Trillium Foundation Teej Festival 2024, held on September 1st, was a stunning celebration of culture, community, and women’s empowerment. The event brought together vibrant performances, traditional music, and powerful speeches that highlighted the rich heritage of Nepal and the achievements of women in the community.
The day began with a professional photo shoot and a meet-and-greet session, giving attendees the chance to connect and share in the excitement. The event kicked off with lively introductions by the MCs, setting a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
The festival was officially inaugurated when President Lilen Gurung, Nima McElhinney and Shara Micucii lit the ceremonial Paanas while Pandit Dharma Raj Shastri recited the sacred Ganesh Mantra. The national anthems of Nepal and Canada followed, symbolizing unity between the two cultures and launching the event with a sense of pride. President Gurung then delivered an inspiring opening speech, setting a powerful tone for the evening.
The performances began with a mesmerizing musical display led by Ranjana Pradhan Sainju and her team, who captivated the audience with traditional pieces such as Mangal Dhun and Teej Dhun, accompanied by the melodic sounds of the sitar and tabla. One of the highlights was the soulful Shiva Bhajan and the energetic Shiva Taandav dance .
The second set of performances, led by Himalayan Vibes featured an instrumental ensemble including the Madal, Saarangi, and Flute, bringing authentic Nepali music to life. This was followed by captivating dance performances, including Yo Ho Pran Vanda Pyaro Maiti Ghar by Binu Adhikari & Sukriti Aryal and a dazzling group dance choreographed by Swikriti Khadka and her team.
Trillium Foundation took a moment to honor its valued sponsors. Title Sponsors, Yam Khatri of Kathmandu Restaurant and Rajan Khatri of Street Food Momo , along with silver and bronze sponsors, were presented with certificates of appreciation for their significant contributions to the event.
As the evening progressed, heartfelt speeches further enriched the festival. Dr. Mukti Suvedi, Executive Director of Trillium Foundation, welcomed the guests of honor, followed by a powerful speech on women’s empowerment by Anupama Ghimire , Director of Women Empowerment at the Foundation. Their words resonated deeply, especially given the festival’s focus on celebrating womanhood and resilience.
The evening concluded with a series of performances, including a symbolic group dance featuring flags that represented cultural pride and unity. Trillium Teej Fashion Show 2024 was another visual highlight, showcasing traditional attire alongside modern designs.
By the end of the night, Shristi Shrestha, Senior Director of Women Empowerment and Miss Nepal Canada 2024 , took to the stage to congratulate the winners of the lucky draw and express gratitude to all participants, wrapping up the festival on a high note.
The event closed with a special musical performance by Mina Niraula, followed by high-energy dance and DJ sets. DJ Lhawang’s electrifying beats ensured the celebration continued late into the night, ending the festival on a joyful and festive note.
As attendees left, they carried with them fond memories of a night filled with cultural pride, community unity, and a celebration of the power of women.
