Kathmandu:

People have their own way of celebrating festivals depending upon locality, economic and social dynamics and personal inclination. Teej, a three-day festival that Nepali women claim is for themselves alone, falls on September 6 this year. To mark the festival, Women’s Creation Centre is organising Teej Festival 2005 at Nepa Dhuku Hall, Hotel Raddison, Lazimpat

on August 12 and 13. There are about 70 stalls comprising things prepared by housewives and businesswomen. Scarlet saris, red glass bangles, crimson cotton yearn for hair garlands made of beads and ornaments that are particular of this festival are for sale. Apart from this, garments of all kinds and other accessories, foodstuffs and handicrafts are also on sale for reasonable price. Milu Thapa, convener, Teej Festival 2005 said “Being a festival exclusively for women we tried to incorporate all the things that particularly women are involved in making.” Of 70 stalls, 10 are allotted to those who could not afford to pay the price for putting up a stall for Rs 5,000 each. Hotel Radisson is also offering food festival at very low price. The aim of organising the festival is to set off the festive mood and, at the same time, give an opportunity to showcase and market their creation. This is the fourth time Women’s Creation Center has been organising the festival. Women’s Creation Centre is an NGO established in 1997 by three ladies with a single concept - Milu Thapa, Anita Shrestha, and Binu Shrestha. Its aim is to uplift the women by means of vocational skill development and income generation. There are more than 100 women working in the organisation.

The festival is open to all and will continue till Aug 13.