Love in the Mother Language: Melbourne to Celebrate International Mother Language Day 2026

Melbourne, January 20: Purabi Cultural Foundation (PCF) Inc., a Melbourne-based community organisation, is preparing to commemorate International Mother Language Day 2026 under the theme “Love in the Mother Language.” The event aims to celebrate the rich heritage of the Bengali language and culture while promoting linguistic diversity within Australia’s multicultural society.

 Purabi Cultural Foundation (PCF) is a non-political, non-religious, and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to preserving and promoting Bengali music, arts, and cultural traditions among diverse Australian communities. The foundation works closely with multicultural language schools, cultural organisations, local councils, and state and federal bodies to strengthen social cohesion and encourage wider recognition of the Bengali language in mainstream Australia.

Celebrating Language and Cultural Diversity

This year’s celebration will be held at Clayton Hall in Melbourne in collaboration with two renowned Bangladeshi cultural organisations, Shurolok and Kobitayon. The program will highlight the importance of linguistic diversity, multilingual education, and the preservation of cultural identity for future generations.

International Mother Language Day, first proclaimed by UNESCO and later adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, recognises the vital role of languages in fostering inclusion and sustainable development. The 2024 global theme, “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning,” continues to inspire communities worldwide, and this event will reflect those values through music, poetry, and cultural expression.

Among distinguished guests, Senator Dr Michelle Ananda-Rajah has kindly agreed to attend and participate in the recognition ceremony for 2026, alongside community leaders and representatives from multicultural organisations.

Program Highlights

The evening will feature performances of the International Mother Language Day theme song, patriotic and folk music, poetry recitations, and dance presentations. Students of Purabi Cultural Foundation, along with local artists and writers, will showcase their talents. Visitors will also enjoy Bangladeshi street food stalls and displays of traditional clothing and jewellery, creating a vibrant cultural atmosphere.

Event Details

The program will take place on Saturday, 14 February 2026, from 6:30 PM to 10:00 PM at Clayton Hall, 264 Clayton Rd, Clayton VIC 3168.

Purabi Cultural Foundation believes that this celebration will build stronger bridges within Australia’s multicultural landscape and help younger generations remain connected to their linguistic roots. The organisers warmly invite community members, media representatives, and culture lovers to be part of this meaningful occasion.

For more information about International Mother Language Day
https://www.un.org/en/observances/mother-language-day
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Mother_Language_Day