Recruit Intake 23 got the opportunity to celebrate Dashain, our first Regimental festival in the UK, at Helles Barracks at Gurkha Company Catterick. It was strange as we all are missing our families, however, we got to enjoy it at the same time. We organised Dashain party program where all families of our Gurkha Company were presented. Regardless of our family members, Gurkha Company created the same environment for us. We danced and sang during our program. We got to know each other which made us feel like we are in our own hometown. It was kind of refreshment for us as well during our CIC training. It was fun meeting Nepali Didi, Bahini and we felt like we are in our home too. Our numberies performed different cultural dances as well.
On the first day of Dashain, we along with Pandit ji put Jamara in our temple. During the seventh day, we roam our fulpati all over Gurkha Company and pray for the prosperity of Gurkha Company. The eight day was Kala Ratri or Mahaastami. This was the day when main event was held. The ninth day seems chaotic because we had to settle down everything that we enjoyed the day before. The tenth day was great for us. We all (Gurkha Company) gathered in our temple. According to our Hindu tradition, on thus very day there is a tradition of putting Tika and Jamara from the elder ones. Not only that the older ones bless the younger ones for their prosperity and happiness in future. It was our great privilege to receive Tika, Jamara and blessing from our respected Officer Commanding Saheb and pandit ji. The blessing given by our Officer Commanding Saheb was very inspiring and wise. After receiving Tika and Jamara from respected Officer Commanding Saheb, we were then headed towards our barracks, and we carry our normal admins.
On the 25th of October 2023, we had another program as a platoon. We along with five permanent staffs and their families gathered at welfare centre and celebrated there. We had our food, danced a lot, played games during that day. We even received Tika Jamara and blessings from our platoon permanent staffs. Although I had a great time there, I personally was a bit sad because I could not stop thinking about my family back in Nepal and I really missed them a lot. One of our Numberi got emotional and was in tears as well. We had never been far from our family in Dashain apart from this year. So, this time is a different feeling that I could not really express what it is. Although, I would like to thank to all our respected Saheb, Gurujis and Numberies for making this happen. I am sure RI23 will never forget about this Dashain.
By Trainee Rifleman Ashish Timelsena, 6 Platoon, 2 Section
