[🇧🇩] Pahela Boishakh---Bangla New Year

[Saif]

Date of Event: Apr 14, 2025 Source : https://thefinancialexpress.com.bd/editorial/welcome-naboborsho

Welcome Naboborsho
Published :
Apr 13, 2025 22:00
Updated :
Apr 13, 2025 22:00

Today's crimson glow of the eastern sky is special as it marks the dawning of the Bangla New Year 1432. Ingrained in the Bangalee ethos, the Pahela Boishakh is a highly cherished occasion. It is festival time as well as a time for starting afresh after the solemn observance of Chaitra Sangkranti - the day of bidding farewell of the year that was. The nation stands ready to welcome the New Year with renewed spirit. In the capital, the Chhayanaut's early morning musical programme at Ramna Batamul has become synonymous with the Pahela Boishakh celebration. Colourful processions from the Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka lends the celebration a visual diversity with its roots embedded in the country's traditional folk art and culture with a tinge of political satire.

Traditionally, though, Baisakhi fairs, poetry recitation and musical soirees made the day special. This year the festivities are set to become even more inclusive and vibrant. To its credit, the government has instructed all educational institutions, including madrashas, to organise programmes marking both Chaitra Sangkranti and Pahela Boishakh. Additionally, elaborate arrangements have been made to celebrate the day at the national level with the inclusion of ethnic communities such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo. These initiatives will showcase the rich cultural diversity of the nation.

The customary celebration of Pahela Boishakh dates back to the reign of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar. All the subjects of the emperor were required to pay their taxes by the final day of 'Choitra,' the last month on Bangla calendar. So that fresh calculation could start from the 1st day of the New Year. So, the festival is rooted in the agricultural life of the Bangalees. The common people in villages still reckon dates, months and seasons by the Bengali calendar, which is farmer-friendly and aptly reflects the agricultural cycle.

With traders, wholesalers, and jewellers showing greater enthusiasm about observing Haalkhata, the occasion of settling old accounts and opening new ledgers, the Pahela Boishakh marked a new commerce and economic cycle. The fairs arranged on the occasion of Pahela Boishakh turned into a community bonhomie apart from serving as an opportunity for procuring their household tools and other instruments. With improved communication, villages no longer have to wait for the annual fairs for procurement of such tools and instruments. Thus the Boishakhi fairs have lost their appeal to the villagers. Yet Boishakhi economy gets a boost because of certain must-do rituals including purchase of new dress and sweetmeat. The day's traditional fervour can further be enhanced by arranging musical soirees and recitation programmes as part of the celebration in every village. Thus it can help create a bond between and among people of the local community.

That said, the country has passed a landmark year in 1431 and is poised to build a reformed, new Bangladesh. But detractors misinterpret the aesthetic beauty and value of musical programmes and colourful processions. Malevolent oppositions cast an ominous shadow on this secular observance. Yet, the nation must remain hopeful that the good is sure to triumph over the evil. In the words of Rabindranath Tagore, it is hoped that "Boishakh, with its ascetic breath, will dust away that which is dying; the refuse and remnants of the bygone year would be gone, all weariness and infirmity would be wiped away, and the earth would gain purity bathed in fire."

Shuvo Naboborsho to all!​

 

[Saif]

Bangla calendar and Pahela Boishakh

Life is a ceaseless voyage over time – from the cradle to the grave; but the starting point of the cosmic phenomenon called time is still a mystery. Some people claim that it started with the big bang of creation. Others hold the view that time has no beginning or end, or in other words it is

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Bangla calendar and Pahela Boishakh
Helal Uddin Ahmed
Published :
Apr 13, 2025 21:46
Updated :
Apr 13, 2025 21:46

Life is a ceaseless voyage over time – from the cradle to the grave; but the starting point of the cosmic phenomenon called time is still a mystery. Some people claim that it started with the big bang of creation. Others hold the view that time has no beginning or end, or in other words it is eternal. In the poem “Time, You Old Gypsy Man”, the poet Ralph Hodgson even pleads with time – personified as a restless gypsy, to pause and stay for just one day, offering lavish gifts in return. Time flows ceaselessly like a stream, but does not hold on to anything for even a moment, let alone an hour, day, week, or month.

