Rajshahi: Rajshahi Divisional Ethnic Minority Cultural Academy (RDEMCA) has celebrated the Jatiya Nabanna Utsab, a traditional festival of the Bangalees, in a befitting manner. The festival holds special significance as it marks the beginning of the harvest season for farmers in rural Bangladesh, coinciding with the first day of the Bengali month of Agrahayan. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, RDEMCA organized a series of events including folk music, dance performances, and showcases of traditional pitha puli and colorful attire. The celebrations took place at their premises under the theme 'Eso Mili Sabe, Nabanna Utsab'. This festival has been an integral part of the region's tradition and culture for centuries. Prominent figures such as RDEMCA Executive Members Akbarul Hassan Millat, Deputy Director Benjamin Tudu, Sushen Kumar Shayam Duar, and college student Shishir Biswash attended the event. Farmers, with smiles on their faces, began harvesting their crops, marking the success of their hard wor k. The Nabanna Mela was also organized in various locations, offering commodities for sale and featuring performances by bauls and folk artists. Women played a pivotal role in the festivities by preparing traditional delicacies like pithas, moa, and rice pudding. The Nabanna Utsab transcends caste, creed, and religion, reflecting its deep roots in Bengali history, tradition, and culture. The festival was also marked by cultural events such as the threshing of newly harvested Aman paddy using traditional methods, bullock cart journeys, horse races, and 'lathi khela'.
