“Colchester Nepalese Society welcomes the Nepal New Year 2082 with a Joyous Celebration”

On Saturday, 12 April 2025, the Colchester Nepalese Society (CNS) hosted a vibrant and heartfelt celebration to mark the Nepalese New Year 2082 at Firstsite, Colchester. The event in Studios 1 and 2 brought together community members of all ages to celebrate tradition, culture, and community spirit.

Preparation for the event began at 3:30 pm, with the committee and dedicated volunteers transforming the venue into a festive haven by 5:00 pm. Their efforts were greatly supported by Tom from Firstsite, whose assistance with the decorations helped create a welcoming and celebratory atmosphere.

As the final touches were being made, the aroma of mouth-watering starters prepared by the Royal Gurkha Lounge filled the room. Guests began arriving by 5:30 pm and were invited to enjoy the delicious offerings as the evening kicked off to the upbeat tunes of DJ Dipen Mohora, who also serves as the Area Representative for Gurdon Road. Naina Sing Gurung set up the PA system.

The formal proceedings commenced with a brief Health and Safety announcement from the Society's Secretary Mukti Limbu. This was followed by the symbolic lighting of candles by CNS Chair Udai B. Gurung MBE and Vice Chair Mrs Sanu Subba, setting a respectful and hopeful tone for the evening. The Vice-Chair delivered a heartfelt speech reflecting on the significance of the Nepalese New Year, underscoring the importance of cultural preservation and unity.

In a poignant moment of remembrance, the cultural coordinator invited all attendees to stand in silence to honour those the community has lost over the years. The silence transitioned into a solemn tribute as DJ Dipen Mohora played the national anthems of Nepal and the United Kingdom.

The cultural program began with a charming performance by young dancers who had received basic Nepali dance training from Khagendra Hamal. Their confident and graceful presentation won the admiration of all. This was followed by CNS members' vibrant dances and songs, showcasing the community's rich cultural talent.

To recognize these performers, the Dance Director Khagendra Hamal provided appreciation letters signed by the Chair, Secretary, and cultural coordinator. The chair, Vice Chair, and Ladies' Coordinator, Kamala Khatri, alongside Advisor Umesh Kumar Pun MVO, also handed prizes to both young and adult dancers, highlighting the evening's emphasis on participation and encouragement. The youth coordinator (Bikash Rai) also spoke about the program we will be conducting, Bridging Worlds through Shared Experiences, for our children from 10 to 19 years old, where experienced speakers can inspire them, Dr Tsilden Sherpa and Marguerite Sherpa were welcomed to CNS giving them a Khada each by the Chair.

Dinner was served at 9:20 pm, courtesy of the Royal Gurkha Lounge, generously supported by Sita and Bharat Magar. The food team, led by Dambar Limbu and Kul Prasad Limbu, was instrumental in ensuring everyone was well-fed and satisfied.

Post-dinner, the energy soared as the Youth Coordinator and DJ Dipen Mohora got everyone moving to the rhythm of music and dance until late into the night. The much-anticipated Raffle Draw took place around 11:25 pm, managed by the Ladies' Coordinator, Vice Chair, and Advisor Umesh Kumar Pun MVO. Raffle tickets were sold by Sita Limbu, Sangita Sunuwar, Jasna Gurung. Among the lucky winners were Dr. Tsilden Sherpa, a new member who took home two prizes, and Laxman Gurung, who won first prize. The cultural coordinator and his wife, Mina, also won a prize.

As the night drew to a close, Chair Udai B. Gurung MBE gave a heartfelt vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of countless individuals who made the event a success. He extended appreciation to those who handled food, drinks (led by Dambar, Limbu, Kul Prasad Limbu, Amar Limbu and Mrs. Kul Prasad Limbu), ticketing (managed by the Secretary), decorations and raffle (Ladies' Coordinator), program flow (Cultural Coordinator), finances (Treasurer Dinesh Thapa), venue logistics (Secretary and Area Rep for New Town Sagar Shrestha), and all performers and attendees.

The 2025 Nepalese New Year celebration was a resounding success — a true reflection of community spirit, shared heritage, and joyous togetherness. Well done to everyone who contributed to such a memorable and meaningful occasion!

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS