Bangladeshi mission to UN celebrates Pahela Baishakh

The Permanent Mission of Bangladesh to the United Nations celebrated Pahela Baishakh at its New York office through grand fervor and festivity, according to a press release.

A number of dignitaries joined the colorful event at the mission's Bangabandhu Auditorium, including UN Delegation Women's Club members, spouses of diplomat families and women diplomats. Permanent representative of Australia to UN Gillian Bard, permanent representative of Trinidad & Tobago Pennelope Beckles and Jarmila Lajčáková-Hargašová, wife of UN General Assembly President Miroslav Lajčák were some of the notable guests. The programme, which highlighted women, also had in attendance the Bangladeshi Consul General to New York and notable women of the expatriate Bangladeshi community.

The venue was decorated with traditional Banglaee items and artifacts, as well as designs, banners, festoons and more. Fahmida Jabeen, wife of Bangladesh's permanent representative to UN Masud Bin Momen welcomed the guests.

The programme included a video clip on Mangal Shobhajatra, choral songs by wives and daughters of diplomats, and solo and group dances by members of the local Srishti Academy of Performing Arts. A traditional Marma dance was also presented.

The food presented at the event also bore hallmarks of traditional Bangalee culture, with homemade dishes and snacks. A raffle draw was also organized for the guests.

Bangladesh's permanent representative to UN Masud Bin Momen delivered the welcome address at the event, explaining the history and culture of the Bangla New Year to the guests. UN Women Club president Therese Tommo Monthe and treasurer Ranju Batra also spoke on the occasion, while Councilor of the Bangladesh mission Sanchita Haque spoke on behalf of Bangladeshi women diplomats.