By Scarlett Weston, Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) Project Development Officer
Over 4,600 miles away from the Himalayas where bumblebees first evolved, we gathered in a community hall in East London to celebrate their birthplace. From bumblebee talks and traditional dance to heartfelt poetry, guided meditation, and Rangoli art, our Bumblebee Extravaganza: A South Asian Celebration was truly an afternoon to remember!
Golden marigold petals and fragrant spices were arranged in intricate patterns across tables, forming the wings and bodies of vibrant Rangoli bumblebees. Each petal and seed created a mesmerising mosaic as a tribute to our precious pollinators and the harvests they help sustain.
Beautiful, hand-painted bumblebees by artist Cavan, adorned the display showcasing species from around the world. Each brushstroke captured the striking colours and distinctive patterns of these fascinating bees, celebrating their unique beauty and diversity.
As our South Asian celebration unfolded, guests moved about, smiling, chatting, and savouring the curries made with ingredients pollinated by bumblebees. The rich aromas wafting through the air were a delicious reminder of the vital role these insects play in our ecosystem.
Amidst the festivities, Dr Nikki Gammans, Conservation Projects Manager (SE England) took to the stage, sharing the captivating story of the bumblebee’s origins in the Himalayas. It was here they evolved to live in cold climates with their fluffy coats, before radiating out across the globe. Her words transported us to the blooming ‘Valley of Flowers’, nestled in the Himalayan mountains. She wove together the ecological significance of these wildflowers and bumblebees with tales from Hindu mythology and Sikh legends, illustrating their integral role in cultural traditions and harvest celebrations.
Inspired by Nikki’s talk, Anjan from London Literature Lounge encouraged attendees to express their reflections through poetry. As people found their pens and paper, a sense of creative energy filled the room. Anjan shared a moving poem of his own, followed by Sundra also from London Literature Lounge, who offered verses about her mother’s home-cooked meals and the beauty of buttercups – a heartfelt reminder of the beauty in small things. She guided us through a meditation, inviting everyone to close their eyes and embrace a moment of calm.
Scarlett took to the stage to share updates on the Trust’s Buzzing in the East End (B.E.E) project and it’s achievements so far. This year, the project has hosted 40 community events, established 10 new BeeWalks across East London, and delivered training to 250 people. B.E.E has partnered with local landowners to enhance over 75 hectares of green space and surveyed more than 1,000 hectares across 11 boroughs, uncovering exciting new records of rare bumblebee species. Scarlett’s words were filled with gratitude for the volunteers, partners, and friends who made these accomplishments possible. Many of them sat smiling in the audience, making the celebration a heartfelt thank you to the entire B.E.E community.
The celebration reached its peak with a dynamic performance of traditional Indian dance with Shivani. Her infectious energy drew everyone in, and soon the dance floor was alive with laughter and movement. Guests of all ages joined in, learning steps and sharing in the joy of this cultural tradition.
The Bumblebee Extravaganza left us with more than just knowledge—it deepened our connection to nature, celebrating the remarkable bumblebee alongside South Asian culture in a vibrant, unforgettable way.
If you would like to get involved, please visit our project page.
