In a world where division often dominates headlines, the Harmony Buffet Lunch held on Sunday, 18th of August 2024 at ZaZa Bazaar, Harbourside in Bristol served as a vibrant reminder of the power of unity, compassion, and cultural celebration. Organized by the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) in partnership with the Pakistan Association of Bristol (PAB) and the Indian Community of West of England (ICWE), the event brought together individuals from all walks of life—different faiths, backgrounds, and traditions—under one roof, sharing stories, laughter, multi-cuisine meal and diverse cultural programmes that transcended boundaries. The gathering celebrated the Independence Day festivities of India and Pakistan, and spread the message of inclusion, community, human values and community cohesion. The event was not only a social occasion but also a platform to promote mutual understanding and cultural appreciation. From the moment guests arrived, there was a palpable sense of connection and warmth.
The event began with a warm welcome note from Cllr Tom Aditya, Chairman of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, setting a gracious tone for the day. He welcomed all dignitaries, guests and artists and thanked all for their participation and contributions. He highlighted that this kind of a harmony buffet event embracing both Indian and Pakistani communities together is special and unique to Bristol. He emphasized the importance of welcoming diversity and working collaboratively to build stronger, more compassionate communities. The speech resonated deeply with attendees, many of whom found it to be both inspiring and timely. The guests and dignitaries were welcomed with welcome drinks and refreshments from 11 am, and was followed by melodic music and diverse cultural programmes, the multi-cuisine buffet lunch and inspiring messages from dignitaries.
The Harmony Buffet was a heartfelt gathering designed to celebrate diversity, foster inclusivity, and strengthen community bonds. Attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, the Indian and Pakistani High Commission officials, the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff, the Metro Mayor, the Police and Crime Commissioner, MPs, the Police Chief, University Vice-Chancellors, Aldermen, councillors, civic officials, community leaders and individuals from various cultural, social, and professional backgrounds, the event highlighted the shared values that unite everyone in a spirit of unity and respect.
One of the highlights of the event was the lineup of cultural performances. From soulful musical renditions to energetic dance displays and poetic tributes, each act offered a glimpse into the richness of different cultures and traditions. A series of vibrant performances representing different cultures, including music, dance, and poetry also happened. The performances captivated the audience and underscored the central theme of harmony.
Guests were then treated to a diverse and delicious dinner menu that celebrated global cuisines. Each dish told its own story, further enriching the evening’s theme of unity through variety. Many guests given feedbacks of how much they enjoyed the multi-course meal featuring dishes from around the world, symbolizing culinary harmony.
The event honoured few of the community members who have contributed significantly to promote inclusivity, social cohesion and mutual respect. Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive. Many expressed appreciation for the inclusive atmosphere, inspiring content of the messages, the quality of performances, and the opportunity to engage with diverse perspectives.
The India and Pakistan friendship buffet has been transformed as a symbolic expression of the harmony and friendship that needs to exist between the Indian and Pakistan communities as well as amongst the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Bahai, Jewish, Buddhist, Parsi and other humanist faiths. August 14 marked Pakistan’s Independence Day and August 15 is the Indian Independence Day. Due to the trauma of partition and communal conflicts as well as the history of wars between both countries, there are tensions and misunderstandings between both communities worldwide. We need to alleviate such animosities and divisions amongst both communities at the grassroots level in the West of England region. Through this event, BMFF provides a platform for Indian and Pakistani communities in the West of England region to meet, enjoy, and spread the message of peace and harmony.
Adv. Tripti Megeri, Secretary of the Bristol Multi-Faith Forum thanked all people of goodwill for joining the friendship initiative and buffet lunch. She added that the Harmony Buffet successfully fulfilled its mission of bringing people together to celebrate unity and diversity. It served as a reminder that through mutual understanding and shared experiences, stronger and more compassionate communities can be built.
Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is an equality organisation instituted by the Bristol City Council in 2004 to lead inter-faith community cohesion and inter-cultural social harmony activities in the region and to promote community well-being. BMFF is active as an inter-faith community cohesion forum in the West of England region. This is the third year, BMFF is organising this India- Pakistan harmony series. Previous years’ harmony events were successful and we received appreciation from all over the UK. This is an opportunity for both Indian and Pakistani communities in the West of England region to come together and to grow their avenues of friendship. In previous years, Bristol Multi-Faith Forum has also been involved in arranging similar events with the Palestinian and Israeli communities and was successful in combating prejudice and spreading the message of harmony.
The Harmony Buffet was more than just a meal—it was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with open hearts and minds. It served as an inspiring model for future community events aimed at bridging divides and nurturing a spirit of solidarity.
By all accounts, the Harmony Buffet fulfilled its mission and left a lasting impact on all who attended. In a time when unity is more important than ever, this event reminded us that harmony is not only possible—it is essential.
