Rajshahi: People of Rajshahi are all set to welcome Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year-1432, tomorrow (Monday) with great enthusiasm and festivity. Like in other parts of the country, a festive atmosphere is prevailing in the city and its adjacent areas.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the local administration, Rajshahi City Corporation, educational institutions, political parties, and various social and cultural organizations have chalked out elaborate programs to mark the day. Pahela Baishakh celebrations will include Baishakhi processions with colorful festoons and songs, cultural functions, drama staging, doll dances, kite flying competitions, and Baishakhi melas (fairs).
On the day, people are expected to wear traditional attire, attend amusement gatherings, and celebrate with family and friends. The day’s programs will begin with a “Barshabaran Ananda Shovajatra” from C and B Crossing. The Rajshahi district administration is arranging the colorful rally from the crossing, which will conclude at Shishu Academy premises.
Subsequently, the National Anthem and the song “Esho He Boishakh Esho Esho” will be performed, followed by a discussion and cultural program organized by the district administration and various cultural groups. A daylong Baishakhi Fair will also take place at the premises in the morning.
Additionally, cultural programs, colorful rallies, and roadside Baishakhi fairs will be organized across different parts of the district. Various educational institutions including Rajshahi University, Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology, Rajshahi College, and Rajshahi Medical College have set various programs to celebrate the day.
The Faculty of Fine Arts of Rajshahi University, in association with the university administration, is scheduled to bring out a colorful rally titled Barshabaran Ananda Shovajatra tomorrow around 9:30 am from the front of the faculty building. They have also planned a three-day-long program of folk songs, Gambhira dance, band music, and Jatrapala at the university Charu Chattar.
To mark the celebration, special meals will be served to inmates of hospitals, jails, safe homes, and SOS Shishu Pally. Amusement places like zoos and parks will remain open for the visitors throughout the day. Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have taken stringent security measures to ensure the daylong celebration is a total success.