Humans have measured time in multifarious ways through the ages since the dawn of civilisation. They did this by observing perceptible changes in weather and climate as well as by judging from the appearances of the sun and moon. With the passage of time appeared various time-measuring devices like the sun-dial, the sand-pitcher, pendulum clock, time-pieces, and wrist watches. In recent times, there has been amazing advances in the measurement of time due to a quantum leap in electronics and technological innovations. But the concept still remains as mysterious and ethereal as ever.

Historians claim that during the ancient era, time was considered to be a cycle of natural events in regular sequence or seasons, marked by the appearances of the sun, moon, and other celestial objects. The Egyptians had developed a lunar calendar, and after thatemerged the Babylonian, Hebrew, Greek, Roman, the Islamic or Hijri, and the Gregorian calendar. Many civilisations used lunar, solar, and civic calendars simultaneously. The ancient Chinese people maintained two completely separate systems – one meant for the illiterate peasants and the other for the literate officials. The great mystic poet, astronomer, philosopher, and mathematician of Persia known as Omar Khayyam (1048-1131 AD) introduced a corrected form of calendar called ‘Jalali Calendar’. It showed an error of only one day in 3,333 years, whereas the commonly used Gregorian calendar lagged behind by one day in 555 years.

The great Mughal emperor Akbar (1542-1605) once asked a scholar, philosopher and astronomer named Amir Fateh Ullah Siraji to devise a calendar for different regions of the Indian subcontinent, in order to facilitate the collection of rent or wheat from the peasants. Siraji then developed the ‘Fasali’ or ‘Mousumi’ calendar for various regions of the subcontinent. The beginning of the new calendar was set from the year of Akbar’s ascension to the throne of Delhi (963 Hijri; 1556 AD). According to Prof Abul Talib, the twelve months of the Bangla calendar were originally given Persian names, but these were later named after eight stars and four other phenomena. The names of Bangla months that are in vogue today originated from the words: Bishakha, Jyestha, Asharha, Shravana, Bhadrapada, Ashwini, Krittika, Agrahayana, Pushya, Magha, Falguni, and Chitra. The Hindu calendar ‘Shakabda’ has almost similarly spelt months, viz Baishakh, Jeth, Asharh, Shaon, Bhadon, Kunwar, Kartik, Aghan, Poush, Magh, Fagun, and Choit.

The Bangla Academy had constituted a committee headed by Dr Muhammad Shahidullah back in 1966 to reform the Bangla calendar. The committee recommended that the Bangla calendar should conform to the one introduced by Emperor Akbar; the first five months (Boishakh to Bhadra) should have 31 days each, while the remaining seven months (Ashwin to Chaitra) should be of 30 days duration. As for the leap year, the committee recommended that the years divisible by four would be leap years.

Although today’s civilised world mostly follows the Gregorian calendar for identifying the days, weeks, and months in a year, yet in rural Bangladesh, the Fasali or Bangla calendar introduced by Akbar dominates the rural landscape. Despite two centuries of British colonial rule, the Bangla calendar has survived and still occupies a permanent place in the lives of the Bangladeshi peasantry– who work very hard in crop-fields and agricultural terrains of villages in order to feed their better-off compatriots in towns and cities. In fact, the everyday life of our rural populationis inseparable from this calendar. From the sowing of seeds to harvesting of crops, everything is usually done in accordance with the days and months of the Bangla calendar.

