15 March 2025 | The Gurkha Centre | Hayes | By Hari Bhandari
International Women’s Day and Holi Festival Widely Celebrated in Feltham
On Saturday, 15 March 2025, The Gurkha Centre held an engaging and colourful celebration at Tudor Park Sports & Leisure in Feltham, uniting the local and South Asian communities to mark International Women’s Day (IWD) and the vibrant festival of Holi. The event featured a dynamic South Asian marketplace, creative workshops, and an inspiring musical performance by acclaimed artist Arko Mukharjee.
Honouring Women’s Achievements
The event commenced with a dedicated focus on International Women’s Day, emphasising women’s contributions and achievements globally. Participants actively contributed messages and pledges on an IWD canvas, expressing their respect for women’s resilience and aspirations. Chandni Patel, the Gurkha Centre’s Chair of Trustees, led the event, highlighting women’s leadership. A poignant poem was delivered by Reena Gyawali, entitled “A Granddaughter’s Voice: Breaking the Silence,” emphasizing the importance of amplifying women’s voices and addressing historical gender inequalities.
Celebrating the Festival of Holi
As the day continued, attendees joyfully immersed themselves in Holi festivities, embracing the festival’s spirit of unity, renewal, and triumph over adversity. Guests energetically threw vibrant powders, filling the air with hues of pink, yellow, and green, creating a lively atmosphere marked by camaraderie and joy. The celebration transcended age and cultural boundaries, emphasizing community togetherness.
Enthralling Musical Performance by Arko Mukharjee
One of the event’s standout moments was the captivating performance by musician Arko Mukharjee. His fusion of traditional and contemporary South Asian melodies captivated the audience, providing an emotionally resonant and lively backdrop to the festivities. Additionally, local artist and singer Kumar Yonjan contributed to the celebrations by performing Nepali songs, delighting attendees and further enhancing the event’s cultural vibrancy. Mukharjee’s energetic presence engaged guests of all backgrounds, enhancing the cultural depth of the event.
Community Engagement and Cultural Showcase
Overall, the celebration of International Women’s Day and Holi was a significant success, drawing enthusiastic participation from the community. Hari Bhandari, Founder/CEO of The Gurkha Centre, extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants, volunteers, and sponsors whose support made this memorable day possible. He further stated that The Gurkha Centre remains committed to fostering inclusive gatherings that celebrate cultural diversity, support local talents, and promote communal harmony.
One of the most interesting and successful event I have ever attended.
The Gurkha Centre is doing a fantastic job helping the Ex-Gurkha Veterans. Most of all the elderly and vulnerable veterans and widows and their children.