Global Village Bhaji on the Beach – A Celebration of Community and Culture

On Sunday, 1st June, the Global Village Bhaji on the Beach (a free community event) was hosted by the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, bringing together communities from across Essex for a joyful day at The Sunspot in Jay-wick.

The event was a true celebration of unity in diversity. Indi Sandhu, CEO of the Essex Cultural Diversity Project, ensured everyone had access to the festivities by organising free transport to and from Jaywick, with the support of Daisy Anna Lee. A special thank you goes to Kiran Gurung, Supervisor at Firstbus, who kindly arranged a minibus and drove the group from Abbeygate House (Gurkha Home), arriving at Jaywick by 11:40 am.

Upon arrival, the group set up their picnic area by the calm, breezy seaside — a perfect setting under brilliant weather. The lady members of Gurkha Home prepared an impressive variety of delicious dishes, which they generously shared with fellow members of the Nepali diaspora and the wider Essex community.

Attendees, many dressed in colourful traditional costumes, participated in a Tai Chi session led by Lu Yu, which provided a moment of calm and connection amid the sea breeze. After Tai Chi, the group moved to The Sunspot venue, where the energy turned up a notch, thanks to DJ Pam Waller and her husband, who filled the air with a lively mix of Beach Tunes, Bollywood, and Bhangra.

Dancers Jaymini Bedia (Bollywood) and Julia Obassa (Afro dance) led participants in an exhilarating dance session — a highlight of the day that had everyone moving and smiling.

The group departed Jaywick at 3:15 pm and arrived back at Gurkha Home by 4:15 pm, full of joy, memories, and a strengthened sense of community.

Special thanks go to Kiran Gurung for his generous driving support and to the incredible ladies of Gurkha Home for their hospitality and mouth-watering cuisine. It was truly a wonderful day, enjoyed by all who were able to attend.

We eagerly look forward to Bhaji on the Beach next year!

Udai B Gurung MBE

Chair/Trustee

CNS