Ashford, UK,
On December 21, 2024, Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK celebrated Chasok Tangnam, the main festival of the Limbus, at their Chumlungden building in Yalding, Maidstone.
Invited artists from Nepal, singers Brabim Sherma, Amrita Sambahamphe Limbu, and Ganga Fiyak, exchanged good wishes and performed songs in the Limbu language to celebrate Tangnam.
The event began with the Chasok Tangnam/Nuwagi ritual, conducted by a group of religious gurus known as Sewasava. They established Muzolung and performed rituals with Hongsam Yuma, Himmang, Hangsam Theba, and Akwama Mundham in the Kirat Satyahang tradition. Sewasavas Ramsing Thebe, Mangalsing Lingden, Asha Thebe, Ganga Yonghang, and Tek Mabohang led the worship.
In the second phase, Program Coordinator and Vice President Rajen Labung welcomed attendees. Secretary Mahesh Wanem addressed health and safety matters, Vice President Mrs. Sanu Subba provided a brief overview of Sirijanga’s life—the reviver of the Limbu script—and Yakthung Wensa Chumbho President Mrs. Hongma Lawati explained that Chasok Tangnam is akin to a harvest festival or thanksgiving festival.
Representing other community organizations, Mr. Ishwar Chamling, Vice President of Kirat Rai Yayokhkha UK, emphasized the importance of mutual dialogue and cooperation.
President Kamala Limbu honored retired Major Chitraj Hukpa Chongwang MBE, MVO for his significant contributions to Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK with a special letter of appreciation. Outgoing 10th Working Committee office-bearer also received letters of thanks.
The GCSE Running Shield, an incentive for top GCSE scorers sponsored annually by social worker Mr. Surya Khapung, was awarded to Noyam Limbu.
General Secretary Biswasdip Tigela moderated the program, presided over by President Kamala Limbu.
In the third phase, Vice President Dipendra Yakso and Secretary Wanem conducted a raffle draw, followed by an entertainment segment led by Cultural Department Head Bhakti Angdembe. Renowned Hakpare Samlo singer Ganga Fiyak energized the audience with Palam songs, singer Amrita Sambahamphe captivated everyone with her popular songs, and Mundhumi singer Brabim Sherma delivered engaging performances in the Limbu language. At the program’s conclusion, Chumlung UK presented gifts to the artists. The event, which began in the morning, concluded at 5 p.m.
Kirat Yakthung Chumlung UK was established in 2003, It is a Limbu ethnic upliftment organization with 16 branches operating in various regions. With over 20,000 Limbus residing in the UK, they are in majority retired British Army and families. KYC UK purchased 32.5 acres of land and barn in Yalding, near Maidstone, in 2018.
