Glasgow Mela 2025

Across two stages – Navras and Hamara – we saw a bold and eclectic line-up spanning Bhangra, Bharatanatyam, hip-hop, alt-rock, qawwali, folk, jazz, soul, Indian classical and electronic crossover.

Scottish folk-rock trio Reely Jiggered teamed up with Pakistani sitarist Rakae Jamil for a special East-West musical fusion. GTown Desi brought their blend of Bhangra, hip-hop, and electronic music for a high-octane experience. Finally, the Narvas stage saw a special appearance from Shin, the lead vocalist of DCS, one of the UK's longest running and most influential Bhangra bands. 

On the Hamara stage, the RCS ensemble featured second-year BEd students from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland who have studied Indian classical music. Followed by Amrit Kaur, a sarangi player and singer who blends Punjabi folk with jazz and soul and finishing off the day was Devi who is a Bharatanatyam production exploring goddess power through mythology, movement and sound.

Kelvingrove Bandstand hosted panel discussions and workshops throughout the day. The topics include health and wellbeing through the arts, music and memory and South Asian artists in experimental practices.

The bandstand also staged a collaboration with Glasgow Life Museums’ Intercultural Youth Group. The programme will build on the Scottish-Asian Creative Artists’ Network’s aim to raise and discuss key issues within and for South Asian communities through the Mela.

Archery, Tennis, Pickleball, Kabaddi and Hockey were all available for festivalgoers to try for free.