Ekushey February: International Mother Language Day
Honor the Language Martyrs of 1952 with a dawn prabhat pheri, floral tributes at a Shaheed Minar replica, recitations and a multilingual cultural program.
- Date
- Sunday, February 21, 2027
- Time
- 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM CST
- Venue
- Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
- Tickets
- Free400 of 400 spots left
About this event
On 21 February 1952, students in Dhaka gave their lives defending the right to speak Bangla. UNESCO now observes the day worldwide as International Mother Language Day. BAC invites every language community in Chicago to join us in celebrating linguistic diversity.
Program
- 9:00 AM – Prabhat pheri (morning procession) singing "Amar Bhaier Rokte Rangano"
- 9:30 AM – Floral tributes at the Shaheed Minar replica
- 10:15 AM – One minute of silence and opening remarks
- 10:30 AM – Poetry recitation and songs by children of the Bangla Language School
- 11:30 AM – Multilingual showcase: guest performers from Chicago's Hindi, Urdu, Tamil, Spanish and Polish communities
- 12:45 PM – Light lunch and exhibition: the history of the Language Movement
Exhibition
A photo and document exhibition traces the Language Movement from 1948 to 1956, with panels in English and Bangla suitable for students and first-time visitors.
Join the children's program
Children who want to recite or sing should contact the cultural committee by February 1 to be added to the program.
Chicago Cultural Center, Preston Bradley Hall
78 E Washington St, Chicago, IL 60602
Volunteer at this event
Volunteers make every BAC event possible. Apply below and our team will confirm your role and tasks by email. Volunteers who take part receive a participation certificate.
Procession marshal
Guide the prabhat pheri and keep the route safe.
6 spot(s) open
Exhibition guide
Explain exhibition panels to visitors, in English or Bangla.
4 spot(s) open
Hospitality
Serve the light lunch and welcome guest performers.
6 spot(s) open