Kathmandu: Members of the sexual and gender minority community lit lamps on the occasion of the Gai Jatra festival to remember their deceased community members as well as those who lost their lives in the Bhote Koshi floods.
On Saturday, the Blue Diamond Society (Nil Hira Samaj) organized a program at Khulla Manch in Kathmandu, where lamps were lit in memory of people who lost their lives due to devastating disasters in the country and community members who died prematurely for various reasons throughout the past year.
The annual Gai Jatra Pride Parade was suspended this year, and only a candle-lighting ceremony was held, said Peter Rai of the organizing organization.
“We suspended the 14th Gai Jatra and Pride Parade and only lit lamps in memory of those who have passed away. At this time of grief, we have prayed for the peace of their souls,” she said.
Speaking at the event, Member of Parliament Bhumika Shrestha, who represents the community, said that the country is facing a devastating situation and that many members of the community across the country have lost their lives prematurely. She said it was their responsibility to light candles and remember them.
She also noted that there is still much work to be done to address the problems and issues faced by the community, and wished that everyone would gain greater strength and resilience during this difficult time.
Blue Diamond Society President Umisha (Umesh) Pandey said that although the organization usually celebrates the Gai Jatra Pride Parade on a grand scale, it decided to commemorate the deceased by lighting lamps this year, taking into consideration the fact that the country is mourning.
“We lost 12 community members who had been in contact with us over the past year. The devastating floods caused even greater losses. Given the circumstances, we held a simple candle-lighting ceremony in memory of those who have passed away,” she said.
On the occasion, the Society also announced a donation of Rs. 100,000 to the Prime Minister’s Disaster Relief Fund, said the organization’s Executive Director, Manisha Dhakal.
She said that, because the country is facing a major disaster and it was not possible to celebrate the Gai Jatra Pride Parade with enthusiasm, the organization chose to remember the deceased by lighting lamps and contributing Rs. 100,000 to the state relief fund.
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