Nepalis and Gurkha veterans in Reading have recently celebrated a religious holiday and the achievements of several members of the community.

The Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association (REBGA) celebrated Dashain, a Hindu religious festival held to commemorate the victory of the goddess Durga in a battle against demons and devils.

The celebration was held at the South Reading Community Centre at 252 Northumberland Avenue, Whitley on Saturday, October 14.

The guest of honour was Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, who presented s to English language teachers from REBGA and scarves to new members.

Reading Chronicle: Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, issues an honorary scarf to a member of the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MPMatt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, issues an honorary scarf to a member of the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MP

Mr Rodda 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.”

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The event was also attended by councillors Jason Brock (Labour, Southcote) and Liz Terry (Labour, Coley) the leader and deputy leader of the council respectively, cllr Paul Gittings (Labour, Coley) and local representative cllr Alice Mpofu-Coles (Labour, Whitley).

Reading Chronicle: Matt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, presenting an award to an English language teacher at an event held by of the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MPMatt Rodda, the Labour MP for Reading East, presenting an award to an English language teacher at an event held by of the Reading Ex-British Gurkha Association. Credit: Office of Matt Rodda MP

Mr Rodda said: “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 Mpofu-Coles and other councillors, and the campaign to improve the pensions of former Gurkha soldiers.

“It was a really positive event and I was honoured to come and show my support for the Nepalese community.

“They had lots of dance displays, a folk singer and really nice music and entertainment.”