Colorful “Bangaliyana in Exile” Festival Celebrated by Mirsarai Samity USA Inc. in New York
A vibrant celebration of Bengali culture brought together members of the Bangladeshi diaspora at Valley Stream State Park in New York, where Mirsarai Samity USA Inc. organized its “Probashe Bangaliyana” festival in a festive and colorful atmosphere.
Wrapped in greenery, the park’s Field-2 Pavilion turned into a lively cultural gathering on May 9 as women, children, and young participants arrived in colorful traditional attire, including red and yellow sarees, while men and youths joined wearing panjabis and other festive outfits. The aroma of freshly fried hilsa fish with the sounds of traditional Bangla music, creating a nostalgic environment reminiscent of home.
The daylong event was organized to celebrate Bengali New Year 1433 and International Mother’s Day. Hundreds of expatriate Bangladeshis attended with their families, transforming the venue into a joyful community reunion.
The festival featured traditional Bengali foods, including hilsa fry, pitha-puli, and a variety of delicacies. Cultural performances by expatriate artists and folk music presentations added to the festive spirit, while attendees enjoyed social gatherings, songs, and interactive cultural activities throughout the day.
Speaking at the event, Mirsarai Samity USA Inc. President Asifur Rahman Asif and General Secretary Ariful Hasan Arif said the organization would continue arranging such programs to preserve Bengali culture and promote unity within the expatriate community.
Convener Kazi Saiful Alam, Joint Conveners Main Uddin and Belal Ahmed, Chief Coordinator Sobhan Shiblu Anwar, Member Secretary Alim Uddin Mamun, Joint Member Secretaries Samsul Alam Didar and Debashish Nath also thanked participants and expressed hope for organizing even larger events in the future. Overall publicity and IT coordination for the event were managed by Sahab Chowdhury Parvez.
Among the guests present were Bangladesh Society President Ataur Rahman Selim ; Chief Election Commissioner Abu Naser; Bangladesh Society Trustee Board member Kazi Azam; Sandwip Society USA President Firoz Ahmed; Kabir Hat Upazila Society President Mohammad Mirza; and General Secretary Mohammad Imtiaz, among others.
