Dhaka: Fisheries and Livestock Adviser Farida Akhter has said Chaitra Sankranti teaches people to value both life and nature. This year marks the first time Bangladesh is officially celebrating Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Boishakh together, she said at a discussion held at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Farida emphasized that the joint celebration is a reflection of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. Previously, only Pahela Boishakh was celebrated, but this new approach acknowledges the significance of Chaitra Sankranti as well. The two-day celebration, focusing on women and Chaitra Sankranti, was organized by the Nabpran Movement with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Farida highlighted the tradition of preparing dishes using a variety of vegetables during Chaitra Sankranti, avoiding non-vegetarian food. This custom illustrates rural Bengal’s connection to nature and sustainable living practices. However, she expressed concerns over modern farming methods, noting that pollution, pesticides, and herbicides have led to the presence of toxins in vegetables. She stressed the need for a toxin-free environment to ensure the safety of consuming vegetables.
The discussion was attended by writer Farhad Mazhar, activists from the Nabpran Movement, and farmers from the Nayakrishi Movement, among others.