Dhankuta, November 10
A group of 20 artists brought the joy of Tihar to 36 elderly residents of Bishranti Old Age Home in Mulgath, Dhankuta, with Deusi-Bhailo performances, songs and dances.
Led by senior folk singer Tulsi Parajuli, the artists visited the old age home in Dhankuta Municipality-9 with musical instruments and performed traditional festival songs. The elderly residents joined the celebrations, singing and dancing along. While some were moved to tears, others celebrated with smiles and enthusiasm.
The team included 76-year-old singer Tikadevi Parajuli, Meghraj Ghimire, Durga Parajuli, Nagendra Katuwal, Mekhraj Karki, Ramesh Adhikari and Tara Dhakal, among others.
Tulsi Parajuli performed nearly a dozen songs, including some of his popular numbers. Tikadevi Parajuli also presented a song she had recently recorded at the age of 76.
For Sushila Vaidya of Chitwan, who has been living at the old age home for 15 years, the programme was particularly memorable. She said she had finally experienced genuine happiness after a long time, despite having relatives who rarely visited her.
“I have been here for so many years, but today I got the chance to enjoy myself wholeheartedly. During many festivals, I have sat by the river remembering my relatives and shedding tears,” she said.
Seventy-five-year-old Sita Tamang of Bhojpur also enthusiastically danced to almost every song.
The artists said celebrating Tihar with elderly people separated from their families had brought them a sense of personal fulfilment.
Along with entertainment, the team provided Rs 22,000 in cash, food supplies and fruits to the old age home. Tulsi Parajuli’s family contributed Rs 11,100, while other individuals also provided financial assistance.
Both the artists and donors were honoured by the old age home for their contributions.