Some of the snaps from the event are in the BMFF Facebook link below: https://www.facebook.com/BristolMultiFaithForum/posts/pfbid0y9o4ED6yAkrT5QWgSH7T1u1ZSMJrqip77krTkeCUPBkgk6a6R12TYU57raz5L1SBl
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Event Information published on the 29th of June 2024
The Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) in partnership with the Pakistan Association of Bristol (PAB) and the Indian Community of West of England (ICWE), is arranging a Harmony Summit with a multi-cuisine buffet lunch and diverse cultural programmes at Bristol ZaZa Bazaar Restaurant, Harbourside, Bristol (BS1 5UH) on Sunday, 18th of August 2024 from 10.45 am to celebrate the Independence Day festivities of India and Pakistan jointly and to spread the message of community cohesion. August is considered as the South Asian Heritage Month. The programme includes welcome drinks, refreshments, melodic music, diverse cultural programmes, multi-cuisine buffet lunch and inspiring messages from dignitaries. This harmony series is special and unique to Bristol and conveys the message of harmony to the rest of the world.
Bristol Multi-Faith Forum (BMFF) is an equality organisation instituted by the Bristol City Council in 2004 to lead inter-faith community cohesion and inter-cultural social harmony activities in the region and to promote community well-being. BMFF is active as an inter-faith community cohesion forum in the West of England region. This is the third year, BMFF is organising this India- Pakistan harmony series. Previous years’ harmony events were successful and we received appreciation from all over the UK. Again this year, BMFF provides a platform for both communities in the West of England region to come together and have an India-Pakistan Friendship Meal. In previous years, Bristol Multi-Faith Forum has also been involved in arranging similar events with the Palestinian and Israeli communities and was successful in combating prejudice and spreading the message of harmony.
The India and Pakistan friendship buffet is a symbolic expression of the harmony and friendship that needs to exist between the Indian and Pakistan communities as well as amongst the Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Christian, Jain, Bahai, Jewish, Buddhist, Parsi and other humanist faiths. This programme will be attended by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant, the Indian and Pakistani High Commission officials, the Lord Mayor, the High Sheriff, the Metro Mayor, the Police and Crime Commissioner, MPs, the Police Chief, University Vice-Chancellors, Aldermen, councillors, civic officials and community leaders. We thank all the dignitaries, civic officials, and community leaders for confirming attendance.
August 14 marks Pakistan Independence Day and August 15 is Indian Independence Day. Due to the trauma of partition and communal conflicts as well as the history of wars between both countries, there are tensions and misunderstandings between both communities worldwide. We need to alleviate such animosities and divisions amongst both communities at the grassroots level in the West of England region. Through this event, BMFF provides a platform for Indian and Pakistani communities in the West of England region to meet, enjoy, and spread the message of peace and harmony.
The venue, Zaza Bazaar Restaurant, Canon’s Road, Bristol (BS1 5UH), is an exciting 1000-seater multi-cuisine buffet restaurant that offers a world of culinary adventure with over 300 dishes across the globe and a wide variety of delicacies from different cuisines, especially from South Asian, Far East, Caribbean, Tex Mex, American and European food habits. You can choose from as many dishes and sweet treat desserts as much as you can enjoy. On Sundays, they have a special extra medley of exclusive ethnic dishes including Biriyani, Dosa, Uttapams, Cholle Poori, kadhi rice, Keema, rasam, all-day English breakfast and Sunday carvery. Also, the specialist chefs will cook the dishes of your liking at the live cooking stations too. There will be music and cultural programmes to enhance the harmonious spirit of the gathering. The welcome drink and refreshments will start at 10.45 am and the cultural activities will finish by 3 pm.
Bristol Multi Faith Forum (BMFF) cordially invites all people of goodwill to join the “Harmony Buffet Lunch” and to herald the message of peace and harmony amongst communities. We also provide free tickets to those who cannot afford to pay, if informed prior to 14th August. Right of admission is reserved. Please send your names via email to info@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk, and book your seats soon. Grab the opportunity to book the seats as quickly as possible.
We thank all people of goodwill for joining this friendship initiative and buffet lunch. Our acknowledgement and gratitude to all. Let’s all be part of the message of harmony and friendship.
With warm regards,
Cllr Tom Aditya
Chairman, Bristol Multi-Faith Forum.
Mohindra Singh Chowdhry, Adv. Tripti Megeri,
Mohammed Arif Khan, Afzal Shah,
Mazhar Iqbal, Mrs Shehnaz Dar.
Facilitators- Harmony Buffet.
Bristol Multi-Faith Forum, 43 Ducie Road, Barton Hill, Bristol, BS5 0AX
Email: info@bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk
www.bristolmultifaithforum.org.uk