Pahela Baishakh celebrated amid fanfare, festivities

The nation on Tuesday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1433, with vibrant festivities across the country, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions of the Bengali people.

In the capital, Chhayanaut ushered in the day’s celebrations at dawn with its iconic musical event under the banyan tree at Ramna Batamul, drawing large crowds, reports UNB.

The Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka brought out the traditional ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ with the theme ‘Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy’, adding colour and vibrancy to the celebrations.

DU's Fine Arts faculty brings out  traditional ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ with the theme ‘Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy’, on 14 April (Tuesdsay). Photo: UNB

The procession, which began at 9:00am from the faculty, returned to its starting point after parading through Shahbagh, Raju Sculpture, TSC, Doel Chattar and Bangla Academy.

In the procession, a mounted police contingent led the way, followed by a group of DU students carrying the national flag and distinguished guests, including Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. They were followed by the main motifs—such as a rooster, violin, pigeon, horse and elephant—unveiled one after another.

In keeping with folk traditions, these symbols reflect the multi-dimensional significance of strength, creativity, peace, glory and dynamism.

Outside the capital, the Bengali New Year was celebrated across the country with a host of events, including processions and other cultural festivities.

Marking the occasion, Bangla Academy and the Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation have jointly organised a seven-day fair, discussions and cultural events on the academy premises, beginning on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, the Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation will host a 14-day traditional Baishakhi fair on its premises starting on April 20.

Special arrangements were made to serve traditional food in prisons, hospitals and Shishu Poribar, alongside cultural programmes for children.

Dancers gracefully bid adieu to the passing year while ushering in Pahela Baishakh 1433 on Monday at CRB Shireeshtala in Chattogram. Photo: Md Minhaj Uddin/TBS

All museums and archaeological sites remained open to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.

At the local level, Baishakhi Shobhajatra and cultural events were held in every district and upazila.

Local administrations also organised folk fairs and essay competitions for students at the district and upazila levels.

Educational institutions across the country celebrated the occasion in a festive atmosphere on their own initiative.

Business communities, especially in rural areas, opened their traditional ‘Halkhata’—new account books—while sweets were distributed among customers.

The day was observed as a public holiday.