In the shadow of numerous outbreaks of anger and violence a few weeks ago it was lovely to attend the Middlesbrough Mela which symbolised peace and unity by embracing cultural diversity. The weather, particularly on the Sunday, was the only downside of the Asian-themed fair
Exciting rides including dodgems and carousels, and a variety of stalls selling clothing, household goods and henna painting attracted scores of visitors. While the huge variety of mouthwatering treats, including freshly cooked dosas and charcoal roasted shish kebab and chicken tikka, kept them well fed throughout the weekend.
A stage hosting singers and bands playing Bollywood favourites was the centrepiece of the mela and had the crowd rocking to the drum-infused melodies. Rameet Sandhu, Sahara UK and Roachkilla topped the bill as the festival was brought to a triumphant conclusion.
I love to photograph differing cultural events such as the mela. Differences in racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, geographic and academic backgrounds are surely things to be embraced and certainly make my job a lot more interesting. It would be a boring world if we all looked the same and followed the same practices.
#mela #middlesbrough #bollywood #saharauk #roachkilla #rameetsandhu #bhangra @MbroCouncil @Boromela @SaharaMusicUK @roachkilla1 @RameetSandhuu
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