Baishakhi Mela celebration in East london

Bangla Mirror Desk:

Thousands of the UK’s Bangladeshi community members and members from other communities celebrated Bengali New Year 2015 on 17th May with live music and performances on stage together with various stalls offering food and drinks in Victoria Park, London.

Glamour’s costumes and traditional food were among the highlights at Bengali New Year celebration in East London.

The event, in Victoria Park in Tower Hamlets, welcomed thousands of people across the UK who enjoyed the opportunity to celebrate Bangladesh’s heritage.

Around one hundred thousand people turned out for the Mela to celebrate the Bengali New Year at one of the biggest events of its kind outside of Bangladesh.

The Baishakhi Mela roared into action with a spectacular gathering in the park. Numerous numbers o dancers, musicians, school children and community groups joined the Mela in a colourful parade.

The crowds cheered as the biggest names in Bengali music hit the stage. Roshnara Moni, Laboni Barua and Rubayeth Jahan, Asif were among many others whose voices beamed out to the thousands in Victoria Park.

Just fewer than 200 food, craft and community stalls, serving up tasty treats and Bengali inspired goods, the stalls helped keep the audience fed and watered as the artists played on stages throughout the afternoon.

Sirajul Haque, Chairman of Baisakhi Mela Trust, said: “It was a very successful day, we were very happy to have such a wonderful event. We celebrate it nationally and we wanted to ensure that this is the biggest celebration taking place outside Bangladesh..
Joynal Abedin Sharkar and her family enjoyed the festivities in Victoria Park. The resident from Hanbury street said: “The Mela is a great family day out. I’ve come down to listen to the great mix of music here as I know there are some big stars from Bangladesh who have flown over for the event.

“I’d definitely recommend the Mela to anyone who has never been.”