For the first time ever, Aurora, Colorado, witnessed a vibrant celebration of International Mother Language Day, an event dedicated to honoring the rich languages and cultures around the world. Established by UNESCO in 2000, this special day is observed globally on February 21st to preserve linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues.

The roots of International Mother Language Day trace back to Bangladesh’s history, where the struggle to protect the Bangla language led to the tragic events memorialized as Ekushe February. The Bangladeshi community in Colorado spearheaded this year’s cultural extravaganza, paying homage to their native tongue while commemorating the bloodshed endured in the fight to retain it.

The event also serves as a poignant reminder of a critical juncture in the history of Bangladesh and Pakistan. Ekushe February, named after a freedom-themed song translating to “blood was spilled on this day,” has been a day of mourning in Bangladesh since 1952. However, organizers Mohammed Faisal and Abdullah Zubair emphasized that the celebration in Colorado was one of triumph, not sorrow. “Please note that we don’t bear any grudges. We are only celebrating this day in Colorado as a victory day, and not a day of mourning as it used to be historically,” they stated.

On Friday evening, February 21st, the Beck Recreation Center in Aurora was abuzz with excitement. Governor Jared Polis issued the first proclamation in 2024, and Mayor Mike Coffman, who reissued the proclamation for 2025, was present to join the festivities. Community leaders and elected officials from Colorado’s diverse communities attended, adding to the event’s significance.

The atmosphere was electric, filled with family and culture. The audience was treated to mesmerizing performances by men, women, and children, all adorned in colorful cultural attire and beautiful ornaments representing the diverse Bangladeshi heritage. I had the pleasure of speaking with two talented young girls, Kavya and Anushka, who performed during the event. Their enthusiasm was palpable as they conversed in Bangla, embracing their cultural roots. Utsav Mukherjee and Sourav Dey, dedicated members of the BCCI, volunteered to ensure the event ran smoothly.

Joy permeated the air, complemented by an abundance of delicious food and soft drinks. As the evening concluded, the organizers expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated in this historic first remembrance event. “This event emphasizes the importance of every mother language and the importance of learning different languages and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds,” remarked Abdullah Zubair.

Mohammed Faisal, a key community organizer, proudly shared with Afrik Digest, “This is going to be a yearly event.”