Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Experience the Vibrant Hounslow Desi Mela 2025

A colourful day of live entertainment, global flavours, traditional arts and family fun, bringing the spirit of the South Asian subcontinent to West London.

Vibrant Hounslow Desi Mela

Experience the Vibrant Hounslow Desi Mela 2025

Hounslow is all set to come alive with colour, culture and celebration as the Hounslow Desi Mela 2025 returns for another spectacular year. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at Cranford Community College, High Street, Hounslow TW5 9PD, this much-loved community festival offers a full day of cultural richness, showcasing the vibrancy of South Asian heritage through music, dance, food, fashion, and fun for all ages. A beloved fixture in London’s multicultural calendar, the mela is expected to draw thousands of visitors and promises an unforgettable day of unity, diversity and joy.

The Hounslow Desi Mela is more than just a summer event—it is a heartfelt tribute to the shared traditions of the Indian subcontinent, bringing together people from diverse backgrounds in a celebration of identity and belonging. This year’s programme is bigger and more dynamic than ever, with live stage performances by celebrated musicians, high-energy dance acts, and interactive cultural showcases that reflect the evolving yet timeless nature of desi culture. From classical Kathak and Bharatanatyam to energetic bhangra and Bollywood fusion, the performances will appeal to audiences of all generations.


A key highlight of the mela is its global food court, offering an aromatic journey through South Asia’s legendary cuisines. Festivalgoers can savour authentic street food from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka—ranging from spicy chaats and tandoori treats to vegan delights and traditional desserts like kulfi and laddoo. With both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, there’s something for every palate.

Families will find plenty to enjoy, with a dedicated Kids’ Zone featuring games, craft workshops, face painting, and a funfair with rides to keep children entertained throughout the day. Meanwhile, fashion lovers and shopaholics can browse the shopping bazaar, a vibrant market brimming with ethnic wear, handmade jewellery, home dĆ©cor, henna artists, and artisanal products.

Adding a modern twist, the mela also includes a live DJ zone, where popular desi DJs will spin everything from Punjabi beats and Bollywood remixes to chart-topping global dance tracks. For those wanting to capture memories, themed photo booths and social media zones will offer the perfect backdrop for selfies and group photos.

Beyond the entertainment, the Hounslow Desi Mela is a platform for community engagement and cultural education. Local organisations and cultural groups will host stalls to raise awareness of heritage, traditions and social initiatives. The event reflects the borough’s commitment to inclusion and multiculturalism, giving residents a chance to connect with their roots—or discover new ones.

Entry is free for children under a certain age, with affordable tickets available online. Early booking is advised due to the event’s growing popularity in recent years.

Join the festivities and experience a truly immersive day filled with flavour, rhythm, laughter and community spirit. The Hounslow Desi Mela 2025 is not just an event—it’s a celebration of who we are, where we come from, and how far we’ve come together.

For tickets and more information, visit: www.fatsoma.com

More For You

Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali

Jugalbandi: A Musical Dialogue at Rich Mix

Indian Classical Music at Rich Mix

East London is set to come alive with the sounds of tradition, rhythm and spiritual resonance as internationally acclaimed sarangi player Nabeel Khan and renowned tabla artist Junaid Ali take centre stage at Rich Mix on Sunday, 22 June 2025. The event, which will be held at the vibrant cultural venue located at 35-47 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6LA, invites audiences to experience the enchantment and intricacy of Indian classical music in an unforgettable live performance.

Curated for music lovers, cultural enthusiasts and those seeking a deep connection with the Indian subcontinent’s artistic legacy, the evening promises a unique dialogue between melody and rhythm. Nabeel Khan and Junaid Ali will perform in jugalbandi (duet), weaving together their instruments—the sarangi and tabla—into an expressive conversation that transcends language and borders.

Keep ReadingShow less
Jasbinder

Join Jasbinder at Barnes Children’s Literature Festival

Exciting Debut at Barnes Fest!

