BAWA Annual Cultural Night 2025 – Patachitra: A Celebration of Heritage, Art, and Community

A Night That Blended Culture and Community

Every cultural event has a heartbeat — a rhythm shaped by stories, traditions, and shared emotions. On 9th August 2025, the Bengali Association of Western Australia (BAWA) hosted one such unforgettable evening: the BAWA Annual Cultural Night 2025 – “Patachitra.”

Held at the Indian Community Centre in Willetton, this vibrant celebration brought together art, music, dance, and community spirit under one roof. As the photography and videography team behind the event, Letthe Lightin had the privilege of not just documenting the performances but also witnessing the deep cultural connections that made the night so special.

A Tapestry of Performances and Traditions

True to its name Patachitra — a traditional Bengali art form known for storytelling through vivid visuals — the evening unfolded like a living canvas of culture and creativity. The stage transformed into a space where generations came together to celebrate heritage through performance:

• Agomoni Song: Setting the tone for the evening, this soulful invocation welcomed the divine and the audience alike into the festive spirit.
• Durga Dance Performance & Mahishasur Mardini: A dramatic and powerful portrayal of the eternal victory of good over evil, these performances combined traditional dance with modern staging, captivating the audience.
• Pahlavi Dashu – Kids’ Drama: Young performers took the stage with enthusiasm and talent, embodying the importance of storytelling traditions passed down through generations.
• Australian National Anthem: A respectful nod to the country we call home, blending cultural pride with a shared sense of belonging.
• Vande Mataram Dance Performance: One of the most memorable moments of the night, this performance brought history and emotion to life. With expressive choreography and storytelling, it reminded the audience of the sacrifices and spirit that shape identity.
• Rakhi Celebration & Drama: Moments of joy, sibling love, and shared laughter added warmth to the evening, rounding out the programme with a sense of togetherness.

Capturing the Essence: Our Role Behind the Lens

For the Letthe Lightin team, this event was more than just a photography assignment — it was about preserving the essence of a cultural journey.

We documented every aspect of the evening, from vibrant stage performances to candid behind-the-scenes moments — the nervous excitement of performers waiting backstage, the last-minute rehearsals, the joy on children’s faces, and the proud smiles of parents and organisers.

Each image and video frame was crafted to do more than just record; it aimed to tell a story. A story of a community coming together thousands of miles away from home to celebrate its roots. A story of traditions kept alive through art and shared experiences. And a story of cultural heritage blending seamlessly with contemporary Australian life.

More Than an Event: A Celebration of Identity

What made Patachitra 2025 truly special was not just its spectacular performances but the sense of belonging it created. Events like these are vital for diaspora communities — they bridge generations, nurture identity, and create spaces where tradition and modernity coexist beautifully.

For us at Letthe Lightin, capturing such moments is at the heart of what we do. We believe that photographs and films from events like these go beyond visuals — they become living archives of emotion, connection, and culture. Every image holds the laughter, the rhythm, the pride, and the nostalgia that words alone cannot express.

Closing Frame: Honoured to Be Part of the Story

As the lights dimmed on the stage and the evening came to an end, one thing was clear — Patachitra 2025 was not just a cultural night; it was a heartfelt celebration of heritage, storytelling, and community spirit.

Being a part of this journey and capturing its magic was an honour for the Letthe Lightin team. Through our lens, we hope to preserve not just what the night looked like, but what it felt like — for everyone who was there and for those who will relive it through these images and films.