Last time I witnessed it, it was chasing and scaring small kids down the street of Kathmandu.Yesterday night, the Lakhe was seen for the first time ever in Sutton!

At Stanley Park High School, many of us gathered to watch the brilliant acts of all the people who were celebrating Nepali new year. Only too soon, we found out that it wasn’t just Nepali people there! Surprisingly, lots of other people celebrated their new years on that day. It’s celebrated across Asia, but with different names.

Students from our Nepali School, Silvia and Pratik, explained how Prarambha Paathshalla has helped them to learn more about Nepali culture and language and be proud of their ethnic roots. Silvia states that as a girl living in the UK of Nepali origin, she feels proud and privileged to be blessed with the best of both worlds. Pratik says that he is proud of our teachers, as they have done their best to make us realise how important Nepali culture and language are in a new, exciting way.I agree!

My friends, Pressa , Nishitha , Ava and Shaylee displayed a wonderful traditional dance adorned in traditional Nepali attire. They have proven that even though they live in the UK, they are still tuning in with our traditions! Not complaining once, they have eagerly attended the many practice shows of their dance, that Shaylee’s mum has expertly choreographed.

My brother Sid and his friends Amesh , Pratyush , and Sriss also have been a great hit. Weaving in and out of the stage,They have deemed themselves worthy of an outstanding performance. Bearing in mind that this was the first ever time they had performed, they were superb. At the end of this spectacular show, they were greeted to a deafening round of applause.

The program was attended by several dignitaries – Mayor of Sutton, members of Parliament , Counsellors and even the ambassador of Sri Lanka. They were seated at the very front of the seating area, and when we were able to grasp a moment with them, they were greatly impressed with all the effort that our performers had put into making this mesmerising miracle become true.

The last dance of the night was the Lakhe dance. This is a dance that is greatly loved in Nepal. The Lakhe is a monster that scares all bad away, and settles good instead. In the busy streets of Nepal, lots of kids would tease Lakhe but it would always chase them away. The Lakhe is really a man\woman in traditional clothes, with a terrifying mask on.

My name is Summer Chandra and I am 10 years old. I am a student of Parambha Paathshalla too. ‘Nepali Class’ has helped me to read and write in my mother language, and I look forward to going there. It is not all about learning though. Nepali Class helps us socialise with other students and now we have a variety of Nepali friends.

A great many thanks to all of you who put your hard work into this show, and…

HAPPY NEPALI NEW YEAR 2076!!