Bangladesh High Commission hosts hilsa festival in New Delhi

A vibrant ‘Hilsa Fest’ celebrating Bangladesh’s national fish was held at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday (September 26), bringing together Indian politicians, diplomats, academics, journalists and cultural figures.

The event featured a range of hilsa dishes alongside traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, offering guests a taste of the country’s culinary heritage and hospitality.

Among those attending were former Indian minister of state for external affairs and journalist M.J. Akbar, former diplomat and politician Mani Shankar Aiyar, human rights activist Syeda Hameed, former ambassador Ronen Sen and sociologist Ashis Nandy.

The festival also featured the launch of the book “A Fish Called Hilsa,” published in Dhaka. Indian dignitaries joined Bangladesh High Commissioner Md Riaz Hamidullah for the unveiling.

Speaking at the event, Hamidullah said hilsa was deeply woven into Bangladesh’s national identity as well as its social and economic life.

He said Bangladesh has five hilsa sanctuaries and has taken various measures to boost breeding and production, contributing to increased conservation and output.

Guests praised the food and the festival, expressing hope that cultural and culinary exchanges of this kind would further strengthen people-to-people ties between Bangladesh and India.