BACV leads Melbourne’s colourful celebration of Bengali New Year 1432

Melbourne, 26 April – The vibrant celebration of the Bengali New Year 1432, Borshoboron Utsav, was held today at the Gloria Pyke Netball Complex in Noble Park, organised by the Bangla Art Center Victoria (BACV). The day-long event began at 11:00 am with a colourful rally—Mangal Shobhajatra—featuring traditional Bengali attire, festive banners, and musical instruments, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the Boishakhi festivals of rural Bangladesh.

The venue transformed into a bustling hub of cultural pride and community spirit. A variety of Bangladeshi stalls showcased and sold traditional sarees, punjabis, handmade jewellery, children’s toys, and other crafts typically found in village fairs across Bangladesh. The food court proved to be one of the festival’s main attractions, serving an aromatic selection of beloved Bengali dishes such as hilsa-polao, luchi-labra, chatpati, phuchka, biryani, pithas, and a range of traditional sweets that delighted every palate.

Several distinguished guests attended the event and shared heartfelt messages with the community. Cr Jim Memeti, Mayor of the City of Greater Dandenong, expressed his admiration for the multicultural spirit of Victoria and warmly congratulated the Bangladeshi community. He encouraged attendees to say “Shubho Noboborsho” (Happy New Year) in Bengali, highlighting the importance of cultural exchange.

Cr Jim Memeti greets the crowd with a warm “Shubho Noboborsho” at the BACV Bengali New Year 1432 celebration, commending Melbourne’s vibrant multicultural community.

Eden Foster MP, Member for Mulgrave, shared personal reflections, noting her own immigrant background and acknowledging the richness of Bengali culture. While she admitted she could not speak the language, she expressed her respect for the community’s values and contributions.

Eden Foster MP, Member for Mulgrave
Eden Foster MP shares her heartfelt connection to migrant heritage while celebrating Bengali culture and community unity at the BACV New Year event.

Hon. Jason Wood MP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs, thanked the Bangladeshi community for continuing this tradition over the years. He reaffirmed his support for multicultural initiatives and community-led cultural celebrations.

Hon. Jason Wood MP, Shadow Minister for Community Safety, Migrant Services, and Multicultural Affairs
Hon. Jason Wood MP expresses his appreciation for the Bangladeshi community’s continued cultural contributions at the Bengali New Year 1432 festival in Noble Park.

Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Government Services and Member for Dandenong, spoke of the Albanese Government’s ongoing support for multiculturalism and the role of the Bangladeshi community in shaping an inclusive Australia.

Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP, Minister for Government Services and Member for Dandenong; Hon. Gabrielle Williams MP highlights the importance of multiculturalism and praises the Bangladeshi community’s role in building an inclusive Victoria.

Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and Member for Bruce, proudly acknowledged the achievements of Bangladeshi Australians, many of whom are highly educated professionals with postgraduate degrees. He noted the significant contributions they make to Australia’s education system, research, economy, and cultural landscape.

Hon. Julian Hill MP, Assistant Minister for Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs and Member for Bruce
Hon. Julian Hill MP proudly acknowledges the educational and cultural contributions of Bangladeshi Australians at the BACV Pohela Boishakh celebration.

Borshoboron Utsav 1432 was more than just a celebration—it was a powerful expression of shared identity, heritage, and unity. The event brought together families, artists, community leaders, and young people in a day of music, dance, poetry, drama, and storytelling. It served as a reminder that cultural diversity not only strengthens Australia’s social fabric but also enriches its national identity.

President of BACV, Jahar Bhowmik, thanked everyone for their enthusiastic participation and ongoing support. The cultural program continued until 7:00 pm, with performances from various local organisations across Victoria, making the day a joyous and memorable celebration for all.

Report: OTN Bangla, Melbourne.