Sunday Mela Holiday Marketplace Draws Hundreds in Jamaica, New York

A holiday shopping and business fair aimed at promoting Bangladeshi expatriate entrepreneurs and supporting small businesses was successfully held in Jamaica, Queens, New York, drawing hundreds of visitors from across the area.

Organized by event management company Pulse Wave, with support from grocery retailer Al Aqsa Halal Supermarket, the Sunday Mela Holiday Marketplace took place on Sunday, November 8, at Al Aqsa (Taj Mahal) Party Hall in Jamaica.

The event ran from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., attracting Bangladeshi expatriates and their families from various parts of New York, including Queens, Jamaica and Jackson Heights.

The fair provided local and emerging entrepreneurs with an opportunity to showcase their products and connect with potential customers. Vendors were offered 10-by-10-foot booths at a fee of $220. Organizers also provided loading and unloading assistance to help vendors transport their merchandise and equipment, a service that received positive feedback from participants.

A wide range of products was displayed at the stalls, including boutique items, jewelry, winter clothing, handicrafts and traditional Bangladeshi food.

Following the event, Pulse Wave and Al Aqsa Halal Supermarket thanked the customers, vendors, supporters and well-wishers whose participation contributed to its success. Samira was responsible for overall event coordination.

Banna, one of the key organizers responsible for vendor bookings and event coordination, said the initiative was designed to create a convenient shopping destination for expatriates, bring different products and services together under one roof, and promote Bangladeshi products.

“Our main objective was to provide expatriates with a convenient holiday shopping destination, offer a one-stop shopping experience and promote Bangladeshi products. In future editions, we plan to introduce service stalls offering a broader range of services to the community under one roof,” Banna said.

He added that the strong turnout and enthusiastic response from the community reflected the success of the event.

With a diverse range of shopping options, opportunities for social interaction and traditional Bangladeshi food, the Sunday Mela Holiday Marketplace concluded successfully, offering the Bangladeshi community in New York another opportunity to celebrate its culture and entrepreneurial spirit.