“Celebrating Nepali New Year in Colchester: A Festive Affair”

On Saturday, 13 April, the vibrant spirit of Nepali culture illuminated the Stanway Community Hall in Colchester as the Colchester Nepalese Society orchestrated a jubilant celebration to mark the Nepali New Year. The event, a testament to community solidarity and cultural richness, saw meticulous planning, enthusiastic participation and heartwarming camaraderie.

From the crack of the morning, the dedicated committee members, alongside three volunteers from each of the five areas, converged at the venue. Their collective efforts transformed the hall into a spectacle of festivity, adorning it with ornate decorations, setting up tables and chairs, and ensuring every detail was immaculately arranged, including the PA system.

By mid-afternoon, the hall stood resplendent, a testament to the labour of love poured into its preparation. As the clock struck 5 pm, members of the community began to trickle in, greeted by a tantalizing array of starters crafted by the skilled hands of a local chef, Mr Saroj Sherpa, under the meticulous supervision of Dambar Limbu and Kul Limbu. The beverages flowed abundantly, overseen by Rubin Gurung, Mandy Gurung, Asha Gurung, and Gunu Pun, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and indulged.

At 6:30 pm, the official program commenced, guided by Cultural Coordinator Mitra Gurung and his assistant Sanu Subba. The evening unfolded seamlessly, with poignant moments of remembrance, heartfelt speeches, and the ceremonial lighting of candles symbolizing unity and hope. The air reverberated with the stirring melodies of Nepali and British anthems, punctuated by captivating performances by the community's talented singers and dancers, orchestrated with finesse by Mitra Gurung, Sanu Subba and Secretary Mukti Limbu. The Area Reps, Mahesh Gurung, Dipen Mohora, Sagar Shreshtha, Usha Gurung/Ghale and Karna Bahadur Rana equally played an important role in attracting their members to Nepali New Year.

As the night progressed, the aroma of mouth-watering main courses, crafted with care by Saroj Sherpa and his team, filled the hall, satiating the appetites of all in attendance. The ensuing hours were a whirlwind of music, dance, and laughter, fuelled by the infectious energy of Mahesh Gurung and Dipen Mohora's typical Nepali tunes.

Acknowledging the contributions of performers and sponsors alike, the evening culminated in a heartfelt gesture of gratitude as tokens of appreciation were bestowed upon them. The jubilant atmosphere reached its pinnacle with the popping of champagne corks, marking the arrival of the New Year amidst cheers and applause.

As the clock struck midnight and the festivities drew to a close, the hall was left aglow with the warmth of shared memories and the promise of new beginnings. With spirits lifted and hearts full, attendees bid farewell, leaving behind echoes of laughter and strengthened bonds of the community.

In reflecting upon the event's success, gratitude resounds for the tireless efforts of the committee members, volunteers, performers, and attendees, whose collective contributions wove the fabric of a celebration to be cherished and remembered. As the Colchester Nepalese Society looks to the future, may the spirit of unity and joy that permeated this occasion continue to guide and inspire endeavours.

Well done, indeed, to all involved.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS