The Dawoodi Bohras of Bradford presented a cultural exhibition at The Beacon’s family day in Lister Park on 28th August, attracting more than 1,000 visitors despite the rainy weather.
At their stall, the community showcased traditional crafts, the distinctive Dawoodi Bohra attire, and information boards displaying the community’s history. Visitors sampled Bohra cuisine, including malido, the sweet favourite, chana bateta, a savoury dish, and biryani, a signature main course enjoyed worldwide.
“Thank you so much for being part of the family day at The Beacon. We had well over 1,000 visitors on site, and people commented on how creative and fun the atmosphere was,” said Jenny Jones, Beacon Community Events Project Manager.
Visitors also received calligraphy samples in Lisan al-Dawat, the community’s language, tried their hand at making roti (flatbread) and learned about their global outreach initiatives under the banner of Project Rise.
“Twenty Dawoodi Bohra volunteers planned, set up, and managed the stall. Our aim was to showcase the community’s heritage and values, highlight our contributions to Bradford, and share our emphasis on peace, sustainability, and service,” said Fatema Hotelwala, a community organiser.
For the Dawoodi Bohras of Bradford, the festival marked one of their largest cultural outreach activities and offered an opportunity to strengthen bonds of friendship and understanding.
Community members described the opportunity as a way to be recognised as contributors to the city’s cultural mosaic, highlighting not only their own heritage but also their place alongside the many other communities that make Bradford unique. Having been part of the city for decades, the Bohra community expressed pride in sharing their traditions side by side with neighbouring stalls, underscoring both their deep roots and their commitment to celebrating Bradford’s spirit of diversity and harmony.