DHAKA: Bangladesh embassy in Kathmandu organized a Baishakhi mela on the chancery premises on 14 April 2015 in celebrating ‘Pahela Baishakh’, the first day of Bangla New Year 1422, with festivity.

The day’s program began with a ‘pitha’ festival where a variety of traditional homemade cakes and other traditional Bangla sweets were offered to the invited guests.

This was followed by traditional Bangla games such as, satchaara, handi bhanga, sui-a-suta porano, balis khela etc, which were widely participated by the guests with spontaneity and great enthusiasm.

The festivity also featured eating ‘panta bhaat’ (soak rice).

Second part of the program was consisted of a cultural event presenting Bangla songs and poetry.

As the Bangla New Year coincides with the Nepali New Year, a large number of Nepalese students and youth participated in the cultural program to celebrate the New Year of the two peoples symbolizing the historic cultural link between the two countries, said a press release issued by Bangladesh embassy in Kathmandu.

The day’s program ended with a mini Bangladesh Food Festival showcasing typical Bangladeshi cuisine, including ilish panta, khichuri, kachaa kathal curry and various kinds of bhorta, the release added.

The program was attended by the ambassador, offices and members of the staff of the mission, representatives of the SAARC secretariat, Biman Bangladesh officials, distinguished Nepali guests and the expatriate Bangladesh community living in Kathmandu.

BDST: 1250 HRS, APR 16, 2015
RS/RR