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Bristol's 1st Mela - Masti Dhamaka (Urdu for Explosion of Fun)
was held on Sunday 29th August 2004 (see poster)

For the very first time in the history of Bristol, a South Asian festival took place on the Downs which is a great leap for achieving integration and cultural awareness for the city and an important opportunity to celebrate diversity.

To mark this occasion the Lord Mayor officially opened the 12 o'clock midday event at 1 pm in a traditional South Asian fashion !

There was plenty of opportunity to try exotic world foods, experience the soothing effects of Asian therapies, the beauty of Henna and not forgetting those gorgeous Asian dresses and jewellery you see in the Bollywood movies.

It was a truly a Bazaar experience at the "Mela Market".

 However, the highlight of the day was an :

 " Interactive Cookery Demonstration " 

 by DSG !

This culinary delight was presented by DSG's President Rofik Uddin (Khan) and DSG's Sports, Health & Fitness Adviser Saiful Islam !

The skilled duo showed the crowd how to prepare and cook fresh Trout "Bangladeshi DSG Style"

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The "Top Act" on the Programme :

 The DSG Big Celebrity Chef Show :

DSG's Geneneral Secretary carefully oversees :

And The Proof Is In The Eating...

So, The Fantastic Result : Bravo to the DSG Chefs !

There was also an Asian Fashion show, a Bhangra & Dhol (drums) workshop and a Bollywood dance workshops to get down to!

The children’s zone which had a fab funfair, face painting, bouncy castles, roaming circus acts and slides to keep the children entertained throughout the day.

The entertainment was next to none as The BBC Asian Network hosted a jam packed programme of live performances from fusion artists who have conquered the international urban & Asian music scene.

Artists included Raghav- the latest Asian sensation, Juggy D fresh from his recent Bollywood fame, international artists Khiza & DJ Ams featuring Shazad Raza, Kami K, Silinder Pardesi who has preformed with Pavaroti in Moscow, NRG, Metz & Trix and the list goes on...

If this wasn’t enough then what about the special appearance from a Bollywood Star?

Awaz Utaoh and its youth group brought culture, diversity, colour and international celebrities to help make Bristol a city of culture.

The event began at 12 midday and finished just after 7 pm and was crammed full with entertainment.