The largest celebration of the Bengali New Year, outside of Bangladesh, will be in the East End, and organisers are calling out for performers to take part.
The Boishakhi Mela has returned for a 14th year after starting out as a small community event in 1998 - and it is even launching with a rebrand.
This year’s two day extravaganza, starting on Saturday, May 19 at Brick Lane, was organised and put together by original founder and community leader Shiraj Haque and the Boishakhi Community Trust (BMCT).
Shiraj Haque said: “The Boishakhi Mela is the premier event to celebrate the Bengali New Year.
“People across the world talk and hear about it as a popular community festival, which is why it’s important that the Mela has returned to the community where families, young and old, can enjoy the true essence of the festivities showcasing Bangladeshi heritage.”
The celebrations will include the first ever Bangladeshi trade fair and expo and traditional festivities of internationally acclaimed performers, culinary delights and family entertainment shows.
BMCT aims to bring this year’s Mela closer and more representative to the Bangladeshi community, so the use of the ‘O’ instead of an ‘A’ in Boishakhi shows a statement of intent.
For more information and to take part in the celebrations, visit www.boishakhimela.org. Applications for stalls at the Mela will close on Friday, April 20.
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