The word “Mela” means village fair which is one
of the most important cultural heritage of Bangladesh. This is one of the traditional institution that has helped the growth of folk culture. The hundreds of Melas which are observed in Bangladesh each year represent festive occasions with songs, dazzling dances
and various other forms of entertainment and amusements.

Camden Bangladesh Mela started in 1992 at Calthorpe Project as a local community event, but has now developed to a borough/London wide festival attracting up to 10,000 people. The Mela is a forum to showcase talents, skills, creativity and innovations and brings the whole community together in celebration.

The Mela is co-ordinated by the Mela Planning Committee consisting of local people and workers from different organisations in Camden. Building on the experience of working for the local community the Mela Committee works to engage and involve the Bangladeshi community in Camden to promote and share Bangladeshi culture to the wider community.

It provides young British-Bangladeshis opportunity to experience, appreciate and understand Bangladeshi arts and culture, as well as access to arts through involvement and participation in the event. This celebration of traditional culture uses the arts to challenge the negative perceptions of Bangladesh and promote diversity and respect.

The Mela is a family event for members of the Bangladeshi community who have limited access to local recreational facilities. It promises to be great fun for all and provides a varied programme of activities.

The Mela committee consists of local people and workers from different organisations in Camden.


Camden Council
Councillor Nasim Ali  (Chair)
Councillor Abdul Hai
Councillor Penny Abraham

King's Cross Brunswick Neighbourhood Association
Sofina Razzaque
Raznah Miah

Bengali Workers Association
Mukid Chowdhury (Treasurer)

Mary Ward Centre
Maddy Fisk (Secretary)

London Design House
Sadia Jafreen (Media & Publicity)

British Museum
John Orna-Ornstein

St Pancras & Humanist Housing Association
Clare Davies

Holborn Community Association
Jamila Hasan

South Camden Community School
Anna Woodfield

Camden Youth & Connexion Service
David Ali & Mukith Miah

Coram Parent's Centre
Tasneem Khan

Hopscotch Asian Women Centre
Eashmota Khatoon

Local Residents
Humayun Kabir Ayas
Reza Talukdar

New Roots
Fatema Ahmed

Banglar Sur
Syed Rafiqul Islam (Suhel)