Maghe Sankranti marks the transition of the sun into Capricorn and is traditionally associated with renewal, family gatherings and shared food. Within the Magar community, it also acts as an important expression of cultural identity passed through generations.
The event was held at the Punjab Community Centre and combined formal proceedings with music, dance and communal dining. The programme moved from civic ceremony into open celebration.
Proceedings began with official welcomes and national anthems. The Nepali national anthem was performed in Nepali, followed by the UK national anthem, printed as God Save the King.
The pairing reflected the community’s dual identity, maintaining strong cultural ties to Nepal while firmly situating the event within a British civic setting.
A series of traditional performances followed, including solo, couple and group dances. The evening culminated in Panche Baja and an open dance that encouraged wider participation.
The Mayor’s attendance placed the festival within Swindon’s wider civic life. It reflected recognition of the Magar community as part of the town’s established Nepali population.
Swindon is home to one of the largest Nepalese communities in the UK outside London, with strong roots linked to Gurkha service and long-term settlement. Cultural events such as Maghe Sankranti play a key role in maintaining heritage while engaging with the town’s public life.
Mayor of Swindon Fay Howard said:
“Events like this are a powerful reminder of the richness that different cultures bring to Swindon. The Magar community has created a celebration that is welcoming, proud, and deeply rooted in tradition, while also being very much part of our town’s shared civic life.”
Organisers described the festival as more than food and performance. It was a public expression of belonging, reflecting how cultural continuity and civic identity continue to develop side by side in Swindon.
