'Ilish Fest' celebrated in New Delhi

A colorful 'Ilish Fest' was held in the Indian capital, New Delhi, celebrating Bangladesh's national fish, Hilsa. Indian politicians, diplomats, civil society representatives, educationists, journalists, cultural workers and other prominent figures from various walks of life participated in the festival organized at the Friendship Auditorium of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday (September 26) afternoon. At the event, prominent Indian citizens unveiled the cover of the book titled 'A Fish Called Ilish' published in Dhaka.  

The festival, organized around Hilsa, one of the most important elements of Bengali tradition, culture and food culture, creates a unique atmosphere of Bangladesh's rich cultural heritage and hospitality among the guests. In addition to serving various dishes of Hilsa, the event highlights the diversity of Bangladesh's traditional food and culinary styles. Guests enjoy the taste of Bangladesh's Hilsa and enjoy various aspects of Bengali passion, tradition and culture associated with it. 

Among the guests present at the event were former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and eminent journalist M. J. Akbar, former diplomat and politician Mani Shankar Aiyar, human rights activist and social thinker Saida Hamdi, former Indian Ambassador Ronen Sen, eminent sociologist Ashish Nandy, and other eminent figures from various fields.

The guests who participated in the event praised the taste of Bangladeshi Hilsa and the arrangements. The tradition, culture and hospitality of Bangladesh are showcased in front of the friends and well-wishers of India through the Hilsa Fest. At the same time, the guests expressed their hope that such an event will play an important role in deepening and strengthening the existing friendly relations between the people of Bangladesh and India.

After unveiling the book cover at the event, High Commissioner Md. Riaz Hamidullah said, "In reality, Hilsa is closely linked to the identity of Bangladesh. Hilsa is intertwined with the society and economy of Bangladesh." He further mentioned that there are five Hilsa fish sanctuaries in Bangladesh. The government has taken several initiatives to increase the breeding and production of Hilsa, as a result of which the conservation and production of Hilsa are gradually increasing. 

All officials of the Bangladesh High Commission were present at the event.