Dashain Celebration 2024: An Intergenerational Perspective with Youths Leading in the Entertainment

The Dashain celebration, a vibrant and cherished tradition among Nepalese communities worldwide, took on an exciting intergenerational dimension this year. On Saturday, 5th October 2024, the Nepalese community in Colchester gathered at Marks Tey Community Hall, Old London Road, for a festive and memorable celebration. This year, a notable aspect was the youth taking the lead in organizing and delivering the entertainment, bridging generational gaps and breathing fresh energy into the event.

Preparations and Innovations

The Dashain celebration planning started well in advance. The Chair issued a notice to the community via the Ko.Ne.So. Viber group, giving members ample time to register and prepare for the event. One innovative shift this year was using an online payment system for entry fees, which streamlined the process and was met with positive feedback from attendees.

Preparations began in earnest as early as September. On Saturday, 5th October, community members such as Vice Chair, Advisor Umesh, Ladies Coordinator Kamala, Yubaraj, Cultural Coordinator, Area Reps, Secretary and Amar Limbu took the lead in organizing drinks and decorations, including a few others. Notably, Area Representative St Michael came up with the idea of using wooden plinths to secure the event banner on the stage. His efforts were widely appreciated, ensuring the decorations were completed well ahead of time.

A Festive Evening Begins

At 5 p.m., members began arriving at the hall, dressed in their finest traditional attire—men in Daura Suruwal and women in their most elegant dresses. The Food Coordinator and Saroj, one of the key contributors, served delicious starters at 5:45 p.m., ensuring everyone was well-fed before the cultural events commenced.

After the starters were served, the Cultural Coordinator and his assistant took the stage, briefly discussing the significance of Dashain before conducting the official inauguration. The Secretary conducted the health and safety brief, and then one minute of silence was observed for those who had left us going to eternity. The Chair and Vice Chair symbolically lit two candles, marking the formal start of the event. In his address, the Vice Chair spoke passionately about the importance of Dashain, emphasizing its role in fostering unity, joy, and cultural continuity within the community. It was followed by the National Anthems of Nepal and Great Britain.

Youth-Led Cultural Performances

This year's entertainment was particularly notable for the involvement of youth leaders in organizing and performing the cultural program. The Cultural Coordinator introduced choreographer Khagendra and his dance team, who performed expertly choreographed pieces. These dances, rooted in traditional Nepalese culture but modernized for today's audience, reflected the everyday lives of men and women in Nepal, adding an emotional and authentic touch to the celebration.

Sudip and his sister captivated the audience with their performances, and the highlight of the evening was an exceptional performance by Sushila Gautam, a talented artist invited from Nepal. Her melodious songs enthralled the crowd and brought everyone to the dance floor. By the time the main meal was served at 10:45 p.m., the community was in full celebration mode, with Sushila's voice guiding the rhythm of the night.

Wrapping Up and Raffle Draw

As the evening drew to a close, the Cultural Coordinator, assisted by the Ladies Coordinator, organized a raffle draw. The Chair handed out prizes, adding a fun and interactive element to the evening. By the time the celebration wound down, it was nearly midnight, but the excitement and joy were still palpable.

In his closing remarks, the Chair thanked everyone involved in making the event successful. Special thanks were given to Mr. and Mrs. Yubaraj Khatri for providing transport for members of the Gorkha Home, the Cultural Coordinator and his assistant for running the celebration so well, to the sponsors of the raffle prizes, and to all the volunteers who contributed in various capacities. The Chair highlighted the remarkable contributions of the youth, particularly in leading the entertainment, and Khagendra's brilliant choreography, which made this year's Dashain celebration one of the most memorable in recent years.

A Unified Celebration of Tradition

The 2024 Dashain celebration in Colchester was not just a gathering to mark the most significant festival in the Nepalese calendar; it was a testament to the strength of the community and the importance of intergenerational collaboration. The youth took centre stage, literally and figuratively, leading the way in organizing and delivering a celebration honouring tradition while embracing modernity. This balance of past and future ensured that Dashain continues to be a meaningful and joyful celebration for all generations in the Colchester Nepalese diaspora.

As the Chair summed up in his final words, it was indeed a celebration to be proud of, and the entire community looks forward to an even brighter and more vibrant Dashain in the coming years.

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS