Canada’s Nepalese communities cancel Teej festivals after deadly Nepal floods

Canada's Nepalese communities have canceled their Teej festivals this weekend in response to the deadly flash flooding that struck Nepal and China. Teej is a Hindu celebration commemorating womanhood, typically observed during this weekend. Organizers in cities like Toronto, Brampton, and Calgary decided to cancel the events due to the devastating disaster.

Punam Dhungel, president of the Nepali Canadian Women’s Society of B.C., explained that this was the first time their sold-out event was canceled. She expressed regret for disappointing over 300 people who had purchased tickets and redirected the $15,000 in ticket sales to humanitarian relief efforts. The flash floods claimed around 800 lives and left about 3,000 people missing after a glacier collapsed in the Himalayan border region.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand confirmed that one Canadian who was missing had been found safe. Nepalese Canadian Community Services president Sudarshan Sapkota reported that many community members in Canada had family members in Nepal who were affected and some still missing. Sapkota and his friends, who were involved in hydro-power projects, are fundraising to support the relief efforts, raising thousands of dollars through sports events. The Canadian government has pledged $5 million in urgent humanitarian aid to assist Nepal.