The nation expressed its determination to move forward with a vision to build a prosperous future.

The day was a public holiday. Mughal Emperor Akbar introduced the Bangla New Year to facilitate tax collection. Traditionally, traders and shopkeepers open Halkhata (fresh accounts book) on this day and offer sweets to their customers.

People from all walks of life irrespective of religion and age, attired in traditional dresses, thronged Boishakhi Melas (fairs) -- showcasing various handicrafts and artefacts of Bengali culture -- in the capital and elsewhere in the country.

Colourful rallies, musical programmes, fairs and cake festivals added colour to the day.

Chhayanaut's trademark cultural programme at daybreak at Ramna Park and Mongol Shovajatra (rally) with a white pigeon as the symbol of peace brought out by students of Dhaka University's Institute of Fine Arts were the main attraction in the capital.

Law enforcers, aided by the newly raised Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), maintained vigilance to avoid any untoward situation.

From the early morning, thousands of revellers thronged Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Central Shaheed Minar, Dhaka University, Shahbag, Dhanmondi Lake and other open spaces. Roads stretching from Matshya Bhavan to Shahbagh to Doel Chattar were made off-limit for all modes of vehicles.

Crowds of people in and around Dhaka University, Ramna and Dhanmondi Lake virtually made the city traffic network collapse. Youths painting their cheeks with Bangladesh's map and emblem lent a special tone to the celebrations.

The indigenous people in Chittagong Hill Tracts and elsewhere observed the day through traditional festivities.

Sammilita Sangskritik Jote staged cultural function at Rabindra Sarobar at Dhanmondi, Jasas at TSC, Udichee and Khelaghar at Sarak Dwip and Dhaka Swarokalpa at the DU Library.

A festival of Bengali cakes and jarigan was opened at the National Museum, while a folk drama festival began at the Central Library.

Bangla Academy and Nazrul Institute held especial programmes.

Shilpakala Academy organised a cultural programme at National Art Gallery on Wednesday evening, while Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) has arranged a week-long Boishakhi Mela at Dhanmondi Club.

Proshika, an NGO, arranged paanta and hilsha at the sprawling green adjacent to Dhanmondi lake at 7:30am. The Liberation War Museum organised a programme for the children and juveniles at its Café Theatre at 10:00am.

Kochi-Kanchar Mela, a juveniles' organisation, held a Pitha Utshab and a cultural programme at its headquarters.

Various other organisations including Greater Mymensingh Cultural Forum, Bulbul Lalitkala Academy, Bangladesh Pathanatak Parishad, Rajshahi University Alumni Association and Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha also held various programmes in celebration of the day.