People from all walks of life celebrated 'Pahela Baishakh', the first day of Bengali New Year-1430, today with colorful programs turning Rangpur city into a place of festivity, fanfare and jubilation.
The city wore a multi color look while welcoming 'Pahela Baishakh' with traditional celebrations, festivities, different competitions for children and distribution of prizes highlighting rich Bengali culture and heritage amid tight security measures.
The district administration, Rangpur City Corporation, 'Sommilito Sangskritik Jote', dozens of sociocultural, literary and other organizations and educational institutions welcomed 'Pahela Baishakh' with colorful programs.
The celebrations began with bringing out of a huge colorful 'Mongol Shobhayatra' by the district administration from Town Hall premises to Zila School ground carrying festoons, placards, banners and singing folk songs to welcome the Bengali New Year 1430.
Additional Divisional Commissioner (General) Md. Abu Jafar greeted the people irrespective of caste, creed and religion while welcoming 'Pahela Baishakh' at Banyan Tree premises on Zila School ground as the chief guest.
Presided over Deputy Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Nazneen, Additional Deputy Inspector General for Rangpur Range AFM Anjuman Kalam, Superintendent of Police Md. Ferdous Ali Chowdhury, Awami League leaders Shamim Talukder, Shah Md. Nabi Ullah Panna and Jasem Bin Hossain Jummon attended the occasion.
Later, the Additional Divisional Commissioner ceremonially inaugurated a two-day 'Lokoz Mela' (Folk Fair) at the Public Library ground in the city with the Deputy Commissioner Dr. Chitralekha Naz in the chair.
The Rangpur District unit of 'Sommilito Sangskritik Jyote' led by its President Biplob Prasad and General Secretary Majidur Rahman Jhantu brought out a huge 'Mongal Shobhayatra' from the Public Library to the Press Club premises to welcome 'Pahela Baishakh'.
Children and artists rendered traditional 'Baishakhi' programs organised by the District Shilpokola Academy at Banyan Tree Baishakhi premises on the Zila School ground and 'Sommilito Sangskriti Jote' at the Town Hall premises.
Officials of different government departments and organisations, NGOs, leaders of Awami League, its associate bodies, different socio-cultural, literary and other organizations attended the functions.
Tens of hundreds of jubilant people of all ages wearing traditional dresses and carrying festoons, placards, banners and singing `Esho Hey Baishakh, Esho Esho'----- participated in the 'Mongal Shobhayatra' to welcome the fortunate day.
The Banyan Tree Baishakhi premises and Town Hall premises and educational institutions turned into places of traditional festivities as joyous people thronged there to enjoy colorful 'Baishakhi' celebrations.
Artists recited poems and rendered 'Baishakhi' songs, 'Polli Geeti', 'Jarigan', 'Bhatiali', 'Bhaoyaiya', 'Baul', 'Lalon Geeti', 'Rabindra Sangeet', 'Nazrul Geeti', folk songs and dances at the Banyan Tree Baishakhi and Town Hall premises.
The authorities served improved traditional Bengali foods to inmates of hospitals, Rangpur Central Jail, orphanages, Shishu Paribars, vagabond centres and orphanages.
Earlier on Thursday, the traditional 'Chaitra Sankranti' for renewal of business accounts clearing dues was celebrated at some of the hats, bazaars, groceries, sales centers and other business places.
Rangpur Metropolitan Police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-13 and other law enforcement agencies ensured leak-proof security during celebrations of 'Baishakhi' programs peacefully in the city.
Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha