UK: The Nepal Federation of Indigenous Nationalities (NEFIN) UK celebrated the 32nd International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples by organising ‘Adivasi Mela 2026’ at Gambles Lane in Woking, near London, on 8 August 2026.
The event was held with Nepal’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Bipin Duwadi, as the chief guest. Biswasdip Tigela, Vice-President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association International Coordination Council (NRNA ICC); Prem Gaha Magar, President of NRNA UK; Bimala Sene, President of the Federation of Nepali Journalists UK; and the presidents and representatives of 13 ethnic organisations affiliated with NEFIN UK delivered congratulatory remarks.
One of the main attractions of the festival was the presentation of 14 cultural parades representing various Indigenous communities. In the cultural parade competition, Kirat Rai Yayokkha UK secured first place, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK came second, Magar Association UK finished third, and Tharu Society UK secured fourth place.
The festival also featured stalls offering traditional foods from various communities, handicrafts and commercial products. Artists invited from Nepal, including Deepa Suhang, Rajendra Kerung, Asmita Rana and Laxman Limbu, delivered special musical and cultural performances.
To mark the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, outgoing NEFIN UK President Karma Pahadi Sherpa was honoured as ‘Man of the Year 2026’, while outgoing Senior Vice-President Leela Seling Mabo was honoured as ‘Woman of the Year 2026’. The chief guest, other distinguished guests, representatives of various ethnic organisations, artists and individuals who had made exemplary contributions to society were also honoured during the event.
Another major attraction was the volleyball tournament, which featured 26 teams this year. Six courts were prepared to ensure the smooth running of the competition. In the main men’s category, Syangja Samaj UK emerged as the winner, while Greenwich Volleyball Pariwar finished as runner-up. In the veterans’ category, Greenwich Volleyball Pariwar UK won the title, with MONA Volleyball Club UK finishing as runner-up. In the women’s category, MONA UK Women’s Volleyball Club claimed the title, while Winchester Volleyball Club UK finished as runner-up.
The event was chaired by NEFIN UK President Major Yogesh Koyi Rai. Yuma Limbu, President of the Indigenous Women’s Federation, delivered the welcome address, while General Secretary Faram Bahadur Dura conducted the programme. This year’s event was coordinated by Vice-President Bimala Kumari Rai.
NEFIN UK was established in 2009 and has remained active since then.
The International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples is observed worldwide on 9 August each year. This year’s theme was ‘Honouring Indigenous Midwives: Safeguarding Life and Well-being.’
