmi Shrestha, volunteers involved in food management, financial supporters, and everyone who helped make the program successful.

At the end of the program, Darshan Balal Magar, President of Nepal Magar Association Cyprus, expressed gratitude to all guests, artists, organizations, media persons, volunteers, and attendees. He also said he hopes for continued support, unity, and cooperation within the Nepali community in the future.