BENGALI nationals living in Swindon have been celebrating their cultural roots by remembering two of the country’s top poets.

The group named Ektara organized a programme honouring Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore and Bangladesh national poet Kazi Nazrul Islam.

The event took place on Sunday at Gorse Hill Community Centre and was attended by hundreds of people.

“Many commented that they have not seen such a wonderful programme for ages,” said Shahnaz Begum, who composed and directed the evening of entertainment.

Shahnaz has been leading Bengali cultural activities in Swindon for last 10 years and during the event, Ektara sang songs, recited poems from Tagore and Nazrul’s literature.

Youngsters and adults also danced and performed the famous drama Rokto Korobi by Rabindranath.

Shahnaz added: “Ektara is working towards associating the world with Bengali culture. After founding in February 2014 Ektara has organised many cultural programmes.

“There have mostly been celebrating Bengali days like Bengali New Year, Bangladesh Victory Day and observed International Mother Language Day which was never observed in Swindon before.”

For more information about Ektara go to their Facebook page: facebook.com/ektara.swindon