Hues of Bangladesh in Berlin

Bangladeshi cultural activists at the procession in Berlin

A grand rally was held in Berlin, Germany on May 11, where thousands of people of different origin, religion and background came together. The rally, titled "Karneval Der Kulturen", started from the Hermannplatz, Kruezberg and went up to York Strauss, five kilometers away.
Around four thousand cultural activists from 80 countries joined the procession, highlighting cultures from all over the world. Representatives were dressed in traditional attire; it was a sea of colours. Traditional music of different countries added diversity to the procession. Special attractions were 'samba dance' by the Brazilians; 'flamenco dance' by the Spanish, and Bangladeshi participants rhythmically marching with Runa's Laila's rendition of the familiar folk song Allah megh de. Bangladeshi women -- in red and green -- paraded the streets, carrying kula. They were accompanied by men who wore lungi, gamchha and mathal (straw hat).
Participants from different countries presented their traditional music. Bangladeshi participants went with the theme "nobanno utshab" (harvest celebration). Members of the Bangladesh Cultural Forum made comprehensive arrangements for the festival. The Bangladeshi team was highlighted on several local TV channels that covered the event.
Around 1.3 million people took to the streets of Berlin on the occasion of this festival. Thousands of Bangladeshis residing outside Berlin also came to join the celebrations.
The "Karneval Der Kulturen" is held every year in spring. Bangladesh first participated in this festival in 2000.