Cardiff Correspondent

A new cultural initiative has quietly but confidently made its mark in Cardiff. Titled ‘The Pitha Mela Cardiff’, the event was held for the first time through the efforts of the local Bangladeshi community, bringing together families, food enthusiasts, and small business owners under one roof.

The mela was organised by Shahena Chowdhury, a familiar and trusted figure within the community. Over the years, she noticed an increasing number of people approaching her for help with business promotion and visibility.

These interactions highlighted a gap—a simple but effective platform where local entrepreneurs and the community could connect, collaborate, and support one another.

Originally planned as ‘The Cardiff Pitha Mela’, the event’s name was later changed to ‘The Pitha Mela Cardiff’ to better reflect its wider connection with the city and its diverse residents.

Speaking about the journey, Shahena said the idea became clear when three elements came together: an engaged audience in Cardiff, entrepreneurs eager to showcase their work, and a shared desire to give something meaningful back to the city.

“Once those pieces fell into place, the mela felt like the right step,” she explained.

At the heart of the event was a love for traditional Bangladeshi pitha. From familiar homemade favourites to regional specialties, visitors were treated to flavours that carry memories, stories, and heritage.

Guests Anna Mia and Tahmina Khan were also present, bringing warmth and encouragement to the atmosphere.

Before bringing the idea to life, Shahena researched similar events in both the UK and Bangladesh. She also visited pitha melas in other cities, learning from their structure and the response of local communities.

The Bangladesh Centre was chosen as the venue due to its open space and affordable stall facilities, which were particularly helpful for first-time and small-scale traders. The centre worked closely with the organisers, while friends and supporters volunteered throughout the day to ensure everything ran smoothly.

Organisers believe this is only the beginning. With growing interest and community support, ‘The Pitha Mela Cardiff’ is expected to evolve into a regular cultural gathering—one that celebrates tradition while creating opportunities for local entrepreneurs in Cardiff.