Boishakhi Mela 2026 was held on 18 April at the Werribee Indoor Sports Centre, drawing strong attendance from families across Melbourne’s west for a community celebration of the Bengali New Year.
The evening event, which ran from 4:30pm to 11pm, featured cultural performances, food stalls and market displays, with visitors taking part in competitions, live music and retail activities throughout the venue.
The celebration was organised by Bongosathi, which thanked the local community for its support. “Thank you, Melbourne West, for your trust, love, and incredible support,” organisers said following the event.
John Lister MP, Member for Werribee, Joanne Ryan MP, Federal Member for Lalor, Cr Jasmine Hill and Cr Pradeep Tiwari attended the event as guests. Organisers acknowledged their presence, stating, “A heartfelt thank you to our Federal and Victorian local MPs, Dy Mayor Wyndham City, Cr. Pradeep and other guests for coming and encouraging our community with your presence.”
Boishakhi Mela marks the Bengali New Year, observed across Bangladesh and parts of India, particularly West Bengal. Community celebrations linked to the occasion continue to draw interest across Melbourne, bringing together families, performers and small businesses.
This year’s programme included a sit and draw competition, Bengali creative arts and kolka contests, and a trivia session focused on New Year traditions. The evening also featured a cultural showcase with music, dance and live performances, including a Bangla folk band.
More than 25 food and market stalls operated across the venue, offering Bengali cuisine, fashion, jewellery and small business products. Events of this kind provide local vendors with a direct way to engage with customers while contributing to the overall experience.
Organisers said the atmosphere throughout the evening reflected strong community participation. “It was wonderful to see so many people enjoying the celebration, the beautiful Bengali music, the vibrant atmosphere, and all the shopping and fun throughout the event,” they said.
They added that the shared experience remained the highlight of the day. “Smiling faces, cultural pride, and community togetherness made these moments unforgettable,” organisers said. “These memories belong to all of us. Thank you for being part of this journey and for making the event such a joyful success.”
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