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London's
East End will become a place of celebration on Sunday 13th May as the
10th Baishakhi Mela takes place.
A festival of
music, culture, food and arts, the Baishakhi Mela is the culmination
of a month of celebrations for the Bengali New Year (Bengali New Year
is 15th April). Attracting around 100,000 visitors each year from
London and around the world, and with more expected this year, the
Baishakhi Mela is recognised as the premier Bengali celebration
outside of Bangladesh.
With
activities for everyone, whatever their age, the Baishakhi Mela
offers a sensational extravaganza to stimulate all the senses. Brick
Lane is the destination for street stalls selling delicious curry
dishes while Weavers Fields and Allen Gardens has everything from
stages with dance and music groups, football matches and children's
fairground rides.
The start of
the festival kicks off with a colourful parade at 11.30am, beginning
at Allen Gardens and moving its way slowly through Brick Lane and to
Weavers Fields. Including the huge Bengali Tiger float surrounded by
its drummers and dancers and the Bridal Ride, the parade is the
perfect way to begin the festivities.
Brick Lane
will be pedestrianised throughout the day and will play host to
al-fresco dining, street stalls and more entertainment. Families will
be able to sample the delights of the famous Brick Lane curries and
enjoy eating together. A real feast for the senses.
The main stage
will be in Weavers Fields where a range of Bangladeshi sounds will be
performed from traditional to Bangla, Baul to Bengali Rock by people
of all ages from both Bangladesh and the local area. Sports will also
be played in the area including football and 'Kabadi' - a team sport
where a 'raider' must go into the opposite teams half and 'tag' a
member of that team while chanting so as not to take a breath. The
defenders must remain in a chain and if the chain is broken or a
defender tagged, a member is sent off and the 'raiders' team gains a point.
Allen Gardens
will have a community stage with performances of song, dance and
drama from local talent. Fun fairs, face painting, exhibitions, stilt
walkers and rickshaw rides are just some of the other fun happenings
on offer.
To commemorate
the 10th anniversary of the Baishakhi Mela, this year will also
showcase a range of indoor events that will take place between
Saturday 12th and Tuesday 15th May. Located around the Truman Brewery
and the Brady Centre, these will include a fashion show with both
contemporary and traditional dress, Jatra (traditional Indian opera -
the origins and stage version of Bollywood as we know it), book fair
and an art and photographic exhibition.
'Banglatown'
is proud of its reputation for good food and Bengali culture. The
Baishakhi Mela brings together the very best of Bengali arts, music
and culture to the Brick Lane area and reinforces that 'Banglatown'
is one of London's most vibrant quarters.
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