Gorkha Nepali Society Medway’s Dashain 2026 celebrated with grandeur

LONDON:- On the auspicious occasion of Bada Dashain—the greatest festival of the Nepali people—the Gorkha Nepali Society Medway (GNCM) successfully hosted a grand ‘Dashain Utsav 2026’ on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

During the event, held at the hall of Brompton-Westbrook Primary School in Gillingham, Kent, participating community leaders and local British representatives expressed their deep sorrow and solidarity with the victims of the devastating floods and landslides in the Bhotekoshi and Budhigandaki regions of Nepal.

Established in 2008, the Gurkha Nepalese Community Medway (GNCM) organizes annual collective celebrations for Dashain and Tihar, featuring a variety of programs aimed at fostering brotherhood, preserving culture, and strengthening unity among the Nepalese community residing in Medway, Kent (UK). This year’s Dashain event, which included cultural and musical performances, began at 4:30 PM and concluded at 11:00 PM.

The event commenced with General Secretary Roshan Rai providing a briefing on safety protocols. In the event of any incident, Kumar Gurung and Uttar Patangwa—along with Durga Rai (an NHS nurse)—were assigned to handle safety, emergency management, and first aid.

Following the playing of the national anthems of Nepal and the United Kingdom by sound operator Bhumiraj Rai, the event was formally inaugurated through the joint lighting of a ceremonial lamp by the chief guest, Deputy Mayor Councillor Sharon Jackson, Acting Chairperson Indisen Rai, and senior citizen Jagbir Thapa Magar, who was present at the gathering.

Co-Treasurer Pushpa Rai delivered the welcome remarks and shed light on the significance of Dashain. She explained that Dashain is not merely about feasting and merrymaking; rather, it is a sacred occasion for family reunions, fostering mutual harmony, receiving blessings from elders, and strengthening social bonds. Furthermore, it is a celebration of the victory of truth over falsehood.

As President Gyanendra Rai was in Nepal on a personal visit, Vice President Indisen Rai presided over the event as the Acting President.

The event was attended by distinguished guests, including Deputy Mayor Sharon Jackson; Lauren Edwards, Member of Parliament for Rochester and Strood (Labour Party); Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council; Councillor Gareth Myton; Councillor Mrs. Nina Gurung (Advisor and former Mayor); and former Mayor Councillor Marian Nastrov, accompanied by his wife, Councillor Lyubov Nastrov. The guests, visitors from Nepal, and new members were honored by the Acting Chairperson and the Joint Treasurer, who presented them with *khadas* (ceremonial scarves) and badges.

On the same occasion, young people who have achieved excellence in academics and sports were honored. Pratik Jung Rai (son of Roshan Rai and Divya Rai) who got 8 A*, 2 A and B in GCSE, Sanyam Rai (son of Som Rai and Roshni Rai) who got 3 A* and 3A, Computer Science A*, Maths A in A-level, Certificates of appreciation for outstanding academic achievement were awarded to: Aroj Rai (son of Srishti Rai and Bhumiraj Rai), who achieved an ‘A’ in Physics and a ‘B’ in Further Mathematics; Eva Rai (daughter of Chandrawati and Ramchandra Rai), who earned 2 Distinctions and one ‘A’; and Stambha Rai (son of Ishwar Chamling and Diptiya Rai), who secured 2 Distinction* grades and one ‘A’.

Shashikala Rai, Asha Thapa, and Krishna Gurung—who completed the ‘Three Peaks Challenge’ within 24 hours—as well as advisor Chet Thapa—who completed the 50 km ‘Kent Down Ultra Challenge’—were also specially honored.

During the cultural program organized under the coordination of Cultural Secretary Jayakala Rai, Sagar Gurung, Nuwami Rai, and Sarbina Magar performed a dance to the song “Sayathari Baja Eutai Taal, Sayathari Goda Eutai Chaal,” while Durga Rai, Nuwami Rai, and Sarbina Magar presented captivating dances to popular Nepali songs. Singers including Surya Bikram Rai, Sumitra Rai, and Drishya Rai also performed songs at the event.

The main musical highlight of the event was Milan Gomja Lama, a renowned singer from “Intake 99.” He captivated the audience by performing a variety of Nepali and Hindi songs, including his popular hit, “Manakamana Cable Car.” Medway Council Leader Vince Maple also added to the excitement by performing a song by The Beatles.

For the attendees, Gorkha Brothers Restaurant provided a spread of traditional dishes, including *sel roti*, *pork bhutuwa*, chicken curry, *maas ko daal* (black gram lentil soup), and goat meat curry.

Another highlight of the event was the raffle draw, conducted by Pushpa Rai and Shashi Rai. Many attendees won attractive prizes in the draw, which included vouchers and cash prizes provided by various sponsors, as well as contributions from the local grocery store, Bharat Stores.

Delivering the closing remarks for the formal proceedings, Acting President Indisen Rai expressed his gratitude to the guests, sponsors of the raffle prizes, the executive committee, and the catering team for their contributions toward the success of the event. Taking the opportunity, he provided further information regarding the annual activities organized by the Gorkha Nepali Society Medway and concluded the program by sharing a brief announcement about the upcoming event.