



Dilip Guha ★ New Delhi : The Bangiyo Samiti, a registered society in Laxmi Nagar, Delhi, successfully organized the “Poush Mela,” a vibrant winter carnival, for the third consecutive year on January 19, 2025, at Lala Jagatram Park.
This event, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, aimed to rejuvenate the Bengali community in east Delhi.
Enduring Spirit and Heritage
Shri Swarup Knati Roy, Secretary of the Bangiyo Samiti, emphasized the importance of the event. “The Poush Mela is a testament to the enduring spirit and heritage of the eastern region.
We are dedicated to preserving and promoting our cultural traditions, and this event reflects that commitment. We invited the Bengali community residing in east Delhi, as well as anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of Bengal, to participate in the Poush Mela 2025. We are overwhelmed by the response, as many people have travelled from distant areas, such as Greater Noida, to join us.”
The Poush Mela, an annual winter festival originating in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, and nurtured by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, has evolved into a global celebration of Bengali folk music, rural crafts, cuisine, and culture. Organized by Probashi Bengalis living in Delhi NCR, the festival is a cherished and integral part of Bengali culture.
The day long event featured live Bengali folk music performances, including traditional Baul music, singing, dancing, and tribal sports. An ethnic Food Fiesta offered authentic Bengali delicacies, such as traditional sweets called ‘PITHA’ and other ethnic foods.
A mega drawing competition named “All Delhi Drawing Competition” was organized for students up to class 10, where students participated enthusiastically.
The children’s section included performances celebrating various cultural traditions, showcasing the folk traditions of Bengal, the classical heritage of India, and the rich cultural expressions of children from the Bangiyo Samiti.
This was thoughtfully choreographed by the cultural secretary, Mrs. Pampa Dolui
The performances highlighted the unique legacies of Lok Sangeet, featuring dance performances that beautifully complemented musical expressions from various regions of Bengal, including Bengali Baul and folk songs. The talented children of the Bangiyo Samiti cultural wing sang popular songs such as “Ekbar Nacho To Dekhi” and “Dhodhanne Puspe Vora,” which were well received by the audience.
The “Saptak” cultural group, a renowned musical ensemble based in Delhi, captivated the audience with their performances.
Specializing in a diverse array of folk songs and recitations, their performances are nothing short of enchanting.
Notably, Bishakha Basu from Saptak graced the stage, adding elegance to their presentations.
The event concluded with participation certificates given as tokens of appreciation to all artists, and mementoes presented to the judges and distinguished Bengali persons from East Delhi. The Poush Mela stands as a testament to the enduring spirit and heritage of Bengal, making it a must-attend event for anyone interested in experiencing the rich cultural heritage of the region.
