Mela 26: A Cultural Celebration

Join us for an enchanting evening of South Asian dance, music, and cuisine. Together, we empower education and celebrate our vibrant community.

Welcome

Discover Mela 26: Our Vision and Mission

Mela 26 is a prestigious gala event dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of South Asian culture through music, dance, and cuisine. Our mission is to gather the community of Columbus to experience the vibrancy of South Asia while simultaneously supporting educational initiatives. Each year, we strive to create an unforgettable evening that highlights the importance of educational excellence and community impact. By aligning with local organizations like the Bartholomew Consolidated School Foundation (BCSF), we aim to foster innovation and leadership among students and educators alike.

The journey of Mela 26 began with a vision to unite the South Asian community in Columbus, emphasizing the significance of cultural celebrations. Over the years, we have evolved from a small gathering into a premier gala event that attracts attendees and sponsor from across Columbus, IN and beyond.. Our commitment to supporting education has become a central pillar of our identity, further engaging the community in meaningful ways.

Facilities and Amenities

Event Highlights

Dance Performances

Experience mesmerizing showcases from talented artists, celebrating South Asian culture and heritage through captivating dance forms.

Gourmet Cuisine

Savor a delightful array of traditional South Asian dishes, expertly crafted for a culinary experience you'll never forget.

Networking Opportunities

Connect with local leaders, educators, and philanthropists while making meaningful contributions to our community's future.

Testimonials

What Our Guests Say

It was a great evening. We so enjoyed it. Loved the dancing. Outside of me in Sales, we have many teachers in our family. Loved to see them being recognized.

Paulette Carter

It was great to see you all. The evening was fun, entertaining and educational.

Simon Guest

Great to see so many familiar faces. It was a wonderful event and had a lot of fun.

Colleen Koeberlein

What a great night. So glad you got to meet my parents and they enjoyed it so much.

Jose Samperio

We had a very nice time and it was lovely to celebrate with so many colleagues

Ali Trueblood

Thank you. We had a great time and were honored to be guests of the Schumaker’s. Best part was dancing and we won a silent auction item.

Richard McCoy

As always we had a great time. We love this event and hope to be able to keep coming back again for years to come. Making Columbus the STEM capital of Indiana for our kiddos is such a worthy cause. Look forward to next year.

Dr. Evan Russell

It was a terrific evening and we enjoyed it a great deal. Thank you for everything you and the team did to lift up our students, BCSC, and our staff. Put me down for a table next year.

Dr. Chad Philips

We always enjoy the mela every year. It’s such a pleasure to enjoy the company of so many wonderful people with a shared goal for prospering communities.

Carolyn Butler Lee

Join Us in Celebrating

Become a part of our vibrant community and help us empower the next generation through education. Get involved today!