The country celebrated Pohela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1426, Sunday (Apr 14) upholding the rich cultural values and rituals of the Bangalis. Tens of thousands of people joined the “Nabobarsho” festivities across the country, particularly in the capital city.
Pohela Boishakh is one of the most colourful festivals through which the Bangalis bid farewell to the old year and welcome the new year.
President Md. Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Pohela Boishakh, local media reported.
The President and PM wished peace, happiness and prosperity of the people and the country in the New Year. The President, in his message, said Bangla Nababarsha is an inseparable part of Bangali culture. This is a universal and non-communal festival, Hamid added.
In her message, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said the nation starts the first day of Bengali New Year with the hope of progress of life forgetting all shortcomings and sorrows. She wished that the Bengali New Year 1426 would bring happiness, peace and progress for the country.
Besides, Jatiyo Party Chairman and opposition leader in the House HM Ershad also issued a message greeting the people of the country on the eve of the occasion.
He wished that the Bengali New Year 1426 would bring happiness, prosperous and smooth pace of development.
Different government and non-government organisations, socio-cultural platforms, including Bangladesh Shilpokala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bangla Academy, Department of Public Libraries, the National Museum, Kabi Nazrul Institute, Copyright Office, National Book Centre, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC), Dhaka University, Jatiyo Press Club and Dhaka Reporters Unity, have organized various programmes to observe the Pohela Boishakh.
Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the Bangla calendar in the 1556 of the Gregorian calendar in a bid to streamline the timing of land tax collection in the then ‘Subah Bangla’ region, the much of which falls under Bangladesh.
The day is a public holiday.
On every return of Pohela Boishakh, also the country’s biggest cultural festival, people of all walks of life, especially the youths, came out on the roads at daybreak wearing traditional dresses to celebrate the day.
Students of the Institute of Fine Art of Dhaka University brought out a Mangal Shobhajatra (procession of good wishes) from in front of the institute in the morning as part of the carnival.
People ate ‘Panta Bhat (watery rice)’ with fried Hilsa, lentils, green chili and onions at home, restaurants and fairs following the rich tradition of Bangla culture.
Tight security measures have been taken to ensure smooth celebrations of Pohela Boishakh.
