Page 27 - Bugle Autumn 2024

G Coy celebrate
DASHAIN FESTIVAL
Dashain, the longest and most significant festival in Nepal, is celebrated with great enthusiasm across the country and by Nepalese communities worldwide. Spanning fifteen days, Dashain commemorates the triumph of good over evil, the strength of familial as well as team bonding, and the blessing of prosperity.
The festival is deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, marking the victory of the goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura, symbolising the triumph of virtue over vice.
It also celebrates lord Rama’s victory over Ravana, achieved with Durga’s blessings. These tales of victory resonate deeply with Dashain’s theme of righteousness and justice.
Culturally, Dashain reinforces the importance of family and community. Rituals include Ghatasthapana, the planting of jamara seeds; Fulpati; a procession from Gorkha to Kathmandu; Maha Ashtami and Maha Navami, days dedicated to worshiping Durga; Vijaya Dashami, when elders place tika and jamara on younger family member’s forehead; and
Socially, Dashain is a time for family reunions, new clothes, special meals, and flying kites
Kojagrat Purnima, honouring the goddess of wealth, Laxmi. These traditions strengthen familial bonds and cultural heritage.
Socially, Dashain is a time for family reunions, new clothes, special meals, and flying kites. Traditional bamboo swings, known as ping, are set up for entertainment. In the context of regimental life, especially in the RANGERs, it plays a very crucial role in team bonding and culturally integrating members of the wider Battalion. Though the festivity does not last for fifteen days in a RANGER battalion, it is a means to provide a cultural insight to our British counterparts about the culture and tradition of the Gurkhas.
Dashain achieves a sense of unity and prosperity, bringing people together in celebration and reflection. Dashain celebrations within the RANGER context is unique as it provides an excellent opportunity for soldiers from different cultural backgrounds to come together and be part of the rich cultural heritage and enduring traditions of Nepal.
Cpl Prashanta Chaulagain
4 RANGER
WELFARE UPDATE
As we reflect on the last year, the Welfare team has been extremely busy. We have enthusiastically organised events aimed at developing the community spirit and supporting our Rifleman’s well-being. Throughout this time, we have organised a wide number of activities, each one adding to the active culture of our community and Battalion.
The Young Ranger Weekend, held last September, was one of the year’s highlights. This event brought together Rifleman and their children for a weekend of adventure. The outdoor activities designed to push the children and their parents outside of their comfort zone and was an ideal way for developing a family bond.
The Battalion celebrated Salamanca Day with an amazing family fun day. The event brought Rifleman along with families to celebrate the regimental birthday. The day started with an Inter-Company Fitness competition won by HQ Coy followed by a family’s funday with variety of activities and entertainment. It was great to see all ranks join to celebrate.
The Welfare team has also been proactive in supporting the Battalion
in addressing important issues such
as mental health awareness. We have help organised several inspiring events aimed at promoting understanding the issues around mental health. These include Exercise Falcon mind, a series
of activities focused on a variety of different topics such as importance of nutrition, the value of sleep, visualisation, also external presentations from high- performance teams. We have worked hard to provide a safe space for open conversations about mental health and well-being.
Capt Steve Cox, Unit Welfare Officer
Young rangers rise to new heights
RIFLES The Bugle 27