This article was updated Sept. 26, 2025 to ensure clarity and accuracy of details of the event.
On Sept. 19, 2025, the Bangladesh club hosted the event “Banglar Mela” to represent their rich culture. The event created a small replica of a traditional Bangladeshi fair with a variety of stalls with food, clothing, ornaments and fun games to showcase parts of their culture. There were over 200 visitors including students, faculty and community members.
To celebrate and represent different traditions and elements of Bangladesh. This is a tradition concept of a fair in Bangladesh with current Winona State University students at the forefront.
The Bangladesh club started Banglar Mela in 2024. This is their second year they have successfully hosted the event.
The president of the Bangladesh Club, current graduate student Afrini Hossain, mentioned that they looked at the state fair and carnivals for inspiration. The committee wanted to organize something similar to the state fair or a carnival that represents their culture and community.
The Bangadesh club wanted the event to take inspiration from the state fair, but they also “wanted to organize something that brings the vibrant color and the culture of Bangladesh,” Shepro, the vice president of the Bangladesh club said.
The event showcased multiple Bangladeshi traditional clothing items for both men and women. One of the captivating women’s garments was a Shari. This traditional garment for Bangladeshi women consists of a long, colorful piece of fabric that is draped across the body. The Lungi is a traditional Bangladeshi men’s garment that was showcased at Banglar Mela. The Lungi is partially open on the sides, which allows for the clothing article to have more ventilation. These garments are an important part of the history and culture of Bangladesh.
“I really love to see all the people who came out for the event. It’s so fun to see the traditional dress, that’s one of my favorite parts,” Jodi Page, the International Student advisor, said.
At Banglar Mela there was more than just a showcase of culturally important clothes. Banglar Mela also showcase multiple mini games in the event, including carrom, ludo, chess, and hari bhanga. Among the games, hari bhanga was the most exciting one, in this game the players are supposed to cover their eyes and try to hit a bucket with a stick.
There were prizes for the winners of the game. The club gave colorful glass bangles and clay earrings to the winners.
Bangladesh is known for its diverse cuisine, particularly its street food. The event had different types of food including jhal muri, puffed rice with fried gram that was salted and spiced, and fuchka, crispy hollow fried dough balls filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas. Piyaju, traditional Bangladesh fried onion fritters, where also served. To go with all this traditional food, they served a special Bangladeshi milk tea, which is their trademark drink after every meal.
Overall, it was one of the biggest cross-cultural events on campus. Where the Bangladesh club showcased their culture, friendliness and the beauty of their country.
President Kenneth Janz attended this event finding it to be a perfect representation to what Winona State is all about. “Winona State is about community, belonging, and kindness. I think this event is absolutely a perfect representation of community, showing their community here, and asking us, inviting us in to share that with them.”
