''Colchester Nepalese Society bade Farewell to late Hari Lal Phiyak Limbu on Wednesday 21 December''

We the Colchester Nepalese Society bade farewell to Late Hari Lal Phiyak Limbu on his journey to eternity. The society with it’s Limbu members organised a traditional funeral ritual to support the grieving family during this difficult time.

The close relatives of the deceased travelled from far and wide to say their final goodbye whilst the members of the Colchester Nepalese Society turned up in huge number to show their social solidarity which the grieving family was thankful for. Culturally and traditionally rich our Nepalese society, the neighbours present also saw the ways the Limbu community members bade their final farewell.

The funeral director Mr Karl oversaw the funeral procession before the piper Mr Paul Young led the pallbearers; among them his son Mr Harbin Phiyak Limbu, into the chapel after the Limbu rituals were carried out.

The daughter Miss Amina Phiyak Limbu gave a very moving eulogy and thanked everyone for being there for the funeral. The Colchester Nepalese Society Vice-Chairman Mr Rajendra Sherchan MBE added to her eulogy on behalf of the society.

The bereaved family members followed by the KYC Colchester branch chairman; Mr Deuman Limbu and Colchester Nepalese Society vice- chairman gave a floral tribute by laying wreaths. Other mourners followed to pay their final respect with the flowers provided by the society and also gave wood before moving out of the chapel. Outside, they went through the purification; walking over fire pit and thorns before being sprinkled with water from a copper pot by Mr Debiraj Limbu following the age old tradition.

In lieu of flower tributes from individuals, a donation box was made available for the mourners. The proceeds will be handed over to the Cancer Research in the days ahead.

Mr Ghan Prasad Khajum took the important role of celebrant to led the service whilst the must traditional Limbu rituals were performed by the Limbu priest(Phedangma); Mr Debindra Limbu with assistance from Mr Sing Bahadur Limbu.

The refreshments for the mourners were arranged at the Abbeygate House co-ordinated by Mr Dambar Limbu with Mrs Joshana Limbu. We thank Mr Umesh Pun MVO and the Gurkha Home families for their kindness and welcome.

Finally, the society chairman Mr Uday Bahadur Gurung MBE spoke a few words about late Hari Lal Phiyak Limbu who was an active member of the Colchester Nepalese Society and handed over £500 to the widow Mrs Binu Limbu to help ease the financial burden during this difficult time.

We thank everyone on behalf of the grieving family for their time, commitment and most importantly being part of the team to say a fond farewell to their loved one for the final time. They are beyond grateful.

Mukti Limbu

Secretary/Trustee

CNS

Dear Secretary,

A very well done for the most appropriate upload. We are very proud of you. I am sure everyone appreciates your dedication and hard work towards the grieving family.

I thank Mr Ghan Prasad Khajom, Mr Debendra Limbu (Phedamba), Singa Bahadur Limbu, Chair Limbu Society Mr Deuman Limbu and the rest of the Limbus and CNS Vice-Chair and other committee members and general members for their fond farewell to the late Hari Lal Limbu. I must also thank Advisor Umesh Pun MVO, CNS food coordinator Mr Dambar Limbu and Mrs Massna Limbu and Gurkha Home members for their kind assistance in providing refreshments.

Well done everyone.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS