Connecting Teej with humanitarian service, Tuki Events sent Rs. 1.3 million in relief to Bhote Koshi floods victims

By NATI BABU BHATTA, COLORADO:- Following the massive loss of life and property caused by devastating floods and landslides in Nepal, Tuki Events, based in Colorado, USA, launched a relief fundraising campaign by integrating humanitarian service with this year’s Teej celebrations and has sent 1.3 million rupees to Nepal.

Tuki Events, which has been organizing programs annually to mark Haritalika Teej—a major festival for Nepali women—has this time deposited the proceeds from the event into the Prime Minister’s Natural Disaster Relief Fund of the Government of Nepal, in light of the disaster that struck the country.

It has been reported that approximately 1.3 million Nepali rupees were raised for the relief fund—comprising ticket sales and contributions from various sponsors—during the ‘Tuki Teej-4 for Nepal’ event held on September 5 at Ultra Lounge in Westminster, which was organized for women aged 18 and above.

Following the significant loss of life and property caused by floods and landslides in Nepal, organizers held serious discussions on whether to proceed with or postpone the scheduled Teej programs. Various reactions regarding the events were also received, both on social media and through individual channels.

While some held the view that organizing an entertainment event was inappropriate while Nepal was in a state of mourning and crisis, others suggested using the event as a platform for relief fundraising instead of cancelling it. Ultimately, it was decided not to postpone the event but to send the proceeds to assist citizens affected by the disaster in Nepal, stated Shruti Pandey, an event planner at Tuki Events.

“We were in a dilemma about whether or not to hold the event; it felt wrong to celebrate while Nepal was in distress. However, we decided to go ahead with the program and donate the proceeds to relief efforts,” said Pandey.

According to her, since Teej is not merely a festival of entertainment but also a cultural occasion that unites Nepali women and the community, the aim this time was to link that occasion with humanitarian service.

While previous editions of the event saw the participation of over 200 people, only about 70 attended this time. Although the number of participants dropped due to the impact of the disaster in Nepal and the prevailing sensitivity surrounding the event, the organizers are satisfied with having successfully raised a significant amount of money for relief efforts.

Shanti Bhusal stated that this initiative was undertaken with the aim that the funds raised from the event would help provide a meal for some families. Participants demonstrated a spirit of support that went beyond merely purchasing tickets; they also showed that they cared about the affected families in Nepal.

The effort to raise additional funds was bolstered when some individuals associated with the event suggested contributing their remuneration to the relief fund instead of accepting payment. According to Pandey, DJ Niraj Aryal and photographer Pramis Khatri of Golden Crest Visuals provided their services without charge.

Similarly, Dinesh Bhattarai and Manju Bhattarai of the Yak & Yeti Restaurant offered a discount of over US$ 1,500 on food and event hall charges, while also urging that the saved amount be sent to Nepal. Thus, individuals and businesspeople directly associated with the event demonstrated a commitment to providing support from their respective sectors during the time of crisis.

Teej is a significant cultural and religious festival for Nepali Hindu women. While deeply rooted in the bond between a woman and her natal home, mutual reunions, the sharing of joys and sorrows, and a sense of social unity, Teej has recently also become a vital opportunity for the Nepali diaspora to preserve their language, culture, traditions, and identity.

Various organizations and communities in Colorado have also been organizing Teej events every year. However, following the immense suffering caused by natural disasters in Nepal, Tuki Events has stated that it is making an effort to link the Teej celebration with humanitarian aid and social responsibility.

The program was successfully executed as a relief campaign to convey the message that even while living abroad, one can stand by the motherland during times of hardship. The incident in Nepal has saddened us all, yet there is also a need to continue with our daily lives and work. “We have been able to send the funds raised through the program for relief efforts,” said Pandey.

The organizers have expressed their gratitude to the participants, sponsors, artists, businesspeople, service providers, and everyone else directly or indirectly associated with the event for their support of the relief campaign.

At a time when Nepali communities both at home and abroad are mobilizing various forms of relief and assistance for those affected by floods and landslides in Nepal, “Tuki Teej-4 for Nepal” stands as an example of how a cultural event can be linked to social service.

Undertaken with the philosophy of “supporting the needy through the celebration itself rather than halting the festivities,” this initiative conveys the message of linking the tradition of celebrating Nepali festivals abroad with humanitarian service.