Nation celebrating Pahela Baishakh

The nation is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1432, on Monday with widespread festivities by engaging communities from all ethnic backgrounds.

On the occasion of the Bangla New Year, various programmes are being organised at public venues in the capital and elsewhere across the country.

Entities under the ministry of cultural affairs and various cultural and social organisations and educational institutions have taken preparations to celebrate the day amid heightened security measures on the occasion.

The day begins with Chhayanaut’s traditional cultural event at the Ramna Park while Dhaka University will bring out the main traditional New Year procession from its campus, which has recently been renamed Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra in place of Mangal Shobhajatra celebrated from 1989.

The DU authorities said they have brought back the original name to make the celebrations more inclusive.  The original title of the procession was Ananda Shobhajatra.

Chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Sunday in a statement greeted the country’s people on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh.

In his statement, he said that Pahela Baishakh is one of the symbols of harmony.

‘The Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, various communities and the peoples of the hills and plains of this country -- all together, the people of this country have diverse languages, cultures and traditions,’ said Professor Yunus.

Cultural organisation Chhayanaut organises the Pahela Baishakh celebration programme at the Ramna Green, the biggest event organised every year since 1967 to celebrate the Bengali New Year.

The Chhayanaut programme began at 6:15am to the playing of the Ahir Bhairab raga. The two-hour programme features solo and group songs and recitations, including the singing of the Tagore song ‘Amar mukti aloy aloy.’

Dhaka University, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), will organise the Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra that will start at 9:00am from the DU Faculty of Fine Arts premises. The procession will carry traditional motifs created as usual by students and teachers of the faculty.

This year’s procession is designed to be more inclusive than ever before, welcoming participation from ethnic minority groups including the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, Manipuri, and others. Female footballers will also take part in the festivities. Each group will present its own cultural identity through music and traditional instruments.

Numerous cultural organizations, including Shurer Dhara, Rishij Shilpigoshthi, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, and Garo cultural groups, will stage performances. The Department of Theatre and Performance Studies of Dhaka University and other renowned groups will also take part.

Processions and cultural events will be held across every district, upazila, and union, involving people from all communities. Local administrations will organize traditional fairs, cultural shows, essay contests, and various competitions to engage the public.

All educational institutions will independently celebrate the day with festive programs. Bangla Academy and the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will hold a weeklong Baishakhi fair and discussion sessions. The Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation will also organize a New Year fair in the capital.

DU and Shahbagh metro stations will remain closed on Pahela Baishakh from 8:00am to 12:00pm to ensure security for the celebrations.

Besides, public participation in the Pahela Baishakh celebrations will be allowed until 5:00pm. Thereafter, entry will be open only to students and staff concerned.

The ministry of cultural affairs will organise a concert, together with a drone show, at Manik Miah Avenue in Dhaka today at 3:00pm on the occasion.

Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation will also organise separate cultural events and fairs to celebrate the Bengali New Year.

Security has been strengthened across all administrative levels to ensure safe and peaceful celebrations. Law enforcement agencies will maintain public order while facilitating free access to event venues. The Fire Service and Civil Defence will be on standby for emergencies.