All posts by : nirscouk

On Sunday, 8 March 2026, Open Air Theatre, Central Park in Dartford was transformed into a vibrant sea of colour, music, and celebration as the Dartford Nepalese Community (DNC) successfully hosted the annual Holi Festival of Colour. The event, organised in collaboration with Cohesion Plus, brought together people from diverse communities to celebrate the arrival of spring and the spirit of togetherness.

Families, friends, and visitors gathered throughout the day to enjoy a lively atmosphere filled with colourful powder, music, dancing, and delicious food. The festival celebrated the true spirit of Holi – spreading happiness, positivity, and unity among people from all backgrounds.

The event featured energetic performances from local community groups, creating a joyful and festive environment for everyone present. Hosted by Replay Music, the celebration was filled with upbeat music and entertainment that kept the crowd engaged and dancing throughout the day.

A special cultural highlight of the event was the participation of Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, who joined the celebration at the invitation of the Dartford Nepalese Community. Their traditional performance of the Newari musical instruments Dhime and Dhaa added a unique cultural dimension to the festival, showcasing the rich heritage of Nepal and captivating the audience with powerful rhythmic sounds.

Children and adults alike embraced the spirit of Holi, joyfully throwing colourful powders and celebrating the festival in a safe and welcoming environment. The park came alive with laughter, bright colours, and the shared joy of the community.

The Dartford Nepalese Community would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Cohesion Plus, Replay Music, Pasa Puchah Guthi UK, all the performers, volunteers, and attendees who made the event such a wonderful success.

The Holi Festival of Colour once again demonstrated the power of community celebrations in bringing people together, strengthening cultural connections, and spreading happiness throughout Dartford.

DNC looks forward to welcoming everyone again for future community celebrations.

Dartford Nepalese Community (DNC) successfully hosted an inspiring educational event titled “Interactions with Oxbridge Graduates”, aimed at motivating Nepali students from Year 7 and above to aspire towards higher education at world-leading universities.
The interactive session brought together a distinguished panel of graduates from the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, who shared their academic journeys, challenges, and practical advice with local students and parents. The event was designed to demystify the path to top universities and encourage young learners to dream big and plan early.

The programme formally began with an opening address by DNC President, Mr Tirtha Poudyal, who welcomed attendees and highlighted the importance of education and role models within the community. He expressed pride in seeing Nepali graduates excelling at global institutions and giving back by inspiring the next generation.
The session was expertly moderated by Professor Dr Tejendra Pherali, Professor of Education at University College London (UCL), whose guidance ensured engaging and insightful discussions throughout the programme.
The panel of speakers included:
Prisma Gautam, who studied Materials Science at the University of Oxford (2018–2022). She previously worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company and currently serves as a Venture Associate at Purposeful Ventures.
Dr Sahara Pandit, an Oxford Medicine graduate (2017–2023), who after completing her foundation years is now working as a Clinical Fellow at NHS Bristol Trust.
Susan Thapa, who studied Engineering at the University of Cambridge (2020–2024) and is currently employed as an Engineer at Wood PLC.
The speakers candidly shared their experiences of preparing for GCSEs, A Levels, university applications, and life at Oxbridge, offering valuable insights into academic discipline, resilience, and career development. Their stories resonated strongly with students, many of whom were inspired by seeing successful professionals from similar cultural backgrounds.
A lively question-and-answer session at the end of the programme allowed students to raise their concerns and dilemmas regarding subject choices, university admissions, and future careers. The panel addressed each question thoughtfully, making the session both informative and motivating.
The event concluded on a positive note, with appreciation extended to all DNC committee members, volunteers, speakers, and participants for their collective efforts in making the programme a success. The Dartford Nepalese Community reaffirmed its commitment to supporting education and empowering young people to achieve their full potential.
This impactful event marked an important step in nurturing academic ambition among Nepali youth in Dartford and surrounding areas.

Football is more than just a sport; it’s a way to build discipline, teamwork, and confidence in young players. The Dartford Nepalese Community has taken a wonderful initiative to organize football training sessions for boys and girls at the Europa Gym Football Pitch in Temple Hill. This program is designed to provide young players with the opportunity to develop their skills, stay active, and enjoy the beautiful game in a supportive environment.

Why Football Training is Important for Kids

Football training is not just about kicking a ball around; it plays a vital role in the physical and mental development of children. Here are some of the key benefits:

1. Physical Fitness – Regular football training helps children stay fit, improve endurance, and develop better coordination.
2. Discipline and Focus – Football teaches youngsters to follow rules, respect coaches, and stay committed to their goals.
3. Social Skills and Teamwork – Playing in a team fosters collaboration, communication, and leadership skills.
4. Confidence Boost – Learning and mastering new skills gives children a sense of achievement and boosts self-esteem.
5. Community Engagement – By participating in local training sessions, children develop a strong connection with their community and culture.

About the Training Sessions

The football training sessions at Europa Gym Football Pitch are open to boys and girls of all skill levels. Whether your child is a beginner or already familiar with the sport, the program is structured to cater to different abilities and ensure everyone has fun while learning.

