2005 - Pictures

Baishaki Mela 2006
Welcome to Baishakhi Mela Sunday 14th May 2006



Brick Lane, Weavers field & Allen Gardens London E1



Mela brings together the very best of Bengali arts, music and culture To Brick Lane ‘Banglatown’
one of London’s most vibrant quarters.

The Baishaki Mela is a unique festival, born out of the collective aspirations of a generation of Bengali
people who wanted to celebrate the Bangla New Year. The festival has developed into a sensational
extravaganza promoting all that Brick Lane and ‘Banglatown’ has to offer to people across London, the UK
and abroad. From its humble beginnings the event has rapidly established itself as the world’s largest Bengali
celebration outside of Bangladesh, regularly attracting over 80,000 visitors.

This year the eighth Baishaki Mela Takes place on Sunday 14th May between 11am And 7.00pm and promises
a spectacular line-up for locals, families and visitors from London and beyond who are invited to come and
enjoy a full programme of festive celebrations.

The event kicks off at 11am with a spectacular procession of Musicians, Dancers, Peacock boat, a Bridal Ride
with Palki (Palanquin) and Rickshaws, a metal Elephant as well as children dressed in colourful traditional
clothes and masks setting out from Allen Gardens and taking to the streets to share the warmth of
‘Shubho Nobo Borsho’ (Happy New Year). The procession will arrive at the main stage on weaver’s fields (vallence road E1)
just before 12 midday to mark the beginning of the Mela. The Mayor of London Ken Livingston has been invited to
inaugurate the Mela along with His Excellency the High Commissioner of Bangladesh, Members of Parliament,
and distinguished guests.

From 12noon the main stage, in weavers fields, will play host to a full repertoire of Bangladeshi sounds with
everything from traditional folk, Baul and Bollywood to Bengali rock, bhangra and contemporary east/west fusion.
Leading artists from Bangladesh Including Momotaj and Banna, will be performing along with local artists. Also,
Located in Allen Gardens, the Community Stage will provide a full day of music, theatre and dance. As part of
the community stage there will be a children’s play area with a fun fair, inflatables, clowns, jugglers and lots more.

Brick Lane itself will be pedestrianised throughout the day and transformed into a bustling market place with over
45 curry houses spilling out on to the pavement offering curry alfresco alongside 100’s of stalls giving a taste of
Bangladesh through the wide range of Merchandise such as handicrafts and traditional Bangladeshi fashion wears.

This year’s new addition is the Bangladeshi food Festival which will be hosted by prominent restaurateurs from
famous Brick Lane – Bangla town, known as the curry capital of Europe. Renowned Chefs from Bangladesh will
be presenting special menus for the first time in the UK. Plus exhibitions, poetry, street performance, drama, stilt
walkers Face painting, Henna painting (mehendi), Rikshaw rides and much more. offering something for everyone
and an event not to be missed

Buses serving the area: 25, 67, 205, 253, 106, D3, 8 Underground: Aldgate East: District Line, Hammersmith & City
Line Aldgate: Circle & Metropolitan Line Whitechapel: Circle Line (Restricted Service) Bethnal Green: Central Line

National Rail: Liverpool St and Bethnal Green overland Travel Information:
0207 222 1234