Maryland Correspondent:
The Bangladesh Christian Association, Inc. (BCA), one of the leading social and cultural organizations of Bangladeshi Christians in Maryland, USA, hosted its annual “Easter Reunion and Boishakhi Festival 2026” on Sunday, April 12, at Roscoe Nix Elementary School in Silver Spring. The event, held from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, brought together nearly 400 members of the Bangladeshi community, creating a vibrant and festive atmosphere reminiscent of home.
The program began with a colorful traditional New Year procession. Special guests included Maryland General Assembly District 39 Delegate Greg Wims and Montgomery County official Anis Ahmed. Following the procession, the formal segment was conducted by BCA Secretary Bibhash Rosario. The main program commenced with the national anthems of both countries and a prayer.
BCA President Bipul Elit Goncalves extended greetings on the occasion of Easter and the Bengali New Year, emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth guided by the teachings of Jesus Christ. Delegate Greg Wims praised the contributions of the Bangladeshi community to Maryland’s multicultural society.
Guests enjoyed a variety of traditional Bengali New Year foods, many of which were prepared and brought by participants, creating a warm and welcoming environment. Popular snacks were also served. A special appearance by the Easter Bunny delighted children and added excitement to the celebration.
Also present were Bangladeshi-American candidate Redowan Chowdhury and African-American candidate Jeremiah Pope, both running as Democratic candidates for Montgomery County Council At-Large. BCA described Chowdhury’s candidacy as a positive step toward greater Bangladeshi representation in mainstream American politics and a source of inspiration for future generations.
In the evening, a cultural program was held under the supervision of Cultural Secretary Jibon Perera, with hosting by Lima Koraiya, Kajuri Rosario, and Kenny Purification. The program opened with a group musical performance by BCA artists, directed by Sabita Gomez and Rima Gomez, accompanied on tabla by Dr. Paul Fabian Gomez.
Performers included Dr. Patricia Shukla, Dolly, Panna, Irene, Ruma, Mukti, Santana, Rikta, Lipi, Tracy, Poppy, Nirmal, Dennis, Jibon, Kajori, and Hira.
Highlights of the evening included dance performances by Manjuri Dance Academy, directed by Gloria Rosario, and Srishti Dance Ensemble, led by national award-winning dancer Rosemary Mitu Ribeiro. Additional performances by Lanny and Triza also captivated the audience.
The audience also enjoyed a comedy duet by Pankaj and Dipika, a solo performance by Sheetal Perera, and a humorous news presentation by Ruma Gomez. Solo musical performances were delivered by Avantika Gomez, Orin Teresa Rosario, and popular local artist Pintu Palma. Soma Rosario, founder of the “Nari by Nari” initiative, recited a poem dedicated to mothers.
A special attraction was a traditional puppet dance performed by senior members of the community, choreographed by Puja Palma and conceptualized by Jiniya Goncalves.
The event also featured a raffle draw with more than 15 prizes awarded to winners. The grand prize, a round-trip air ticket to Dhaka, Bangladesh, was sponsored by realtors Elbert Gomez and Ethan Gomez, along with mortgage loan officer Toufiq Matin.
Distinguished guests at the raffle included Father Subhas Costa, CSC, visiting from Bangladesh, and BCA founding president Jude V. Gomez. Former presidents Leo Rodrigues and Sampad Perera, as well as Dr. Patricia Shukla and Shyamal D’Costa, were also in attendance.
The gathering brought together people of all ages, creating a joyful and inclusive environment. Dinner featured a traditional Bengali menu including hilsa fish, rice, lentils, mashed vegetables, leafy greens, sweets, yogurt, and betel leaf with areca nut.
Organizers said such events play a vital role in preserving Bengali culture and heritage among younger generations growing up abroad. Celebrating Easter and the Bengali New Year together also strengthens community bonds and promotes harmony.
On behalf of the organizing committee, BCA Vice President Dennis Dominic Rosario expressed gratitude to participants, volunteers, sponsors, and guests for making the event a success. The program concluded with a closing blessing by Father Subhas Costa, CSC, marking the end of a memorable celebration.
