DASHAIN & TIHAR MELA INVITATION Dear Community Members, Namaste! The America Nepal Society (ANS) is organizing a Nepali Mela celebrating the great Nepali festivals of Dashain and Tihar, on Sunday 31st October 2004.� This will be yet another great opportunity for Nepali people and friends of Nepal living in the DC metro area to meet friends and relatives, exchange greetings and good wishes, and celebrate the Dashain and Tihar festivals in grand style! The Mela will provide a celebration of Nepali art, culture, food and religion for expatriate Nepalese and Friends of Nepal.� Some of the attractions at this year's Mela are: a Nepali cultural show featuring immerging new talent from our own community and a few famous surprises; stalls for sale of Nepali art, crafts, clothing, audio and video cassettes and C.D recordings of Neplai music; and a book fair. If you would like to perform in the cultural show at the Mela, please contact Saroj Prajapati: (301 528 7006), Tika Pun: (571 215 2933) or Prem Sangraula (703 356 3874) The ANS has organized lots of fun for all age groups. This year we will hold children's activities from 11 am to 1 pm.� So be sure to have your children there on time!� The ANS will award a special present to each and every child who comes in fancy dress. New this year we have a special "Dashain Tihar Bhansa Ghar".� All the food dishes wil prepared by our Nepali Aama, Didi, Bahini, & Bhaujuharu.� Freshly prepared hot food and snacks will be on sale.� We will have sel roti, aaloo ko achar, sumptuous momo, khasi ko masu, and a variety of vegetarian foods. The ANS is in a process of publishing its Aawaj news magazine if you wish to contribute your poem, news article, advertisement etc, please contact Editor, Mr. Basanta Shrestha, (703 528 4848) or email bshrestha1@man.com. Also, the new America Nepal Society Executive Board will be announce at the Mela. Entrance fee:� adults and children 5 years and over: only $2 (Children under 5 years free). This entrance fee is to cover the hall rental The Venue for the Mela: The Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Hall 2148 Gallows Road Dunn Loring, VA 22027 Tel: 703- 702-6925 The Dunn Loring Volunteer Fire & Rescue Department Hall is just outside the Capitol Beltway, close to Tyson's Corner.� As well as being easy to find, it provides good parking and excellent facilities. The fun will stretch from 10.00 am through to 8 pm, so you and your family, friends and neighbours can come and join us any time during the day. But remember to bring children early for their special events. Details of the program schedule will be sent out in a friendly reminder message nearer to the date. Yours sincerely, Rajendra Oli President, American Nepal Society Tel: 703 931 1480