Khulna: The Pahela Baishakh, marking the first day of the Bangla New Year 1432, is being celebrated in an extensive manner across Khulna, engaging people from all segments of society today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the festivities commenced with a lively ‘Borsoboron Ananda Shovajatra’ starting at 8 am from the Khulna Railway Station premises and concluding at Shaheed Hadis Park. This year, the celebration is themed ‘Naboborshoer Oikyotan, Fascibader Oboshan’, emphasizing unity and the end of fascism.
The day’s events included a discussion meeting, cultural performances, and a prize distribution ceremony at Shahid Hadis Park. Khulna divisional commissioner Firoz Sarkar served as the chief guest, with deputy commissioner Shafiqul Islam presiding over the meeting. The chief guest highlighted the significance of the Bangla New Year as a festival rooted in the cultural identity of Bengalis, transcending religious and ethnic boundaries.
Additional divisional commissioners and other notable figures also attended the event. In conjunction with the celebration, the Bangladesh Shishu Academy organized drawing and essay competitions for children. The Khulna Divisional Museum opened its doors to the public, while traditional foods were served in jails and government-run orphanages across the city.
A folk fair, organized by the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), is taking place at Shaheed Hadis Park, with similar programs held at all upazilas in Khulna. Educational institutions, including Khulna University and various private universities, are marking the Bangla New Year with unique cultural activities. Khulna University, in particular, started the day with Borsho Abahon, followed by a fair and the colorful ‘Anondo Shovajatra’, featuring traditional crafts and performances.
On the eve of Pahela Baishakh, Chaitra Sankranti was celebrated with events such as a kite festival and traditional Bengali games at Khulna University’s playground. Khulna Medical College is also participating in the celebrations with a Pitha Utsob and cultural program at the S M Sultan Auditorium. Various political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and National Citizen Party (NCP), are celebrating the day with their own festivities.