London, 30 August 2026. The 17th Nepali Mela, organised to promote Nepali art, culture, language and identity in the United Kingdom, concluded in grand style at Kempton Park Racecourse in London on Sunday.
Held under the main slogan, “Our Culture, Our Identity, Our Pride,” the event was organised by Tamu Dhee Association UK in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in London. It attracted a significant turnout from Nepali communities across different parts of the United Kingdom.
Nepal’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Bipin Duwadi, attended the event as the chief guest. Also present were officials of the organiser, Tamu Dhee UK; representatives of British local authorities; leaders of various social and ethnic organisations; businesspeople; artists; media professionals; and members of the public.
Speakers at the formal ceremony said that the Nepali Mela not only brings together the diverse ethnic groups and communities living in the United Kingdom, but also makes an important contribution to introducing younger generations to their language, culture and ancestral identity.
The main attractions of the festival were the authentic cultural processions, traditional costumes, musical instruments and dances presented by different communities. Participating organisations paraded around the grounds with performances reflecting Nepal’s geographical, ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity.
The Chyabrung dance of the Limbu/Yakthung community, along with Lakhe, Maruni, Ghatu, Kaura, Sorathi, Sakela, Dhime and various Nepali folk dances, made the event even more vibrant. The participation of children, young people and senior citizens dressed in traditional jewellery and attire conveyed a strong message that Nepali culture is being passed from one generation to the next.
Pasa Puchah Guthi UK Wins the Ambassador Cup and NRNA Cup
Pasa Puchah Guthi UK was named the best performer in this year’s cultural procession and competition, winning both the prestigious Ambassador Cup and the NRNA Cup.
Pasa Puchah Guthi delivered an impressive presentation featuring Saparu, Ghintang Ghisi, the Dhime dance, and the distinctive culture and traditions of the Newar community. The traditional musical instruments, costumes and group dances used in the organisation’s presentation drew particular attention from both the judges and the audience.
The organisers and guests also presented cash prizes, trophies and certificates to the competition winners and other groups that delivered outstanding performances. Participants said the awards ceremony had further encouraged Nepali organisations in the United Kingdom to preserve and showcase their cultures.
Dozens of stalls at the festival offered Nepali food, clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, social services, information about charitable organisations, and products and services from various businesses. Food stalls serving momo, sel roti, chow mein, choila, sekuwa and other dishes remained crowded throughout the day. The festival also featured stalls providing information on health, education, tourism, remittance services and business-related services.
Entertainment activities were arranged for children and families. Musical performances by artists and live entertainment maintained a festive atmosphere until the evening.
Festival Proceeds to Support Flood Victims
This year’s Nepali Mela was not limited to being a cultural celebration; it also became a platform for expressing solidarity with those affected by the natural disaster in Nepal. Tamu Dhee UK announced that all profits from the festival would be donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund to support flood victims in Nepal.
During the programme, tributes were paid to those who lost their lives in Nepal’s recent floods and other natural disasters, and condolences were extended to the affected families. Participating organisations and members of the public were also urged to contribute to the rescue, relief and rehabilitation of the victims.
Tamu Dhee UK has organised the Nepali Mela in collaboration with the Embassy of Nepal in London since 2009. Established as one of the major cultural events organised by the Nepali community in the United Kingdom, the festival has introduced Nepali culture to Britain’s multicultural society while promoting unity, cooperation and harmony among different Nepali communities.
The organisers expressed their gratitude to the Embassy, participating organisations, volunteers, sponsors, businesses, artists, media professionals and members of the audience whose support helped make the festival a success.
