BAG

1422

This is the first time Bangladeshis in Glasgow made the effort to invite the greater Scottish community on this biggest Unitarian event in every Bangladeshis social calendar.

We made great efforts of bringing in the colours and flavours of the alluvial planes of the mighty Padma, Yamuna and Meghna – to the highlands, to banks of river Clyde.

The year 2015 marked the beginning of 1422 in the Bengali calendar, and The Bangladesh Association Glasgow welcomed it with great aplomb. The Bengali new year always provides a colourful and vibrant setting for the celebration of traditional Bengali culture, and The Burrell Collection proved equal to the occasion. The museum is a major attraction of the city Glasgow and hosts archeological and cultural exhibition throughout the year. From recitations of the poignant, yet beautifully melodic, language in Tagore's writing; to the smorgasbord of flavours and fragrances locked within the many dishes on offer at The Pitha Stands, it promotes the expression of a rich cultural heritage in a way unlike any other event in the calendar year.

Alongside these traditional displays, BAG also choreographed a selection of performances for this event. The evening was accompanied throughout by live jazz musicians, and featured unique dramatic and musical performances in the many forms and by all ages. Glasgow based Bangladeshi Cutural group Unmesh joined in the performances. One performance of note developed a tale of love and loss, and expressed it through puppetry in a way that must truly be experienced to be believed. Tale is "Arek Boishakh" and the plot is based on the victims of terrorist's attack during the Bangla new year celebration in 2001 in Ramna park at Dhaka.

Borshoboron 1422 celebration culminated in a multigenerational and multicultural rally featuring members of many backgrounds carrying unique pieces of Bengali art in the form of masks, designed by the acclaimed Bangladeshi artist: Raghunath. From Thailand, Greece and Catalu to fellow Scots and Bengali Scots, Glasgow's truly diverse nature was highlighted in this display of unity and strength.