Grand South Asian New Year (“Pohela Boishakh”) Celebrated at Zilker Park
The eleventh annual “South Asian New Year Festival” was celebrated at Zilker Park on April 14 with great fan fare by thousands of cheerful Austinites from all walks of life. This City of Austin sponsored and promoted public event is organized by Texas Bengali Cultural Alliance (TBCA). The Auspicious occasion was attended by local dignitaries including Mayor Lee Leffingwell, Mayor Pro Tem Mike Martinez, dignitaries, representatives from local media, sponsors, organizations and community leaders and multitudes of people. The sky was half overcast providing a perfect canopy for the throngs gathered to experience South Asia in the heart of Texas.
The aroma of traditional Indian street food infused with exotic spices was wafting through the air. Vendor’s from displaying their colorful wares was reminiscent of hundreds of bazaars strewn all over the subcontinent. Artists performed ancient and modern art forms such as katthak, Orissi, Bharat Natyam, Fusion Dances, Songs and dramas. The sounds, sights, and scents transported the audience on a magical journey. It was a nonstop fun filled eight hours that seemed to fly.
We are very happy to see that the event is growing every year and has become an “Austin Tradition”. Our heart-filled Thanks to everybody for making this year’s event a grand success.
