Gulmeli Samaj UK’s 18th Annual Gathering and Grand Cultural Program Concluded
LONDON:- The 18th annual gathering and grand cultural program of the Gulmeli Samaj UK concluded successfully on Sunday at Springwest Academy in Feltham, London.
Nepalis, dressed in their distinctive traditional attire reflecting their art, culture, and heritage, were seen enjoying a variety of songs, dances, and cultural performances.
Hundreds of members of the Nepali community participated, hailing from various cities across the UK as well as from Scotland, Ireland, and Wales. While some participants undertook journeys lasting several hours to attend, others traveled in groups using chartered coaches.
The event commenced with *Swastivachan* (auspicious chanting) and ritualistic prayers performed by the head priest of the Pashupatinath Temple in Plumstead, Neelhari Ghimire, alongside Anandaraj Lohani, Vasudev Sapkota, Pandit Binod Panthi, and Pandit Thaneshwar Pandey.
Manju Bhandari Kharel, President of the Society; Bipin Duwadi, Chargé d’Affaires at the Nepali Embassy in London; and Retired Captain Tam Dhega, the Society’s Vice President and program coordinator, jointly inaugurated the event by lighting a traditional oil lamp (Panas).
Addressing the event, Acting Ambassador Duwadi stated that the Gulmi District Society UK represents not just a single district, but the entirety of Nepal and the Nepali community. He remarked that such organizations play a vital role in preserving authentic Nepali culture, connecting the younger generation with their language, traditions, and identity, and further strengthening Nepal’s image within British society.
Society President Bhandari expressed the organization’s commitment to remaining actively engaged in the preservation of Nepali art, culture, and traditions. She outlined the goal of making future programs even more extensive, well-organized, and effective.
In a message of thanks issued following the event, she expressed her gratitude to all participants, guests, artists, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters who had traveled from far and wide.
Program Coordinator Retired Captain Tam Dhega delivered the welcome address and expressed his gratitude to the participants. He noted that the enthusiastic participation of children added extra vibrancy to the event.
During the formal session, moderated by General Secretary Mahalal Ghimire, the Society’s founding president Omprasad Thapa Kaucha, NRNA UK President Prem Gahamagar, and others delivered messages of best wishes.
The cultural program, jointly hosted by Cultural Secretaries Deepak Maithane Magar and Suju Sherpa Paudel, emerged as the main attraction of the gathering.
Authentic performances—such as Gulmeli Naumati Baja, Salaijo, Thado Bhaka, Sorathi, Jhyaure, Ghatu dance, and Tamang Selo—gave the audience the feeling of experiencing a ‘Mini Nepal’ right there in London. Songs and dances presented in anticipation of the upcoming Haritalika Teej festival further enlivened the atmosphere of the event.
At the event, artists including popular Nepali singer Prakash Dutraj, ‘The Voice of Nepal Season 6’ winner Prosesh Pandey, singer Vishnu Khatri, and singers Samjhana Bhandari, Punam Gurung, and Sarisma Magar performed their hit songs, getting the audience grooving.