The peasants sow seeds in the last month of the calendar called ‘Chaitra’. They then weed out wild plants in the sweltering heat of the first month ‘Boishakh’, when occasional hailstorms strike. The countrymen feast on fruits like mango, jackfruit, pineapple, blackberry, litchi and other summer fruits in the second month of the Bangla calendar called ‘Jaishtha’. The people watch the dark clouds of rain above their heads during the third and fourth months of ‘Asharh’ and ‘Srabon’, when the rains fall incessantly and fill up ponds and marshes that spill over all around – turning the whole landscape into a vast sheet of water interspersed with island-like villages. Every few years, a deluge of flood visits the country during this monsoon season, which devastates crops and destroys settlements.

The weather somewhat brightens with a mostly blue sky during the fifth month of ‘Bhadra’ and the sixth month ‘Ashwin’. There is a soothing softness all around and snow-white clouds waft across the sky as the farmers harvest jute and ‘Aus’ paddy that provide them much relief. This autumnal harvest enables them to keep their hunger at bay during the barren seventh month of ‘Kartik’. As the eighth month ‘Agrahayan’ arrives, the sweetness of autumn engulfs the ploughmen, who enthusiastically engagein harvesting the ‘Aman’ paddy for feeding their countrymen. This is followed by the ninth and tenth months of ‘Poush’ and ‘Magh’, when a moderately cold weather persists across the country. This winter season is the time for ‘pithapuli’ or homemade sweets and cakes like ‘malpoa’, ‘patisapta’, ‘dhupi’, ‘phool-pitha’, ‘mukh-pila’, ‘chhana malpoa’, ‘madhubhat’, ‘jala-pitha’, ‘chitoi’ and many other mouth-watering confectionery items. However, not many can satisfy their palate with these delicious dishes because of poverty. Last of all comes the springtime months of ‘Falgun’ and ‘Chaitra’, when there is a resurgence of life as the flowers blossom across the country and the trees and plants get covered with greenery.

The first day of Boishakh or Pahela Boishakh is known as the Naba-barsha or the New Year’s Day, according to Bangla calendar. The day is celebrated across Bangladesh with festive merriment and traditional fervour. In his poem, the poet Rabindranath Thakur commended the month of Boishakh for its power of obliterating the worn-out and rotten, and for sanctifying the earth. Even in the countryside, the rural folks welcome the new year – at least in spirit, if not in letter. And for the urbanites and culture-conscious city-dwellers, Pahela Boishakh is an occasion for homecoming and basking in indigenous culture cum traditions.

Despite the woes of our simple-natured villagers and rural folks, they usually greet the Naba-barsha with ‘Aam-pani’, whereby uncooked rice soaked overnight in a clay-pot along-with tender offshoot of mango is eaten by the whole family as an auspicious breakfast. This custom is still in vogue in many areas of the country. Besides, ‘Hal-khata’ or opening of the new book of accounts is undertaken by most traders, who also entertain their customers with sweets.

A common feature of Pahela Boishakh since the medieval era has been the holding of local fairs all over the country. The weeklong fair at Nekmardan of Dinajpur district deserve special mention, as it is attended by many craftsmen and artisans of northern Bangladesh, and numerous products of varied description are sold there. While cattle-race is also common everywhere, ‘Boli-khela’ or wrestling competition is confined to Chattogram only. The most famous competition of this genre called ‘Jabbarer Boli-khela’ was introduced by one Abdul Jabbar Sawdagar back in 1909. A month-long fair is organized on the occasion, which is attended by innumerable sports-lovers from across the country.

The Zamindars were the main sponsors of the ‘Boishakhi Mela’ or fairs in the past. These fairs, organised on the occasion of Bangla New Year, were open to all, and were secular and universal in character, which still appears to be the case. The farmers used to bring agricultural commodities, the artisans brought handicrafts and toys, the weavers displayed woven apparels, and the confectioner brought sweetmeats for both display and sale in the fair. The fair-site reverberated with the sound of drums and songs, the circus party presented stunts for the spectators, and the clowns moved around for making the audience laugh. Besides, there were rides and magic shows for children, and even livestock for sale.

