MORE than 100 people took to the South Reading Community Centre on Saturday to celebrate the major Hindu festival Dashain.
Celebrated in Nepal and the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal, the occasion was recognised by the town through an event hosted by the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association (REBGA).
Guest of honour Mr Matt Rodda, MP for Reading East, was joined by Whitley councillor Alice Mpofu-Coles, Cllr Jason Brock, Cllr Liz Terry and Cllr Paul Gittings.
Mr Rodda MP said: “The Dashain celebration was a wonderful event which included music and dancing as well as short speeches and a symbolic lighting of candles. Awards were presented to English language teachers and scarves given to new members of the association.
“It was an honour to be invited as the chief guest, and it was good to be able to point out Labour policy on providing more council housing, the work being carried out by Cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles and other councillors, and the campaign to improve the pensions of former Gurkha soldiers.”
Dashain is known as the biggest festival in Nepal, and is the country’s longest holiday, spanning five days. It celebrates the victory of good over evil.
