On Sunday, April 17th, I had the pleasure of attending University of Maryland Bengali Student Association’s event, Boishakhi Bang.

Students, families, and friends were decked out in their best Desi apparel to celebrate the Bengali New Year. The show featured musical performances, bhangra, and a fashion show!

My favorite part was the food, of course. There was delicious butter chicken, and chick pea curry. Mmmm.

Proceeds from the event are going to an organization called Save the Children. In order to help ensure children’s rights, Save the Children | Bangladesh advocates, supports and protects children through a multidimensional approach. There are 6 sectors of this approach: Child Protection, Child Poverty, Health, Nutrition, and HIV/AIDS, Education, Policy Rights and Governance and Humanitarian Sector.

Though I’m not Bengali, myself, it was very interesting to see the diversity that UMD has to offer. Events that not only showcase and share culture, but help those in need should be celebrated. Just like we have International Night here at the Universities at Shady Grove, there are events to available to us at other campuses.