Street food, crafts and fun as the Mela returns
NEW VENUE FOR TOWN’S SOUTH ASIAN CULTURE BAZAAR
LOUGHBOROUGH’S annual Mela is back after last year’s event had to be cancelled.
The South Asian culture bazaar will take place this year at a new venue in the heart of the community.
On Sunday, people are invited to attend the free event on the Parish Green, in Steeple Row, to enjoy an array of family entertainment, fun and crafts.
Asian street food vendors will be catering the event so visitors are encouraged to take along their picnic blankets and make the most it.
A large marquee on the green will host a line-up of Bollywood performances including dance and singing groups.
Special guest from Sanskar Radio, Sajan Odedra, will be performing with her singing group, Sajan Celebrations.
The group, which will perform a range of Bollywood songs in Hindi and Gujarati, has previously toured Europe, East Africa and the USA.
dance group Aakash Odedra Company will take to the stage during the event alongside Bhangra band Eternal Taal and the Maher Girls’ Raas Group.
Other traditional dance performers and Asian rap stars will also be part of the line-up.
Visitors will have the chance to take part in arts and crafts such as rangoli and be able to have henna done by professionals.
Family-friendly storytelling will also take place during the day-long event.
This year, the event coincides with the Hindu and Jain festival of Raksha Bandhan, an annual celebration marking the bond between brothers and sisters.
Traditionally, the Raksha BandRenowned
han is celebrated by sisters tying a special bracelet called a rakhi – which is usually made from colourful, cotton thread – around their brother’s wrist. This ceremony symbolises care and protection. In return, sisters are offered a gift. To recognise the religious festival, the event will also feature performances of songs to celebrate the special day.
The free event will begin at noon and go on until 5.30pm on the Parish Green, which is situated between All Saints Parish Church and Fearon Hall in Loughborough.