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The term Mela originates from the Indian sub continent, it is a Sanskrit word meaning "to meet", it is used for all kinds of community celebrations.

Melas see large groups of people coming together to celebrate art, history, music and foods and they provide a great way of bringing individuals from a range of cultural back-grounds together.

Hand painting with henna

In the same way that many fairs or holidays in Europe would begin on the feast days of saints, Melas in south Asia have their origins in religious gatherings such as Diwali or Eid and celebrations form an incredibly important part of life.

From small beginnings

The annual Indian Summer Mela is now firmly established in the Ipswich calendar, having been originated by the Ipswich and Suffolk Indian Association (ISIA).

The Mela started out as an Indian Bazaar, held in a small hall in Kesgrave, and as a testament to the commitment of the team supporting it, it's continued to grow into the popular event it is today.

"About six years ago we used to have the regular functions at the town hall but we thought that it's now about time we changed our prospectus and we decided to have a bazaar at Kesgrave," explained Dr Sushil Soni, who is a member of the Ipswich Hindu Samaj and founder of the ISIA.

"We had fashion there, we had food there and hand massage and that's how it started, so the following year we changed it into an Indian Fayre and it was again very successful.

Dr Sushil Soni

"For the third year we changed it into a Mela and it was again very successful and we had lots of people coming in from the outside to see it.

"For the second Mela my relations from India came over here and they were absolutely impressed by it."

Support from the council

According to the 2001 Ipswich census there were 850 people of Indian descent living within the county town, with numbers set to increase.

The Mela is open to everyone and has developed hugely thanks to the support of Ipswich Borough Council.

"After the third Mela the Ip-art people got in touch with me and said to me 'Soni why do you have the Mela in that little hall over there, why don't you come to Christchurch Park out in the open?'.

Honey's Dance Academy at the 2007 Mela

"I said 'yes, I think it’s a very good idea', but there are some things that need to be explored like the needs of the stall holders, and, if it is not sunny, what the people will do then?'"

Plans were agreed between the two parties and arrangements were made to move the Mela into the Park, though this move was taken with a slight sense of apprehension.

"At that time the committee met them and we decided to go ahead but we didn't cancel the booking at Kesgrave because we were not sure what we were going to do.

Today Ipswich Borough Council continues to be involved with developing the event, even moving the Mela's position within the Park to accommodate the ever-increasing audiences.

"Arts and culture have always played an important role in the history of Ipswich, explained Lucy Cramer," who is the Marketing Officer,ÌýIpswich Corn Exchange.ÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌýÌý

Spices

"The Summer Mela is a fantastic free event which attracts a diverse audience to experience Indian entertainment, food and culture.

"Ipswich Borough Council are thrilled to be working in partnership with the ISIA and together will continue to develop the event which last year attracted over 8000 people."

Looking to the future

The 2008 event looks set to attract even larger audiences with a vibrant mix of entertainments on offer, as well as advice and support on a range of social welfare issues.

"Last year again people complained that the event was too crowded," said Sushil.

"So this year we decided to have one main marquee, a separate marquee for the food, and another marquee for holistic therapies, so that all stalls can be there and more people can come in.

"This way, more people can enjoy the aspects of the Mela that we used to see in the Indian sub-continent."