London: The preparations for the 15th Nepali Mela, organised annually by Tamu Dhee UK, are in their final stages. Tamu Dhee UK has announced that preparations for the event, set to take place on Sunday, August 25th in London, have been completed.

At a press conference held at the Tamu Dhee Hall in Michett on Sunday, Tamu Dhee UK President Hari Gurung shared that preparations for the event, which will be held under the slogan “Our Culture, Our Identity, Our Pride,” are nearly complete. Gurung stated that efforts have been made to make this year’s Nepali Mela more organised and attractive than those in previous years. He also urged the Nepali community in the UK to participate in the event.

At the event, the coordinator of the Nepali Mela and the organization’s Vice President, Parshu Gurung, emphasized the Mela’s significant role in promoting Nepali language, attire, religion, culture, and traditions in the UK. He mentioned that the Mela helps teach the younger generation about Nepali language and culture. The event is expected to draw over 7,000 attendees.

Started in 2009, the primary objective of the Mela is to strengthen relationships among Nepali organizations in the UK and to promote Nepali arts and culture, according to Tamu Dhee UK.

The organisers have stated that the Mela, held in collaboration with the Nepali Embassy in London, will feature prominent guests such as Nepal’s Acting Ambassador to the UK, Roshan Khanal, various diplomats, mayors, councillors, and local organisations.

The Nepali Mela will include special performances by artists from Nepal. Speakers at the event will include Dr. Badri KC, President of the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), UK, Hita Kaji Gurung, President of NRNA UK, and Roshan Khanal, Acting Ambassador of the Nepali Embassy in London.

The Mela will feature more than 42 floats, with participation from over 50 organisations. The best float display will be awarded £500, the second-best £300, and the third £200. Three consolation prizes of £200 each will also be awarded.

The best team in the float and cultural dance categories will receive £1,100 in cash along with the Ambassador Cup, while the runner-up will receive £700, and the third-place team will receive £500 in cash and a certificate.

The organizers estimate the total cost of hosting the Mela to be £42,500. An entry fee and car parking fee of £5 have been set for the event.

The event was attended by Tamu Dhee UK’s founder president, Min Prasad Gurung, former presidents Ramchandra Surje Gurung and Ghyam Gurung, along with artists from Nepal, advisors, and officials from the organization, as well as members of the Ama Samuha (Mother’s Group).

During the press conference, Vice President Jumkaji Gurung provided information about health and safety, while the media coordinator, S.K. Gurung, welcomed the journalists. Tamu Dhee UK presented tokens of appreciation to the attending journalists as a mark of respect. The conference was conducted by the organisation’s General Secretary, Dr. Vishal Gurung.