'the imjin magazine' Winter 2021 Winter 2021 | Page 13

ARRC Support Battalion celebrated the Redesignation parade on 5th July 2021 , after which the battalion was renamed Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion . For the first time after redesignation , the battalion celebrated Dashain in barracks . Dashain is the most auspicious festival in the Brigade of Gurkhas and Nepalese calendar and has been a principle annual festival since the Gurkhas were officially enlisted into the British Army in 1815 . Due to the deployment of the battalion on Ex STEADFAST LEDA 21 , the Dashain party for the service personnel and their families was held on 2nd October 2021 in the Imjin Warrant Officers ’ & Sergeants ’ Mess . Guests were treated to a feast of authentic Nepalese food and an evening of traditional entertainment .

Families performing the puja

the religious elements of the puja . As he was principally committed to delivering Dashain to the QGS , he performed some ceremonies over Zoom , but travelled to Imjin on days one , six and nine to conduct the key rituals of Ghatasthapana , Phulpati and Tika ( Vijaya Dashami ) in person from the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion temple .

The pujari team on the way to collect the Phulpati

GM Saheb offering tika to the children

Friday the 15th of October 2021 ( day nine ) was the most important day of the festival - Vijaya Dashami . This is the day when elderly people offer tika and give blessings to the younger generations . The Dashain tika is symbolised by red and white coloured rice placed on the forehead and was offered by GM Saheb and Pundit Ji to all the available members of the Battalion .

Under the direction of GM Saheb , this year ’ s Dashain celebration was a huge success and greatly enjoyed by all who attended . It was good to see many UK counterparts participating and learning about the Gurkha traditions , cultures and festivities and their significance .

Jai Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion !

The Pujari Team

GM Saheb and didi during Phulpati Puja

Under the direction of Major Baldeep Tamang Saheb , the first Gurkha Major ( GM ) of the Gurkha ARRC Support Battalion , a Pujari team was formed . Their role was to perform all the festival rituals ( called puja ) over a 9 day period on behalf of everyone within the battalion . The team were honoured to welcome Mr Jagadish Paudel , the Pundit from the Queen ’ s Gurkha Signals ( QGS ), who conducted

@ ARRCSpBn ARRC Support Battalion the imjin WINTER 2021 13