However, these programs were mostly discontinued after the abolition of the Zamindari system in 1950, although a few tribal kings (Rajas) still organise the ‘Raj Punyah’ in their royal households of Chattogram Hill Tracts – coinciding with their ‘Boisabi’ (‘Boisuk’ of Tripura community in Khagrachhari, ‘Sangrai’ of Marmas in Bandarban, and ‘Biju’ of Chakmas in Rangamati) festival. But the ‘Boishakhi Mela’ or fair and ‘Hal-khata Festival’ still takes place in most urban areas of Bangladesh.

A special kind of song called ‘Gambhira’ in the Rajshahi region stands out for its specialty and social impact. These satirical songsare a living tradition that upholds the democratic spirit. The eminent researcher and scholar late Dr Enamul Huq described a first-hand experience of attending a PahelaBoishakh programme in 1944, where a polygamist and alcohol-addict (holding the office of vice-chairman of Maldaha municipality), was ridiculed and hooted by the rural Gambhira singers in his very presence. There was another interesting incident at Rajshahi in 1974, as reported by the late journalist AUM Fakhruddin (former Assistant Editor of The Bangladesh Times and The Independent), where a session of Gambhira songs hurled diatribes and harsh criticisms against the then autocratic regimein presence of the head of state of Bangladesh.

The embracing of the Bangla New Year by the Bangladeshi people in a festive atmosphere appears to be a reflection of their expectation that the remaining days of the year would also be spent in joy and mirth as an extension of the first day’s festivity. The masses seem to seek and invoke a good omen through the Boishakhi celebrations. The religious-minded people of Bangladesh tend to show moderation in their celebrations and also attempt to express sympathy and empathy for their poorer compatriots on this joyful occasion. ‘ShubhoNababarsha’.

Dr Helal Uddin Ahmed is a former Editor of Bangladesh Quarterly;​

 

[Saif]

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration...

www.thedailystar.net

‘Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy’
The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

 

[Saif]

Pahela Baishakh a symbol of our harmony

Extending greetings to all on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people of all faiths and communities in Bangladesh are members of one family.

www.thedailystar.net

Pahela Baishakh a symbol of our harmony
Says Yunus

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus laid the foundation stone of the Sampriti Bhaban at International Buddhist Monastery in the capital yesterday. Photo: CA Press Wing

Extending greetings to all on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people of all faiths and communities in Bangladesh are members of one family.

"Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way, according to their customs, and take part in the festivities," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery.

Yunus said despite differences in beliefs, religions, and customs, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and other communities living in the mountains and plains of the country are united by a shared diversity of language, culture, and tradition.

The International Buddhist Monastery, he said, is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Since its inception, it has played a significant role in issues of national interest, including those related to the Buddhist community.

Referring to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Prof Yunus said the monastery has been engaged in various public welfare programmes, such as preserving the religious, social, and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community and providing technical education.

He expressed hope that the "Sampriti Bhaban" will play a notable role both nationally and internationally by reflecting the values of harmony and humanity upheld in Bangladesh.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua, and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event.​

 

[Mainerik]

The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh

As the nation now stands on the cusp of renewal, Pahela Baishakh 1432 arrives at a time when the people of Bangladesh are eager to reclaim their cultural voice—seeking a deeper connection to its identity, heritage, and hope. For centuries, it has been an occasion of collective celebration...

www.thedailystar.net

‘Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy’
The spirit of defiance and freedom fuels Pahela Baishakh
View attachment 16496

Looks similar to Hinduism traits @Krishna with Flute

 

[Krishna with Flute]

Pahela Baishakh a symbol of our harmony

Extending greetings to all on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people of all faiths and communities in Bangladesh are members of one family.

www.thedailystar.net

Pahela Baishakh a symbol of our harmony
Says Yunus

View attachment 16499
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus laid the foundation stone of the Sampriti Bhaban at International Buddhist Monastery in the capital yesterday. Photo: CA Press Wing

Extending greetings to all on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus yesterday said people of all faiths and communities in Bangladesh are members of one family.

"Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way, according to their customs, and take part in the festivities," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery.

Yunus said despite differences in beliefs, religions, and customs, Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, and other communities living in the mountains and plains of the country are united by a shared diversity of language, culture, and tradition.

The International Buddhist Monastery, he said, is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Since its inception, it has played a significant role in issues of national interest, including those related to the Buddhist community.

Referring to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Prof Yunus said the monastery has been engaged in various public welfare programmes, such as preserving the religious, social, and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community and providing technical education.

He expressed hope that the "Sampriti Bhaban" will play a notable role both nationally and internationally by reflecting the values of harmony and humanity upheld in Bangladesh.

Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain, Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma, Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Religious Affairs Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik, Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua, and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event.​

Love this sort of celebrations.

 

[Saif]

BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Pahela Baishakh festivities, including the traditional Baishakhi procession, as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and identity. “This Baishakhi procession, this Anondo Shobhajatra any the &nbs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage
UNB
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 00:06
Updated :
Apr 15, 2025 00:06

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Pahela Baishakh festivities, including the traditional Baishakhi procession, as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and identity.

“This Baishakhi procession, this Anondo Shobhajatra any the joyful celebrations of Baishakh are not mere rituals, but part of our cultural heritage. The Baishakhi fairs, the palm-leaf fans, and bamboo flutes are all elements of our unique tradition,” he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a New Year celebration programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) at Shatayu Prangon (Rani Mancha) in Ramna Park.

He also he extended Bengali New Year greetings with the audience.

Salahuddin said celebrations must remain rooted in local tradition and not be reduced to commercial products.

“We celebrated in our own way with fermented rice and hilsa. Let no one distort or commodify our culture. As citizens of this country, we will continue to preserve and nurture the heritage that has evolved over thousands of years,” he said.

He warned against cultural distortions, saying, “It is our responsibility to eliminate those alien elements that seek to corrupt our historical and cultural values.”

Salahuddin said that BNP celebrated Pahela Baishakh nationwide to reflect Bangladesh's heritage, linking it to the traditional Bengali calendar introduced during Emperor Akbar's time.

He said this culture is not just for Muslims but for all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or background, to celebrate together in unity.

“We, who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism, uphold a culture that transcends religious, class, or ethnic boundaries. This is our shared identity,” the BNP leader said.​

 

[Saif]

undefined | The Financial Express

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Inmates served Panta-Ilish to start Bengali New Year in jail
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 14, 2025 17:11
Updated :
Apr 14, 2025 17:11

As Bangladesh welcomes the Bengali New Year with fervour, the festive mood can even be felt in jail.

Inmates were served Panta-Ilish, a traditional dish of watery rice and Hilsa fish, in the morning followed by other special events throughout the day. A special menu was arranged for lunch and dinner and inmates took part in cultural events to mark the occasion.

Jails across the country organised rallies for officers and staff. Boishakhi fairs were held at a small scale and entertain the inmates and the family members who visited them.

Dhaka Division’s Deputy Inspector General of Jail Jahangir Kabir told bdnews24.com, “Panta-Ilish and different types of Bhorta (mashed dishes) were served to the inmates in the morning. They had a special menu for lunch and will have one for dinner as well. They will participate in a cultural programme at 3pm inside the jail.”

“In addition, our staff members and the families of the inmates took part in a rally. We distributed different traditional gifts like hand-fans and pinwheels for children. A Boishakhi Mela has been organised on a small scale. It had cotton candy, bioscope and other attractions.”

The jail staff enjoyed the same menu and will attend a cultural programme in the evening, the jail official said.

Families visiting the inmates at Dhaka Central Jail were served “welcome drinks”. Also, hand-fans, pinwheels, caps, vuvuzelas and balloons were given to the children.

The Boishakhi rally started at 9am from the grounds in the residential area of the central jail and ended at the same place after marching through the prison guard barracks.

