Nepalese New Year 2026 Celebration - Saturday, 11 April 2026

"Once a Nepali, always a Nepali."

These words carry deep meaning for those of us living far from home - a reminder of belonging, dedication, and pride. Each year, in early to mid-April, the Colchester Nepalese Society comes together to honour our traditional New Year, celebrating our diversity, ethnic unity, and enduring camaraderie.

Preparations

The day began with energy and purpose. At 11:00 am, a dedicated team converged at Stanway Community Hall, having first collected stores from Gurkha Home. Those who gave their time to set up were: Rubin Gurung, Tara Pun, Laxmi Gurung, Tak Maya Pun, Mitra Gurung, Naina Gurung (installed PA system), Kamala Khatri, Man Devi Pun, Sobit Gurung, Sagar Shrestha, Jas Kumari Gurung, Sita Limbu, Pravin Rai, Kushal Ghale, Usha Gurung/Ghale, Dinesh Thapa, Nar Gurung, Purna Poudel, Kiran Pandey, Khagendra Hamal, Cham Pun, Karna Rana, and Surje Gurung. The caretaker, Stewart, welcomed the team warmly. Through excellent teamwork, the hall was fully decorated by 12:45 pm, a remarkable achievement. Drinks were expertly organised by Mr Khagendra Hamal and distributed by Gun Kumari Pun and Amrita Gurung.

The Evening Programme

At 4:00 pm, the Royal Gurkha Lounge arrived and set up a wonderful spread of starters. Members began arriving from 4:30 pm and were greeted by a warm and festive atmosphere.

The formal programme commenced at 6:30 pm, expertly hosted by Cultural Coordinator Mitra Gurung and his assistant Mahima Gyawali. The evening opened with a Health and Safety brief by Secretary Sagar Shrestha, followed by the ceremonial lighting of candles by the Chair and Vice Chair, marking the official start of proceedings. The national anthems of Nepal and Great Britain were played, and a minute's silence was observed in memory of deceased CNS members.

Cultural Performances

The entertainment programme that followed was a true highlight. Children, teenagers, and adults took to the stage with grace and confidence, delivering performances that captivated the entire audience. Their energy and talent were met with enthusiastic appreciation from all present.

At 7:45 pm, Cultural Coordinator Mitra Gurung and Mahima Gyawali introduced a very special guest, Reshma Tamang, who had flown in from Nepal just the day before. Despite her jet lag, she delivered a dazzling performance spanning singing, dancing, and modelling, entertaining the audience with great skill and warmth until 9:10 pm.

Dinner and Dancing

At 9:10 pm, the Royal Gurkha Lounge, under the excellent coordination of Food Coordinator Dambar Limbu, served a magnificent dinner that delighted every member. Alongside the meal, Mr Om Kumar Gurung filled the room with beautiful Nepali melodies. At the same time, Mr Kiran Pandey performed a wonderful mix of English and Nepali songs, connecting beautifully with younger members and those born in the UK.

After dinner, the dance floor came alive. Mr Om Kumar Gurung's spirited songs kept members dancing late into the night. Mrs Priti Gurung/Thapa also stepped up to perform a captivating Hindi song, further lifting the spirits of all present.

At around 11:00 pm, we bid a fond farewell to Reshma Tamang, who was due to perform at Aldershot, presenting her with a gift in appreciation of her exceptional contribution to the evening.

Closing the Evening

As the night drew to a close, the Chair and Vice Chair presented each young performer with a loving gift, and the Chair warmly thanked every child, teenager, and adult for their wonderful performances, expressing hope to see them shine again at future CNS events.

With members working together in high spirits, the hall was dismantled swiftly and efficiently, leaving the caretaker thoroughly impressed. The evening concluded with the eagerly anticipated Raffle Draw, with prizes distributed by the Chair and Vice Chair. CNS members departed Stanway Community Hall at 00:30 am, carrying wonderful memories of a truly special night.

A Heartfelt Thank You

No event of this calibre succeeds without its unsung heroes. Our deepest gratitude goes to:

·       Area Representatives, for distributing tickets and visiting members' homes personally

·       Kushal Ghale, for driving the minibus and ensuring everyone travelled safely

·       Dambar Limbu, for seamlessly coordinating all food arrangements

·       The Royal Gurkha Lounge, for preparing outstanding food that was enjoyed by all

·       Khagendra Hamal, for organising the drinks with such care and efficiency

·       Gun Kumari Pun and Amrita Gurung, for their tireless work behind the drinks stand

·       The decoration volunteers, whose hard work transformed the hall beautifully

·       Naina Sing Gurung installed the PA system

·       All performers, for their joyful, energetic, and heartfelt contributions

·       Reshma Tamang, for travelling from Nepal to grace us with her exceptional talent

·       Every member who attended, your presence made the evening truly come alive

It was an evening of joy, pride, and togetherness, a celebration worthy of the spirit it represents.

Well done to all.

Udai Bahadur Gurung MBE

Chair / Trustee,

Colchester Nepalese Society