By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
The Dorset Mela is an annual cultural festival held in Dorset, UK, specifically in Poole Park. The event celebrates South Asian culture and has become a significant local attraction. Now in its seventh year, the Dorset Mela features a variety of activities and attractions, including,
Live Performances - Traditional South Asian dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bhangra, as well as contemporary acts blending South Asian melodies with Western beats.
2. Music and DJs - A mix of live music and DJ performances to entertain attendees.
3. Fashion Show -A showcase of traditional and contemporary South Asian attire.
4. Stalls and Vendors - Numerous stalls offering henna painting, traditional clothing, jewelry, arts, crafts, and a variety of homemade South Asian foods representing different Indian states.
5. Community Engagement - The event provides an opportunity for people to meet, socialize, and make new friends, fostering a sense of community.
The Dorset Mela is known for its inclusive atmosphere, inviting people from all cultural backgrounds to participate and experience South Asian culture. It typically draws thousands of visitors, making it a significant event in the local cultural calendar.
Bharatanatyam
Bharatanatyam is a classical Indian dance form that originated in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its fixed upper torso, bent legs, intricate footwork, and expressive hand gestures and facial expressions. This dance form combines elements of dance, music, and theater, often telling stories through its performances. It has a strong spiritual component, frequently depicting themes from Hindu mythology and scriptures.
Kathak
Kathak is another classical Indian dance form that originates from northern India. It is characterized by intricate footwork, spins, and expressive gestures and facial expressions. Kathak dancers often tell stories through their movements, and the dance can be both a solo and a group performance. It has historical roots in both Hindu and Muslim cultures, and its performances can include both devotional and secular themes.
Bhangra
Bhangra is a lively and energetic dance form that originated in the Punjab region of India and Pakistan. Traditionally, it was a folk dance celebrating the harvest season. Modern Bhangra has evolved to incorporate elements of contemporary music and dance, making it popular worldwide. It features vigorous movements, jumps, and coordinated sequences, often performed to the beat of a dhol and accompanied by vibrant music and songs.
These dance forms are integral parts of South Asian culture, each with its unique style, history, and significance.
Thousands are anticipated to attend a free event in Dorset celebrating South Asian culture. The Dorset Mela, in its seventh year, will be held in Poole Park on Saturday. This fair features live music, dancing, DJs, and a fashion show. Additionally, there will be stalls offering henna painting, clothing, jewelry, arts, crafts, and food.
Manoj Pillai, one of the organizers, remarked, "It's all about showcasing the culture and engaging with other cultures everyone is welcome." Traditional dances such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, and Bhangra will be performed, alongside contemporary acts blending South Asian melodies with Western beats.
Pillai noted that most of the food available is homemade, representing a wide array of Indian states. "We currently have 33 food stalls," he added.
The event, beginning at 10:00 BST and running into the early evening, is expected to draw about 5,000 visitors. Pillai reflected on the event's growth, "Initially, I thought it would attract only the Indian community, but it has become an event everyone wants to attend. It's a great opportunity to meet new people and make friends."