Purbi Cultural Foundation Marks International Mother Language Day in Melbourne

Melbourne, February 14: The Purbi Cultural Foundation celebrated International Mother Language Day 2026 in Melbourne with a vibrant cultural programme at Clayton Hall, running from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The event was jointly organised by two renowned Melbourne-based cultural organisations, Surlok and Kobitayan, with the aim of promoting love for language and culture and highlighting the beauty of multilingualism.

A moment of music and poetry as performers celebrate language, culture and multilingualism in Melbourne. Photo: OTN Bangla

Purbi Cultural Foundation has long been working to pass on the heritage of the Bengali language and culture to the younger generation within Victoria’s multicultural society. The organisation is non-political, non-communal and not-for-profit, and has been collaborating with local cultural schools, community organisations, city councils, as well as state and federal bodies to promote the dignity and recognition of the Bengali language.

The programme featured performances by local artists and writers, including music, poetry recitation and dance. Bangladeshi street food stalls, along with traditional clothing and jewellery stalls, added colour and flavour to the venue, turning the event into a lively celebration of Bengali culture.

A special highlight of the evening was the performance of the song “Bangladesh, Bangladesh” from Rail Liner Oi Bostite by Partha Chakraborty, which deeply moved the audience and created an emotional atmosphere in the hall. Poetry recitations presented by Kobitayan were received with great enthusiasm, with the audience listening attentively. Alongside well-known Bangladeshi artists living in Melbourne, several artists from Kolkata also took part, giving the programme an international dimension.

The most captivating segment of the event was Purbi Cultural Foundation’s own production featuring young children. Their performances, centred on the spirit of the Language Movement and love for the mother tongue, touched the hearts of the audience and powerfully highlighted the importance of nurturing Bengali language and culture among the diaspora’s younger generation.