• Location: Europa Gym Football Pitch, Temple Hill, Dartford
• Organized By: Dartford Nepalese Community
• Who Can Join? Boys and girls of all age groups
• Training Focus: Skill development, fitness drills, teamwork exercises, and friendly matches
• Time: 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM every Sunday

Encouraging the Next Generation of Footballers

Football has the power to bring people together, and this initiative by the Dartford Nepalese Community is an excellent way to nurture young talent while promoting an active lifestyle. It also helps in fostering a sense of pride and identity within the Nepalese community in Dartford.

Parents are encouraged to get their children involved in this fantastic opportunity. Not only will they learn valuable skills, but they will also form lasting friendships and unforgettable memories on the pitch.

Join us in supporting the future stars of football! If you would like to enroll your child or get more information about the training sessions, feel free to contact the Dartford Nepalese Community.

Let’s build a strong and vibrant football community together!

The Dartford Nepalese Community (DNC) celebrated the Nepali New Year 2081 with grandeur, marking the beginning of a new year filled with hope, unity, and cultural pride. The event brought together community members and distinguished guests, creating an atmosphere of joy and festivity that resonated throughout the evening.

Session 1: Formal Programme
The celebration began with a formal program orchestrated by our General Secretary, Anukram Rijal, and chaired by Dr. Bina Ghimire, the Chairperson of DNC. We were honored to welcome esteemed guests, including Cllr Jeremy Kite MBE, Leader of the Council; Mrs. Rosanna Currans, Mayor of Dartford Borough Council; and Cllr Jit Ranabhat, Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The presence of these dignitaries underscored the strong ties between the Nepalese community and the local government.
The formal session commenced with the national anthem, followed by a heartfelt welcome speech from EC Member Sunita Poudel. Our guests, including Cllr Jeremy Kite and Mrs. Rosanna Currans, shared their greetings and well wishes, highlighting the importance of cultural events like the Nepali New Year in fostering community spirit and celebrating diversity. Dr. Bina Ghimire concluded the session with closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all attendees and setting a positive tone for the evening’s festivities.

Session 2: Cultural Performances
The cultural program, led by Sashi Gurung and Sunita Poudel, showcased the talents of our local performers. The stage came alive with vibrant dances that celebrated Nepalese heritage. Alena captivated the audience with her solo dance to “Lagdacha Malai Ramaelo,” while Presha Niraula and Biva Panthi delivered a beautiful performance of “Narisau Mitini Jiu.” Group dances like “Mai Chhori Sundari” by Parisha, Neumera, and Brisha added to the colorful display of culture. The session was a testament to the rich cultural traditions that the DNC is proud to preserve and share with the wider community.

Session 3: Celebration and Felicitations
In the spirit of appreciation and community, the third session of the evening was dedicated to recognizing outstanding contributions. Bharat Lammichane was honored for his unwavering support to the DNC, while Mr. Gorakh Karki was recognized for his efforts in promoting running and park activities within the community. Additionally, Sabhyata RL Shahi, Presha Niroula, and Parisha Bhattrai were celebrated for their representation of our culture at the Dartford Holi event. These recognitions served as a reminder of the strength and dedication that drives our community forward.

Session 4: Live Performance by the Dartford Musical Band
The final session of the evening featured a live performance by the Dartford Musical Band, comprised of talented members Gajen Katuwal, Deepak Thapa, Sunil Neupane, Samikaran Waiba, Sanjita Deoja, Bristi Ghimire, and Bidur Ghimire. Their performance filled the room with lively music, creating a joyous atmosphere that brought everyone to the dance floor. The band’s energetic and soulful renditions provided the perfect ending to a night of celebration, unity, and cultural pride.
A Night to Remember
The Nepali New Year 2081 celebration was a resounding success, bringing together community members to honor our shared heritage and look forward to a prosperous year ahead. The DNC extends its heartfelt thanks to all the performers, guests, and volunteers who contributed to making this event a memorable one. As we step into the New Year, we carry with us the spirit of togetherness and the hope for a bright future for our community.

Dartford Nepalese Community came together to celebrate Haritalika Teej 2080 in a vibrant and unforgettable event. The evening began at 5:00 PM with a warm welcome as guests enjoyed starters, setting the tone for a night filled with cultural pride and community spirit. The formal program, led by Anukram Rijal and chaired by Bina Ghimire, featured distinguished guests, including Ms. Roshan Khanal, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Nepalese Embassy in London, and Mr. Jeremy Kite, MBE, Leader of the Council. Their speeches, along with heartfelt remarks from other esteemed guests, highlighted the importance of cultural heritage and the strong bonds within our community.

Following the formalities, the evening transitioned into a lively cultural program showcasing local talent. Performances included group dances, remixes of popular Teej songs, and soulful renditions of traditional tunes. The energy continued as national folk singers Raju Pariyar and Shiela Ale took the stage, captivating the audience for three hours with their powerful voices and engaging the crowd in a joyous floor dance. The Haritalika Teej 2080 celebration was not just an event; it was a testament to our shared heritage, bringing together generations to honor our traditions and strengthen our sense of belonging.