The country is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1432, on Monday (April 14) upholding the rich cultural values and rituals of the Bangalees.
'The Bangla Nabobarsho festival' started at its traditional venue Ramna Batamul in the capital this morning.
This year, the first day of the Bangla calendar is celebrated following all its rituals at the venue. The Fine Arts Faculty of Dhaka will bring out the traditional ‘Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’ (procession), previously called 'Mangal Shovajatra' at 9:00 am, welcoming the Bengali New Year.
The procession will begin from in front of the university’s Fine Arts Faculty, move through Shahbagh intersection, TSC, Shaheed Minar, Physical Education Center, Doel Chattar, Bangla Academy, and conclude at the starting point.
People from all walks of life wear traditional Bengali dresses on this occasion. Young women wear white sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers and "tips" while men wear white pyjamas and panjabi or kurta.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and private television channels will live broadcast the programmes.
Ananda Shobhajatra will also be brought out at divisional, district and upazila levels to reach the traditional programme to the grassroots as it has earned the international recognition. The Shobhajatra was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
Business communities, especially in the rural areas, are ready to open their traditional 'Halkhata', new account books. On the day, traders also offer sweets to customers.
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus yesterday (April 13) issued a message greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh.
In his message, the Chief Adviser extended his warm greetings to the nation, saying, "Happy New Year 1432. On this occasion of the Bangla New Year, I convey my heartfelt greetings to all countrymen."
Mentioning that the traditional celebration of "Pahela Baishakh" holds a unique and cherished place in Bangalee culture, he said, "It is a day of unity and grand reunion for the Bengalees."
Different government and non-government organisations, socio-cultural platforms, including Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bangla Academy, Department of Public Libraries and the National Museum will hold various programmes along with seminars, exhibitions and quiz, essay and art competitions marking the festival.
The city people usually start the day with the traditional breakfast of 'panta bhat' (soaked rice), green chili, onion and fried fish at Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Uddyan, Dhaka University Campus, Rabindra Sarobor at Dhanmondi and other amusement places.
On the occasion, all museum and archaeological sites will remain open for all while children, students, people with disabilities and autism will be allowed to visit the museum free of cost.
On the occasion, improved traditional food will be distributed to jail inmates, and patients in hospitals and orphanages.
Bangladesh missions abroad will also organise different programmes to welcome the Bengali New Year.
The law enforcement agencies will take extensive security measures across the country so that people could celebrate the day.
The day is a public holiday.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar and other private TV and radio channels air special programmes highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.
BDST: 0753 HRS, APR 14, 2025
SMS
