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It was a summer evening, when a few like-minded Bengalis of
Kentucky, over a typical gharoa adda, a harmonium, and plentiful cups of tea hit upon the idea of a mega cultural
event. And what is your idea of a mega cultural event supposed to be? Now that was the million-dollar question a mega event. Cultural events had been organized in various mid-west cities by the respective cultural committees, but
never was there a joint effort. A joint effort by these various cultural organizations to conduct a program solely
for the purpose of promotion and development of Bengali culture. |
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And TreenaNeel of Kentucky came up with the idea of hosting the "mega" event, BANGA-MELA, in the Midwest region.
The idea was first presented to the Bengalis of Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky in the 1998 Tri-State Durga Puja, and it
received overwhelming support. A proposal was then drafted and sent to the Bengalis of Cincinnati, Columbus, Dayton,
Huntsville, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Lexington, Louisville, Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis and other neighboring areas.
The proposal was received with equal enthusiasm by everyone. It was decided that the Banga Mela would be organized
annually by the newly formed Mid America Bengali Association (MABA). |
