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Baishakhi Mela
I’ve been to many a damp wet Mela, but nothing, so far, as torrential as this year Baishakhi Mela.
And they still turned up, the audience were amasing, not letting this complete soaking, dampen their spirits in any way, this is Bangla New Year and it’s great. |
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Trudging through the mud and puddles and wet streets of East London, I felt resigned to having to do my job and keep my promise to cover the Mela, telling myself you’ve got to take the good with the bad.
Only to be humbled and uplifted and inspired by the crowds that turned out to enjoy themselves regardless. Once again reminded that it is the people of East London and the Bangla community that make this a special Mela.
The acts for the most part were pretty uninspiring, a traditional programme and Bangla centric, with less of a focus on cross-over stuff, no real up and coming or contemporary artists shone through, I would liked to have seen more of Habib, yet it turned out to be more like a show your old uncle would put together, but it works. |
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Come 4 o’clock the sun came out and the audience doubled.
Most all the performances were solid and professional and with the encouragement and enthusiasm of the audience it was totally entertaining.
The Jatra ( musical opera ) show was worth checking out, a lovely cultural insight in to the stylised Jatra from Bangladesh.
Sadly, I was not able to see everything that was on offer and because of time missed acts I had ear-marked. |
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| Perhaps understandably, because of the rain, the running order was well out of sync, although as the people who attend never really know who is on where and at what time, it’s all a bit hit or miss anyway, for me I find it very frustrating. |
Over all it just get’s better...
After we highlighted the problem of rubbish at last years Baishakhi it was good to see that this aspect was put right and well under control, there was good amount of people clearing up during the day and it made for a far more pleasant day out.
Again the rain did make it almost impossible to get round the stalls with mud and deep puddles, the stall holders were not so happy, but what can you do ?
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Fashion Show
A special mention should be made to the people organising the fashion show, although there was a few technical problems it was good to see that this aspect of culture has been added to the itinerary.
It was actually quite funny with the presenter talking with the audience and getting them to sing during the ‘not ready’ period, needless to say it was a little under rehearsed but the models were certainly up for it and put on a good show.
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Conclusion
Once again the Baishakhi Mela delivered, despite the difficulties and the natural weather problems, it is a Mela that everyone should go and see, get involved with and enjoy a distinct flavour of Bangladesh.
Personally I’d still like to see the Bangla community open their arms just a little wider and invite in other Asian and local community cultures, bring in more acts to inspire the younger, now generation, making what is a great Mela in to one of the best in the country.
You are all invited to Baishakhi Mela 2008, don’t miss it. |
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