By Ram Pun
The Folkestone Nepalese Community held its Dashain Festival celebration on Sunday, 29 September 2024, at The Leas Cliff Hall, starting at 15:30. The event drew over 400 attendees from the community. On arrival, guests were welcomed by Chairman Hon Capt Rambahadur Pun Magar with a traditional “Khada,” and Trustees and Advisors escorted them to their seats.
The celebration began with the lighting of candles by the Chief Guest, special guests, GM 2 RGR, and the Community Chairman, followed by the Nepalese and British national anthems. A two-minute silence was observed to honour those lost in a recent natural disaster in Nepal.
Key attendees included the Chief Guest, Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Madam Susie Warren-Smith, along with special guests such as the Chairman of Kent County Council, the Chairman of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, the Town Mayor of Folkestone, MP for Folkestone & Hythe, Rt Hon Tony Vaughan, GM 2 RGR Maj Dilli Kumar Rai MVO, and various local councillors, Nepali community leaders, and heads of social services and charities.
The event served a dual purpose: to celebrate the traditional Dashain Festival and to show gratitude to local authorities and services for their continued support to the community. Dashain messages were delivered by the Chief Guest, special guests, and the community chairman, with a safety briefing by Event Coordinator Capt (Retd) Suman Chandra Rai.
Celebration cake was sponsored by Cake Box Folkestone (Mr Tara Kattle), Raffle draw prizes were sponsored by: Nearly 1/2 Tola Gold as 1st prize by Proprietors of Lemon Leaf restaurant in Cheriton, & Other prizes were sponsored by Trustee Jhapindra Thapa, Mr Mark Connaton & FNC stitch & chat group. Raffle draw programme was coordinated by Mrs Mamta Gurung (2nd Vice Chair) & Mrs Indira Rai ( Ladies coordinator).
The celebration featured a variety of cultural entertainment, including Nepalese ethnic dances, songs, and a raffle. The cultural program was coordinated by the Community Cultural Secretary and Assistant Cultural Secretary, with Mrs. Asha Pun (BFBS Presenter) acting as the announcer. Appreciation certificates were awarded to members in recognition of their support and voluntary work to the community.
The event concluded with a dynamic dance performance by guest performer Miss Aarushi Magar, a renowned dancer and model from Nepal, followed by a lively cocktail dance. The festivities wrapped up around 23:00, with the program conducted by Community General Secretary Dr Maha Rai under the Chairmanship of Chairman Hon Capt Rambahadur Pun Magar.