Readers and families in London are in for a culturally rich, story-filled experience as Jasbinder Bilan, one of the UK’s most acclaimed children’s authors, headlines an exciting event at the Barnes Children’s Literature Festival. Taking place on Saturday, 21 June at the Barnes Green Centre on Church Road, London SW13 9HE, the event will offer young audiences the exclusive opportunity to meet the Costa Children’s Book Award winner and hear about her latest novel, Naeli and the Secret Song. Known for blending adventure, history, and folklore into captivating tales for young readers, Bilan’s newest book promises to enchant and empower children with themes of identity, bravery, and the magic of self-discovery.

Organised as part of the UK’s largest dedicated children’s literature festival, the interactive session will be tailored for children and families, giving them the chance to connect directly with the author. Jasbinder will introduce Naeli and the Secret Song, a beautifully written historical adventure set against a richly imagined landscape, infused with cultural heritage, ancient songs, and mysterious secrets. Young readers will not only get to hear excerpts from the book but also take part in a vibrant Q&A and creative activities designed to ignite their imaginations and deepen their love of storytelling.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mesmerising Odissi Sandhya at The Bhavan, London

Experience the Vibrant Spirit of odissi in Birmingham

Odissi Dance in Birmingham

Lovers of classical Indian dance and culture will be drawn to a mesmerising evening of performance as Odissi Sandhya takes the spotlight at The Bhavan, London, on Saturday, June 21, 2025. Located at 4A Castletown Road, London W14 9HE, The Bhavan is one of the UK's premier institutions for Indian arts, and the perfect venue to host this celebration of heritage and artistry. The event will be led by the talented dancers of Nritya Alaap, who are renowned for their commitment to preserving and promoting Odissi — one of the eight recognised classical dance forms of India.

Odissi, which originated in the temples of Odisha in eastern India, is celebrated for its lyrical grace, expressive gestures (mudras), and devotional themes rooted in mythology and poetry. Through elegant body movements, dramatic storytelling, and rhythmic footwork, the dancers convey narratives from ancient scriptures and folklore, making the performance both spiritual and artistic.

Keep ReadingShow less
Abhijeet Bhattacharya Live

Bollywood Sensation Abhijeet Bhattacharya Set to Light Up Reading with Live Concert

Don't Miss Abhijeet's Live Show!

Music lovers and Bollywood fans are in for a melodious treat as renowned playback singer Abhijeet Bhattacharya gears up for an unforgettable live concert in Reading. The much-anticipated event will take place on Saturday, June 21 at The Hexagon, located on Queens Walk, RG1 7QF. Audiences can expect an evening brimming with nostalgia and emotion as the celebrated singer performs a collection of his greatest hits and timeless classics.

Abhijeet Bhattacharya, whose golden voice has been the soul behind countless Bollywood chart-toppers since the 1990s, is one of the most distinctive and beloved voices in Indian cinema. With a career spanning over three decades, he has lent his vocals to megastars such as Shah Rukh Khan, Salman Khan and Akshay Kumar, leaving an indelible mark on the soundscape of Hindi film music. From romantic ballads like Main Koi Aisa Geet Gaoon to the energetic Ole Ole, his songs have become anthems for generations of fans.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bharatanatyam

Discover the Beauty of Classical Indian Dance

Graceful Steps: Bharatanatyam in Northolt

This summer, Northolt becomes the stage for an elegant celebration of South Asian heritage, movement, and expression, as weekly Bharatanatyam Dance Classes take centre stage every Wednesday throughout June. Hosted at the Grand Union Village Community Centre (1st Floor, Weaver House, Higham Mews, Northolt UB5 6FP), these sessions will be held on June 11, 18, and 25, offering a rare opportunity for both newcomers and trained dancers to deepen their understanding of one of India’s oldest and most revered classical dance traditions.

Bharatanatyam is not merely a dance—it is a profound narrative art form that weaves together intricate footwork, hand gestures (mudras), facial expressions (abhinaya), and rhythm (nritta) to convey stories drawn from Hindu mythology and ancient texts. Originating in the temples of Tamil Nadu over 2,000 years ago, this sacred dance has evolved into a global cultural phenomenon, admired for its precision, beauty, and spiritual depth. These Northolt classes aim to make that heritage accessible to all, regardless of age, gender, or prior experience.

Keep ReadingShow less