The second iteration of Newa Language and Culture Workshop took place at SOAS University in London, UK, this week, which included a presentation and a play session for three endangered board games from Nepal. 

The first session of the event, organised by the SOAS Newar Language Society in association with Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, entailed practical lessons on basic conversations in Nepal Bhasa. Starting the workshop in Nepal Bhasa, Merlina Frisone also presented a short documentary on the language which was followed by a presentation on Yomarhi Punhi, the winter festival observed in the Kathmandu Valley. 

As part of the first session, the attendees also enjoyed a traditional lunch of Samay-Baji. During the second session, Sushil Prajapati led the audience through a presentation of three different traditional board games, such as Kassi-Pyacha, an endangered game which is still played among the elderly in Bhaktapur; traditional Newar mask dances and the stories behind them; various Newar music traditions; and the accessories related to Bhaila Pyakhan. 

Furthermore, the partcipants also tried each masks of Bhairab, Betaal and Bhuchha; and tried costumes of Bhairaband, while they even attempted at performing the dance practice. 

The event ended with a documentary presentation on Nepal Bhasa and a discussion on how the endangered language can be saved and revived.