Nepal showcased at the Grand London Mela 2011, Gunnersbury Park, London

The Embassy of Nepal, London, took part in the grand London Mela- 2011, held in Gunnersbury Park of London on Sunday in order to promote Nepal tourism and culture. Ambassador Dr. Suresh Chandra Chalise inaugurated Nepali stall by lighting the traditional lamp. This was followed by a reception hosted by the Embassy for the South Asian diplomats and high level dignitaries. Representative of the Mayor of London, High Commissioners of Bangladesh and India, local Mayors, Council leaders, London Mela production team, Nepali artistes and leaders of the expatriate Nepalese community attended the reception. 

Speaking on the occasion, ambassador Dr Chalise mentioned the importance of the Mela and asked all South Asian countries to work together to promote their tradition and rich culture in Europe. On the occasion, Mayors from Ealing, Acton, and Councillor John Gallagher spoke on the importance of Mela in bringing South Asian community together. Other speakers included Julian Rudd, London Mela Producer; Cllr Julian Bell, leader of Ealing Council; Mura Mirza, cultural advisor to the Mayor of London and Ajay Chhabra, artistic director of the Mela. There was active support and participation of artistes and volunteers from the Nepali community in London. Mela was a unique opportunity to promote and market Nepal's identity. Naumati cultural band, Nepali band Crash 18, Hadez, Indy-Indie, and Nepali folk dances of different ethnic groups were presented on the occasion. In the Mela, visitors also got the opportunity to taste and enjoy Nepalese cuisine. Thousands of people- from different walks of life who visited Nepali stalls were provided with publicity materials, posters and DVDs of Nepal. 

“The successful participation in London Mela was the outcome of the hard work and continuous collaboration and coordination between the embassy of Nepal and Nepali diaspora in the UK over the last few months,” said a statement issued by the Nepali embassy in London. Nepal’s participation at the Mela was coordinated by Surya Gurung, President of the NRN UK and by Prashant Kunwor on behalf of the embassy. London Mela 2011 was sponsored by various commercial and public sectors such as big businesses, media, entertainment, cuisine, culinary and hospitality organisations. Some of the major partners of the Mela included office of the Mayor of London, Borough Councils of Ealing and Hounslow, BBC and O2, among others. It is estimated that about 100,000 visitors attended the London Mela. The embassy had also showcased Nepal at the London Mela last year.

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