Nepalese New Year 2080 BS with Gurkha Intake 23

Trainee Rifleman Anjan Thapa 2 (Kandahar) Platoon

The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are”… 14 April 2023 was a normal day in the UK but a very special day for Nepalese across the world; Nepalese New Year 2080 BS. We used to celebrate the new year by visiting temples, spending time with friends and families, and having delicious food. This year was quite different as we celebrated Nepalese year in the UK, thousands of miles away from our families. It was a phenomenal experience to celebrate it in Gurkha Company, Catterick.

Our Culture and English Language Training (CELT) package has now started and we have been attending English classes in the English Language Wing (ELW). As usual, we attended the class until 1500hrs on that day and then began to prepare for the New Year Celebration. The weather was not in our favour as it was rainy and cold, but the good vibes and excitement were there. All my numberies were eagerly waiting and looking forward to celebrating the day.

Our gurujis briefed us about the importance of Nepalese festivals and their contribution to the core values and the moral component of fighting power within the Brigade of Gurkhas. After that, the celebration of the Nepalese New Year began. For the first phase, we gathered at Bhanbhakta Square where we welcomed our guests and families. We had a lovely chat with the families and guests about New Year and other different topics along with a delicious starter. Coincidently, one of our gurujis had his birthday on the same day. It added more joy and happiness to the celebration and we felt like a big family.

After a delicious main meal in our cookhouse, Phase 2 was initiated where all the Platoons performed to exhibit their talent through dancing, singing and drama. All the performances were brilliantly choreographed and every individual who witnessed the event thoroughly enjoyed it, and cheered for the performers. At the end of the event, there was a cocktail dance which everybody participated in.

It was the first time that we celebrated Nepalese New Year in the UK. Although we are far away from our families, we felt like a big family due to the care and support received from our Sahebs and Gurujis throughout. It was a great moment for us and one of the most enjoyable days of my life.