South Asian Festival returns to city

The Gigglewalahs comedy night from last year's festival

The fifth Bradford South Asian Festival is under way celebrating the community's role in the city and the UK as a whole.

The festival began with a comedy night with the Gigglewalahs on Friday at the Banqueting Suite of Bradford City Hall.

The three-day festival first began life after a group of community organisers, artists, teachers, journalists and others came together.

They wanted to put on an annual gala which celebrated their South Asian cultural heritage and its role in shaping and enriching the city.

The weekend of arts and cultural events includes Bollywood dance sessions

Festival producer Aamta Waheed said:  "BSAF means solidarity, and representing, celebrating and sharing our identity, culture and creative traditions."

She said they had put together a diverse and family-friendly festival with an inclusive programme.

"Not just for South Asian communities, but for everyone from every background to come together, learn and enjoy the rich tapestry of South Asian culture."

She urged people to come to events and "share the good vibes, love and energy".

Singing as part of the Antakshari, Karaoke and Tea event from last year's festival

This year's theme is zaraa hatkeh which translates variously in Urdu/Hindi as with a twist, offbeat, a bit different or - literally - a bit to the side.

Festival co-coordinator Rahila Hussain said: "We really celebrate and appreciate the creativity, colour, spectacle, poetry, culinary magic and entrepreneurial flair that defines Bradford's South Asian desi community.

"Desi just means the South Asian cohort.

"We're reaching out, building bridges, sharing experiences and knowledge and just helping our different communities understand each other better. So do come along."

Later today there are a range of activities including music, food and dance at Kala Sangam's temporary home in Bank House in the city centre.

Further events take place on Sunday with kite making and flying sessions in the city centre and a performance by Sufi musicians Shah E Mardaan in Bradford City Library.

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