New Delhi BD Mission hosts 'Ilish Fest' to celebrate nat’l fish

The Bangladesh Mission in New Delhi on Saturday organised an Ilish Test to celebrate the national fish.

A vibrant ‘Ilish Fest’ celebrating Bangladesh’s national fish, hilsa, was held at the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi on Saturday.

The event, held at the ‘Maitri’ Auditorium of the High Commission, brought together prominent Indian politicians, diplomats, civil society representatives, academics, journalists and cultural personalities.

During the festival, prominent Indian personalities unveiled the book ‘A Fish Called Ilish’, published in Dhaka.

The event centred on hilsa, which is deeply rooted in Bengali heritage, culture and culinary traditions. It also provided an opportunity to showcase Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and hospitality, with guests enjoying a variety of hilsa dishes alongside traditional Bangladeshi cuisine.

The guests appreciated not only the distinct taste of Bangladeshi hilsa but also the emotions, traditions and cultural values associated with the fish.

Former Indian Minister of State for External Affairs and noted journalist M.J. Akbar, former diplomat and politician Mani Shankar Aiyar, human rights activist and social thinker Syeda Hameed, former Indian ambassador Ronen Sen, eminent sociologist Ashis Nandy and other distinguished personalities attended the programme.

The guests praised the taste of Bangladeshi hilsa and the overall organisation of the festival.

The event also highlighted Bangladesh’s heritage, culture and hospitality, while guests expressed hope that such initiatives would contribute to further strengthening the friendly ties between the peoples of Bangladesh and India.

Speaking after the book launch, Bangladesh High Commissioner to India Md Riaz Hamidullah said hilsa was closely linked to Bangladesh’s identity.

He said the fish was deeply intertwined with the country’s social and economic fabric.

The High Commissioner also noted that Bangladesh has five hilsa sanctuaries and that the government has taken various initiatives to increase hilsa breeding and production. These efforts have contributed to increased conservation and production of the fish, he said.

Officials of the Bangladesh High Commission were present at the event. - UNB