Around 250 people packed out Mount Pleasant Community Hall in Pontnewydd to celebrate Dashain, Nepal’s biggest festival.
The event was organised by the Wales Gurkha Community and held on Saturday 17 October 2026.
Celebrated by Nepali communities around the world, it is a time when families come together, receive blessings from elders, enjoy traditional food, music and dance, and celebrate the victory of good over evil.
Sita Rai, the president of the Wales Gurkha Community, welcomed guests to the event.
Nick Thomas-Symonds, Torfaen MP, was the “chief guest” and attended alongside community councillors Lucy Williams, Gareth Lloyd-Tolman, Leanne Lloyd-Tolman, and county councillors Fiona Cross, Alan Slade, David Thomas and David Williams.
The MP said: “Dashain really does represent a set of values that are as important to us today as they ever have been for the long tradition, a triumph of good over evil, hope over despair, a triumph over adversity. A festival that is a genuine force of good in the world. It is wonderful to see the vibrancy, colour, the beauty of your culture.”
He said he was “proud” to have the community in Torfaen and how the Nepalese elegance, culture and traditions “enrich our society here in Torfaen. “
Photos from the Dashain celebrations in Cwmbran
View a gallery of more photos from the event here.