Ananda Mela Eid Carnival 2025: A Vibrant Celebration of Culture and Community in Sydney
The joy of Eid, the warmth of community, and the colours of culture came together beautifully at the Ananda Mela Eid Carnival 2025, held on Saturday, 24 May, at The Ponds Community Hub in Sydney. The day-long carnival was proudly organised by the Aussie NSUers Association, the alumni association of North South University, Bangladesh.
The event was supported by Nirala Holdings as the Principal Sponsor, with HSD Finance and Kazi Super Shop joining as Associate Sponsors.
Running from 11:00am to 10:00pm, the carnival was open to everyone, with free entry and free parking, making it a truly inclusive celebration for families and the wider community.
While deeply rooted in Eid traditions, Ananda Mela extended far beyond a single community. Entrepreneurs and visitors from Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and other South Asian backgrounds came together, transforming the event into a lively multicultural gathering. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement as crowds explored a wide range of stalls offering food, clothing, jewellery, handicrafts, henna art, and creative products. A standout feature of the event was the strong presence of women-led businesses, making the carnival not only a multicultural celebration but also a powerful example of women empowerment and entrepreneurship.
Food lovers were treated to an impressive variety of traditional and fusion cuisines, with stalls serving much-loved dishes that drew long queues throughout the day. For children, the carnival offered a dedicated zone filled with popcorn, fairy floss, toy stalls, and fun activities—creating a colourful and joyful experience for younger visitors.
The successful execution of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the Aussie NSUers Association Executive Committee, working closely with the OzNSUers Cricket Team. Their teamwork, from guest reception to overall coordination and on-ground management, ensured a smooth and welcoming experience for everyone.
The event was further honoured by the presence of several Australian political leaders, who attended and engaged warmly with stallholders and visitors. Guests included Federal MP Susan Templeman, NSW State MP Warren Kirby, and Blacktown City Councillor Dr Maninder Singh. Each took time to tour the stalls, speak with entrepreneurs, and commend the organisers for delivering such a meaningful community event.
Federal MP Susan Templeman remarked that the carnival was not just an Eid celebration, but a powerful example of community-driven cultural connection, bringing people from diverse backgrounds together. State MP Warren Kirby praised the active involvement of women entrepreneurs, describing it as inspiring and vital for positive change within the community. Councillor Dr Maninder Singh highlighted the event as a true reflection of Australia’s multicultural society, where shared celebrations strengthen social bonds.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, the Aussie NSUers Association shared that the purpose of Ananda Mela Eid Carnival was to bring people together ahead of Eid in a joyful, family-friendly environment—celebrating cultural roots, shared values, and community connections. The overwhelming turnout, positive feedback, and enthusiastic participation reaffirmed the importance of such initiatives.
Importantly, the Association emphasised that this event was part of its ongoing commitment to connect with the wider multicultural community in Australia, fostering inclusivity, understanding, and unity through shared celebrations. By opening the carnival to people of all backgrounds, Ananda Mela served as a bridge between cultures and a heartfelt expression of community spirit.
With hundreds of attendees, strong local leadership support, and enthusiastic participation from South Asian entrepreneurs, Ananda Mela Eid Carnival 2025 stood out as a shining example of what community collaboration can achieve. As the day came to a close, families left with smiles, memories, and a renewed sense of belonging. The organisers are hopeful that Ananda Mela Eid Carnival will return next year with even more diversity, energy, and community engagement.