Heritage Fair Held with Festive Spirit in New York

The vibrant ‘Thikana Presents Heritage Fair’ took place in Jackson Heights, New York, on Sunday, September 7. The daylong event, spread across 37th Road and 77th Street, drew enthusiastic participation from Bangladeshi expatriates as well as members of other communities, turning the entire area into a lively celebration.

In the pleasant weather, thousands of attendees enjoyed Bangladeshi culture, food, stalls, and musical performances. The event was organized by the Jackson Heights Bangladeshi Business Association of New York (JBBA) with major sponsorship from the Bangladeshi-owned River Group.

Guests inaugurated the fair at noon by releasing balloons. Present at the opening were JBBA President Giyas Ahmed, former Bangladesh Society President M. Aziz, politician Rokeya Akhter, businessmen Kamruzzaman Kamrul, Sarwar Chowdhury, Atikul Islam Zakir, Mohammad Kashem, artist Aftab Jony, Mia Md. Dulal, Litu Chowdhury, New York City Queens County Judge Soma Syed, among others. The program was conducted by JBBA General Secretary Fahad Solaiman.

The stage came alive with performances by popular singers Bindukona, Kishore Das, Trinia Hasan, Tina Russell, Nazu Akhand, Shah Mahbub, Kala Mia, Kamruzzaman Bokul, Aftab Jony, and Shamim Siddiqui. The cultural segment was jointly hosted by Rizwana Elvis, Fauzia, and Mia Md. Dulal.

Speaking on behalf of the organizers and sponsors, Thikana Group’s Vice Chair and Chief Operating Officer Mushrat Shaheen Anubha said, “Heritage fairs like this play a significant role in connecting the new generation growing up abroad with their roots.” She thanked JBBA for organizing the event.

Other speakers included New York City Council Member Shekar Krishnan, State Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez Rojas, freedom fighter Abdul Mukit Chowdhury, businessman Bilal Chowdhury, and River Group CEO Ruhin Hossain. Thikana received a special honor, accepted by Mushrat Shaheen Anubha.

The fair also featured Bangladeshi product stalls, food vendors, and children’s entertainment. The day concluded with an exciting raffle draw, where the first prize was a cash award of $2,000.