The rally included horse carriages and prison guards took part donned in traditional attire.

Inmates sang and danced at the cultural programme inside the jail.

Assistant Inspector General (Development) Jannat-Ul-Farhad told bdnews24.com that all jails in the country arranged special menus for inmates and staff. “It was Panta-Ilish in the morning and Polao, chicken roast, a sweet dish and betel leaves for lunch and dinner. Beef was served in some jails.

“In addition, separate cultural programmes were organised for inmates and staff. All jails are having special events to celebrate Pohela Boishakh.”​

 

[Saif]

BNP’s Fakhrul returns home, expects a new Bangladesh in Bangla New Year

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expects that this year’s Boishakh will usher in a “new Bangladesh”. Speaking to the media at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport on Monday evening, Fakhrul said: “We hope that Bangla New Year 1432 will bring a new

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s Fakhrul returns home, expects a new Bangladesh in Bangla New Year
bdnews24.com
Published :
Apr 14, 2025 22:31
Updated :
Apr 14, 2025 22:31

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expects that this year’s Boishakh will usher in a “new Bangladesh”.

Speaking to the media at Dhaka’s Shahjalal International Airport on Monday evening, Fakhrul said: “We hope that Bangla New Year 1432 will bring a new horizon for the entire nation. Every heart will be illuminated with the joy of new possibilities.”

“We believe Pohela Boishakh will help us move past the old burdens and create a completely new Bangladesh,” he added.Fakhrul and his wife, Rahat Ara Begum, returned home aboard a Biman Bangladesh Airlines flight after flying to Singapore for medical check-ups on Apr 6.

On the election issue, Fakhrul said: "We have always said that we want to build a new Bangladesh through dialogue and unity. Undoubtedly, it is possible and we will succeed."

Commenting on the crisis or confusion being created over the election, the BNP secretary general said: "This problem will also be resolved."A BNP delegation, led by Fakhrul, is scheduled to meet with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna at noon on Wednesday.

The BNP said it would again present its demand to the interim government head to announce the election roadmap.​

 

[Krishna with Flute]

BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Pahela Baishakh festivities, including the traditional Baishakhi procession, as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and identity. “This Baishakhi procession, this Anondo Shobhajatra any the &nbs

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

BNP’s Salahuddin calls for preservation of Pahela Baishakh as national cultural heritage
UNB
Published :
Apr 15, 2025 00:06
Updated :
Apr 15, 2025 00:06

View attachment 16506

BNP Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Monday described the Pahela Baishakh festivities, including the traditional Baishakhi procession, as an integral part of Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and identity.

“This Baishakhi procession, this Anondo Shobhajatra any the joyful celebrations of Baishakh are not mere rituals, but part of our cultural heritage. The Baishakhi fairs, the palm-leaf fans, and bamboo flutes are all elements of our unique tradition,” he said.

The BNP leader made the remarks while speaking at a New Year celebration programme organised by the Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (JASAS) at Shatayu Prangon (Rani Mancha) in Ramna Park.

He also he extended Bengali New Year greetings with the audience.

Salahuddin said celebrations must remain rooted in local tradition and not be reduced to commercial products.

“We celebrated in our own way with fermented rice and hilsa. Let no one distort or commodify our culture. As citizens of this country, we will continue to preserve and nurture the heritage that has evolved over thousands of years,” he said.

He warned against cultural distortions, saying, “It is our responsibility to eliminate those alien elements that seek to corrupt our historical and cultural values.”

Salahuddin said that BNP celebrated Pahela Baishakh nationwide to reflect Bangladesh's heritage, linking it to the traditional Bengali calendar introduced during Emperor Akbar's time.

He said this culture is not just for Muslims but for all Bangladeshis, regardless of religion or background, to celebrate together in unity.

“We, who believe in Bangladeshi nationalism, uphold a culture that transcends religious, class, or ethnic boundaries. This is our shared identity,” the BNP leader said.​

Great. Impressed. Cheers.