Rajshahi: The celebration of Bangla New Year 1433 in Godagari, Rajshahi, added a new dimension to the heritage of Bengali culture as alongside locals, the participation of Chinese nationals made this year’s Pahela Baishakh festival even more lively and colorful. Several Chinese nationals attended the New Year celebration organized at the Godagari Upazila premises, where they familiarized themselves with traditional Bengali food by tasting panta-hilsa.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, locals mentioned that these Chinese nationals are working on Rajshahi WASA’s Surface Water Treatment Plant project in Godagari, a project implemented by China’s Hunan Construction Engineering Group Company. Yasir Arafat, the Deputy Manager of the project, stated that the Chinese nationals had been interested in observing Bangla New Year celebrations up close, which led them to participate in the event.
By around 9:15 am, before the ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ began, the Chinese attendees had already immersed themselves in the festive spirit. Some enjoyed dancing with ethnic minority people, others took photos, and some were busy recording videos. Their excitement to the rhythm of dhak-dhol and ektara caught everyone’s attention.
Xu, director of the WASA project, remarked on the vibrant nature of the festival, noting the friendliness and hospitality of the Bangladeshi people. He pointed out that while New Year is also celebrated in China, the Bengali New Year features a stronger presence of folk culture, unlike the fireworks that are more common in China.
The Godagari Upazila administration had invited the foreign nationals to the event. Assistant Commissioner (Land) Shamsul Islam highlighted that the Chinese nationals participated due to their interest in learning about Bangladeshi culture. The ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ highlighted folk art, cultural spirit, and the values of independence, featuring symbolic masks and various elements of rural life, all of which the Chinese nationals enjoyed.
These Chinese nationals have been working in Rajshahi for the past three years and had been curious about Bangla New Year from the start. This year, they had the opportunity to directly experience the Pahela Baishakh festivities. Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Nazmus Sadat Ratno emphasized that Pahela Baishakh is a festival of the Bengali heart, promoting non-communalism and that the participation of foreign nationals will positively present Bangladeshi culture to the world.