By Lila Seling Mabo
ALDERSHOT, UK – Saturday 7 November 2026, In a vibrant showcase of Nepali heritage and community unity, the Greater Rushmoor Nepali Community (GRNC) hosted its inaugural Kukur Tihar (Dog Festival) celebration in Aldershot, marking the first time the traditional festival honoring canine loyalty was celebrated at this scale in the area.
Kukur Tihar, a central day of the Tihar festival, honors dogs for their devotion, companionship, and sacred place alongside humans. GRNC organized the gathering to foster cultural exchange, bringing together the local Nepali diaspora and the broader British community.
Key Highlights & Guests
The event was officially inaugurated by the Acting Ambassador of Nepal to the UK, Bipin Duwadi, who marked the occasion by placing a traditional marigold garland (malla) and tika on a dog.
Distinguished attendees included:
- Alex Baker MP – Member of Parliament for Aldershot and Farnborough
- Cllr Peter Cullum – Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council
- Cllr Jib Belbase – Deputy Mayor of Rushmoor Borough Council
- Cllr Gareth Williams – Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council
- Cllr Sophie Porter – Deputy Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council
- Cllr Dhan Sarki – Rushmoor Borough Council
Local residents participated eagerly, offering tika and garlands to attending dogs and celebrating alongside members of the Nepali community.
Community Leadership & Acknowledgments
GRNC President Lila Seling Mabo expressed her deep gratitude to the distinguished guests, local attendees, and volunteers who supported the historical gathering.
Respecting other people’s cultures and traditions is also a way of showing respect for our own. The UK is a wonderful place where people from different backgrounds can come together, celebrate diversity, learn from each other, and honour one another’s traditions.”
President Mabo extended special recognition to the core organising team:
- Sushila Thapa – Senior Project Manager
- Sanjay Rai – Assistant Project Manager
- Sima Shrestha
- Gyan Gurung
- The entire GRNC Executive Board & Volunteer Team
GRNC also extended formal appreciation to Street Soul, the Cheli Beti Club, and Rushmoor Borough Council for their venue and logistical support, as well as to Ian for capturing official photography of the day’s events.
Promoting Multicultural Integration
The inaugural Kukur Tihar celebration highlights GRNC’s ongoing mission to preserve Nepali cultural identity in the UK while promoting civic integration and mutual respect across diverse communities.
