“Dashain 2023: A Grand Celebration of Culture, Unity, and Community by Colchester Nepalese Society''

On the evening of Saturday, October 21, 2023, Dashain, the most significant Hindu festival, was celebrated in grand style from 5:30 pm until the stroke of midnight at Studios 1 and 2 at Firssite. Initially planned for 165 attendees, the event saw just under 200 people, including children, coming together to mark this joyous occasion. The event's success was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Area Representatives, whose efforts paid off in creating a memorable evening.

Dashain is a time for families and communities to reunite, share blessings, and partake in cultural ceremonies. It celebrates the triumph of good over evil and the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. The 2023 Dashain celebration was meticulously organized, ensuring that every detail was well taken care of, thanks to the relentless efforts of the Committee members.

The evening commenced with a delightful array of starters at 5:30 pm. Attendees were greeted with the Secretary's Health and Safety brief, emphasizing the importance of everyone's well-being during the celebration. This thoughtful gesture set a secure and comfortable atmosphere for all present.

An extraordinary moment of the evening was the Dip Prajwalan, which the Cultural Coordinator and Assistant Ladies Coordinator organized. This ceremony involved lighting candles by the Chair/Trustee and Lady's Coordinator, symbolizing the triumph of light over darkness. It was a poignant and symbolic start to the cultural festivities.

The Cultural Coordinator and their team then treated the audience to mesmerizing cultural dances, captivating everyone and fostering a deep sense of cultural pride. The performances transported attendees to the heart of Nepalese traditions, and the joy and enthusiasm were palpable.

As the clock struck 8 pm, a renowned Lok Git Gayak, Chij Gurung, graced the celebration with his melodious songs. The room came alive as attendees danced and sang, creating a joyful atmosphere.

The main meal of the evening was organized by Saroj Sherpa, featuring a delectable array of mouth-watering dishes enjoyed by all. The culinary journey through the diverse flavours of Nepal was a highlight, leaving taste buds tingling with delight.

Following the meal, it was time for the highly anticipated Raffle draw organised by the Cultural Coordinator, Ladies Coordinator, Assistant Ladies Coordinator and secretary. Four beautiful daughters of the members sold tickets. Attendees had the chance to win attractive prizes, with Mr Sushil Gurung claiming the first prize. The excitement in the room was palpable, and the prizes added an extra layer of enjoyment to the evening.

Chij Gurung serenaded the crowd with a few more melodic songs, bringing the celebration to a beautiful close. Before concluding the program, the Chair extended heartfelt thanks to the Beverages Coordinator and his spouse for ensuring everyone had refreshing drinks, the Food Coordinator and Saroj Sherpa for providing excellent cuisine, and the Cultural Coordinator and Assistant Ladies Coordinator for executing the program seamlessly, ably assisted by the Ladies' Coordinator and Secretary. He also thanked the Ladies' Coordinator and her assistant for collecting some contributions for Lok Gayak Chij Gurung.

In his final words, the Chair expressed profound gratitude to the Area Representatives for surpassing expectations in terms of attendance and, most importantly, thanked the members for their active participation, making the Dashain celebration an unforgettable evening of culture, unity, and community. This event was a testament to the power of togetherness, celebrating culture, and creating cherished memories. Well done to everyone for making Dashain 2023 a delightful and memorable celebration.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS