The Bangladesh Students Association (BSA) at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) made a remarkable impression at the 11th Knox Asian Festival held on September 8th, 2024, at the World’s Fair Park.
The BSA’s participation was marked by a vibrant display of traditional Bangladeshi attire during the morning parade, complemented by handmade artifacts that vividly represented various cultural and historical elements of Bangladesh. The association’s booth was a focal point for festival-goers, offering an immersive experience into Bangladeshi culture.
Culinary delights were a highlight of the day, featuring an impressive array of homemade Bangladeshi dishes. The culinary journey began with tantalizing appetizers like Somucha and Singara, delectable pastries filled with a savory blend of vegetables and meats. As the day progressed, attendees were treated to a feast of Beef Biryani, Chicken Biryani, and Vegetable Biryani, each dish a flavorful mosaic of aromatic spices and rich, vibrant flavors that left taste buds tingling with delight. The menu also included Chotpoti, a savory chickpea and vegetable mix seasoned with black salt, cucumber, coriander and egg, accompanied by Fuchka, crispy fried dough pockets stuffed with chickpeas, potatoes, cucumber, and eggs. All those delicious Biryanis were made by Alzinuzzaman Khan, Ershadul Haque-Jesi Rawnak Israt, Adharaa Neelim Dewanjee, respectively; Chotpoti by Faria Reshmi and Fuchka by Sompa Reza and Mohammad Rahanur Alam.To cool down the palate, a selection of “Pitha” (Bengali cakes) was served, including Suji pitha (semolina cake), Malpoa (deep-fried rice flour and sugar mix), Puli pitha (rice flour dough with coconut-jaggery filling), Crispy Twisted Pitha, and Dim Pitha (egg-rice flour cake), all lovingly prepared by Selina Akter.
Among the sweets, visitors savored traditional favorites including Komolabhog, Malai Chomchom, Cream Jam, Porabarir Chomchom, Kheer Toast, Kheer Mohan, Channar Sondesh, and Perar Sondesh, all expertly crafted by Jesi Rawnak Israt. Myeesha Mostafa Khan Shuchi’s homemade Jilapi also received high praise for its exceptional flavor.
The cultural performance segment, expertly led by Cultural Secretary Tanjida Islam, was a resounding success. Our two talented anchors, Sri Rajiv Roy and Maliha Tabassum, smoothly transitioned between performances as they always do, keeping the event running seamlessly. Performances featured three Bengali songs—two in choir and one duet—as well as three group dances and a solo performance, all of which received enthusiastic applause. The month-long rehearsal efforts truly paid off.A big applause goes to the musical team: Shovan Chowdhury, Nafis Chowdhury, Rizwanul Alam Taskin, Sheikh Sharmin Jahan, Arithri Chowdhury, Tamalika Chowdhury, Faria Reshmi, Nayeem Anam and Amlan Dey.
Cheers to the fabulous dance team: Tanjida Islam, Priya Barua, Purba Bhattacharjee, Tamanna Jafar, Shalini Gupta, Mipahur Jannat Prothoma, Andalib Rahman, Prattay Datta, Al Mamun, Kazi Ishrak Ahmed and Raktim Chowdhury.
The crafts team wowed festival-goers with their dazzling array of handcrafted items, each piece a vibrant celebration of Bangladeshi artistry. Their colorful and intricately designed creations sparked enthusiastic applause and admiration, adding a lively flair to the festival.
Shout out to the Crafts team: Purba Bhattachrjee, Arfanul Ibna Mustafa Sakib, Tasnim Tabassum Atasi, Tanjida Islam, Erena Alam Dola, Tamanna Jafar, Ayesha Abha Amin, Priya Barua, Mipahur Jannat Prothoma, Khaled Imran and Emazuddin Alif.
The henna tattoo station was a standout attraction, skillfully managed by a group of highly talented Bangladeshi women. Their artistry drew a continuous stream of visitors eager to experience the stunning, intricate patterns of traditional henna designs. The vibrant, temporary tattoos became a festival favorite, with attendees marveling at the beauty and precision of each artwork. The skillful application and unique designs left an indelible impression on all who participated, making the henna station one of the most talked-about highlights arranged by BSA in the Knox Asian Festival. Bravo to the henna artists team: Sadia Ferdos, Mipahur Jannat Prothoma, Shrabonti Zaman, Sharika Kabir, Sabiha Hossain, Purba Bhattacharjee, Mahbuba Ferdous Rupu, Sompa Reza, Tamanna Jafar, Shamatanni Chowdhury, Tanjida Islam, Meher Afroze Oni, Shruti Mondal, Shahanaj Parvin Ratna, Selina Akter, Priya Barua, Ayesha Abha Amin, Sheikh Sharmin Jahan, Myeesha Mostafa Khan Shuchi, Halima Begum.
Thanks to our Food Volunteers for handling the food sale. We are so proud of:
Alzinuzzaman Khan, Anik Muhury, Emazuddin Alif, Galib Hassan Khan, Iftekhar Ahmed, Ershadul Haque, Azizul Zahid, Imran Fahad, Sazzadul Shahriar Saykat, Tonmoy Saha, Shadman Sakief Hridoy, Md Nafiul Islam, Raktim Chowdhury, Md Safaiat Hossain, Shamiul Alam Lajib, Md Mazharul Islam, Khaled Imran, Md Mehedi Hassan, Arfanul Ibna Mustafa Sakib, Mohammad Rahanur Alam, Shovan Chowdhury, Al Mamun.
Kudos to our Passport Officers Jahirul Rafi and Shovan Chowdhury. Hats off to Arfanul Ibna Mustafa Sakib for receiving all our volunteers joining us around the day. For assisting in food transportation, special mention goes to Zidan Khan.
Thanks goes to Sri Rajiv Roy, Galib Hassan Khan, Shruti Mondal and Mahit Kumar Paul for preparing a delicious lunch for our performers and volunteers.
Heartiest Thanks to Sourav Barua, for capturing the precious moments. Also, thanks to Azizul Zahid for recording the performances on camera.
The event was meticulously organized under the guidance of the executive committee members, ensuring a smooth and successful presentation. The festival provided a cherished opportunity for the BSA to showcase their rich cultural heritage and culinary traditions. As the festival concluded, anticipation already builds for even more exciting participation in next year’s Knox Asian Festival.
