Bangladesh participated at the Canberra Multicultural Festival High Commission for Bangladesh Canberra February 2019 Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra joined hand with the Bangladesh community in Australia and participated in the Multicultural Festival in Canberra on 16 February 2019. This was the first collective participation at the prestigious Festival in all its segments- parade, cultural […]
Bangladesh participated at the Canberra Multicultural Festival
High Commission for Bangladesh
Canberra February 2019
Bangladesh High Commission in Canberra joined hand with the Bangladesh community in Australia and participated in the Multicultural Festival in Canberra on 16 February 2019. This was the first collective participation at the prestigious Festival in all its segments- parade, cultural program and stalls.
In the Parade, a Bangladesh contingent, comprised of members of community, students and the High Commission officials and their families, participated. They showcased colours, costumes, tradition and various aspects of Bangladesh culture. Groups of dhuli (drummers), dancers and cricketers led the parade, which was then followed by participants wearing diverse and traditional costumes of Bangladesh. Over 130 people participated in the grand parade, where only a few attended as country contingents, while others attended as groups.
The cultural segment showcased dances and songs, in particular folk songs, which represented well past and the present societies of Bengal. Different cultural groups based in Canberra including Dhrupad, Bangladesh Australia Puja Association, Bangladesh- Australia Association in Canberra, Kabbyokathan and other artistes from Canberra and Sydney performed to enthral the audience.
The Bangladesh High Commission’s information stall certainly attracted attention of a host of interested foreigners and locals, including the Minister for Multicultural Affairs of ACT Government, Leader of the Opposition of ACT Parliament, Shadow Minister on Multicultural Affairs and local elites and diplomats as well as members of the Bangladesh community. Visitors expressed keen interest in emerging Bangladesh and appreciation for the biodegradable polybag made of jute cellulose and for the organic tea from jute leaves and lemon grass. They also appreciated the creativity in the design of the stall where viewers had a glimpse of an emerging Bangladesh, it’s rich cultural heritage, export items, tourist attractions etc. The adjacent stalls of BAPA and BAAC offered delicious foods.
Bangladesh community appreciated the effort of the High Commission to unite various entities in Canberra to collectively represent Bangladesh and showcase strengths of Bangladesh in a coordinated way before the international audience in the Multicultural Festival. The Bangladesh High Commission in Australia hopes to participate in the future events in more structured manner.
