Dhaka: The nation today celebrated Pahela Baishakh, marking the first day of the Bengali New Year 1433, with vibrant festivities and traditional enthusiasm across the country. The day is observed as a public holiday.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the celebrations were marked by a sense of renewal as the nation left behind the sorrows and burdens of the past year, embracing the New Year with renewed energy and optimism. Pahela Baishakh, deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, has evolved into a universal festival that transcends religion, caste, and ethnicity, uniting millions of Bangladeshis both at home and abroad.
The festival stands as a powerful expression of cultural identity and patriotism, with aspirations that darkness and despair will be replaced by light and truth. National dailies published special supplements, while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar aired programmes highlighting the significance of the day.
Various organisations organised elaborate programmes to welcome the New Year. Cultural events began at Ramna Batamul with the national anthem and the iconic song “Eso He Baishakh” at dawn. The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University led the traditional ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra,’ themed ‘Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.’
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended New Year wishes to the nation. The President called for unity and harmony, describing Pahela Baishakh as a ‘universal festival of the Bengali soul.’ The Prime Minister emphasised the festival’s deep connection with the country’s history, culture, and agricultural traditions.
People of all ages donned colourful traditional attire as Baishakhi fairs took place nationwide, featuring traditional games like Boli Khela, lathi khela, and ha-du-du. In Chattogram, the historic ‘Jabbarer Bolikhela’ was held at Laldighi Maidan, continuing a century-old tradition.
In Dhaka, the Baishakhi Shobhajatra featured motifs of a rooster, dotara, pigeon, elephant, and horse, symbolising strength, creativity, peace, dignity, and movement. Around 35 musicians performed national songs, and 200 students participated, carrying the national flag.
Chhayanaut organised the Ramna Batamul celebration with a morning of songs dedicated to peace and harmony, while Udichi held a day-long programme of music, poetry, and dance at Topkhana Road. Dhaka South City Corporation arranged cultural programmes under the theme ‘Let the lost joys of Bengal return in Baishakh.’
Special security measures were implemented by authorities, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police and RAB, to ensure peaceful celebrations. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Shilpakala Academy, and other cultural organisations observed the day with various programmes nationwide.
Traditional food was served in prisons, hospitals, and children’s homes, accompanied by cultural programmes. Museums and archaeological sites offered free entry to children, students, and persons with disabilities.
Local administrations organised folk fairs and essay competitions at district and upazila levels, while educational institutions celebrated with their own initiatives. Hotels and clubs arranged special programmes and traditional food.
Authorities ensured adequate medical facilities, toilets, and safe drinking water around celebration areas like Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park. Business communities opened ‘Halkhata,’ distributing sweetmeats among customers to mark the day.