A VERSION of the popular Southampton Mela Festival will be broadcast online on Sunday.
The celebration of modern and traditional Asian culture is a long-standing highlight on the city's summer events calendar each year.
This pioneering broadcast, which takes place in 2021 due to Covid concerns, will feature performances by world class musicians such as renowned Tabla player Sanju Sahai, singer and harmonium player Dr Pooja Angra, the inspiring Inner Vision Orchestra led by Baluji Srivastav and the UK’s most popular qawwali group, The Khan Brothers Qawwal, who have been performing for over 30 years all over the world, carrying forward the tradition of their ancestor’s in performing Sufi Qawwali.
It will also feature highlights from Art Asia’s smaller scale events held across Southampton throughout the summer months, including stunning dance performances from celebrated Bollywood dancer Rahki Sood, and Odissi dancer Sushmita Pati.
Viewers can also watch culinary delights being prepared by Southampton based Punjabi restaurant, Sanjha, particularly the favoured Mela dishes including Papdi Chaat and Kadai Chicken.
Dahlia Jamil, Chief Executive at Art Asia, told the Daily Echo: "We couldn't meet together as we usually do this year, but we are determined to celebrate in the best way we can. We encourage everyone to gather friends and family to watch. Let's enjoy the spirit of the Mela together! We can't wait to share this live broadcast with you."
To watch the broadcast, visit artasia.org.uk or the Art Asia YouTube channel from 4pm onwards.
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