Fort Collins: The Bangladeshi community celebrated the Bengali New Year in Fort Collins, Colorado, United States (US), with festivities and joy.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the celebration was organized by the Bangladesh Student Community at Colorado State University (BSA-CSU) on Saturday at the University Village Center on the CSU campus, as stated in a press release. The community members of all ages attended the event wearing colorful Sarees and Punjabi, transforming the venue into a hub of Bengali culture and solidarity.
Children and teenagers, many growing up far from their ancestral homeland, participated enthusiastically, embracing Bengali traditions with pride and joy. The air was filled with the melodies of Bengali songs, poetry recitations, and cheerful conversations. The celebration began with a children's art competition, followed by the introduction of the newly formed BSA-CSU committee. Traditional Bangladeshi lunch featuring dishes such as fish curry, jilapi, and payesh was served at the program.
The community members then participated in the cultural program, performing songs, reciting poems, and taking part in traditional games like marble runs, biscuit races, pillow passing, and musical chairs. Children, teenagers, and adults joined the events, making the sports segment engaging.
Besides the students of CSU, many Bengali professionals living across Colorado joined the celebration, making it a gathering of the broader Bangladeshi community in the state. The program was presided over by BSA-CSU Vice President Abdullah Al Fattah Tushar and General Secretary Rakibul Talukder, while Vice President Fahim Hasan conducted the proceedings.
BSA-CSU Advisor Mohammed Safayet Arefin, S M Jamil Uddin, Jubayer Chowdhury, Farzana Alam Khan, Mayukh Roy, Taib Ahmed, Azmal Hossain, Easmine Akter Tukun, and members of the executive committee of BSA, CSU, and others were present at the program.