Nation pulsates with harmony
Everything all around the country wore a bright and colourful look as people of all ages, irrespective of caste or creed and religious beliefs, celebrated the Pahela Baishakh on Saturday amid traditional fanfare and lively pageants.
Braving scorching heat and attired in traditional dresses, tens of thousands of people poured into the streets, parks and thronged popular and historic spots in the capital and elsewhere to welcome the first day of Bangla New Year-1425.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. Colourful rallies, musical programmes, fairs and cake festivals added colour to the biggest carnival of the Bangalees.
"We come here every year to welcome and to celebrate as it is one of the few celebrations that include all communities regardless of their ethnic, religious and linguistic differences," said Jahangir Alam. He came to Dhaka University from Mirpur along with his wife and two children.
However, for Dhaka dwellers and some other parts of the country the festivities were somewhat dampened due to a late afternoon shower, putting many a carnival goers in trouble.
Like previous years, security measures were put in place on Dhaka University campus and Ramna Batamul -- two prime locations in the capital where large cultural programmes are held for welcoming the New Year.
A festive spirit also gripped the country. Adorning with flowers, women in soothing white saris with red border and men in panjabees thronged Baishakhi Melas (fairs) -- showcasing various handicrafts and artefacts -- in the capital and other parts of the country.
The day was a public holiday.
Like every year, the biggest venue for the celebration was set at Ramna Batamul, where programmes started with a Chhayanaut performance of Rabindranath Tagore's song "Esho hey Baishakh…" after sunrise. Chhayanaut, a cultural organisation, has been organising the event for over the last three decades.
Another main attraction of the celebration was "Mangal Shobhajatra (procession of good wishes)" brought out by students of the Faculty of Fine Arts of DU around 9:00am.
Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman led the procession that marched different streets in Shahbagh area. Thousands of people joined the event dancing along the beats of traditional musical instruments.
The theme for this year's Mangal Shobhajatra has been determined as "Manush Bhojle Sonar Manush Hobi" (to become the ideal being, respect fellow humans), an excerpt from a popular Lalon song, to embrace the path of humanity.
The DU campus became festive with the sound of traditional musical instruments like Dhol, Dugdugi, and whistles.
The Suhrawardy Uddyan was also full of people coming to visit the fairs. Some enjoyed wooden nagordola rides while others various types of rural games.
Seven-year-old Rayan was all smiles after riding a nagordola.
"I enjoyed a lot," said Rayan, who came from Shahjahanpur with his father.
A huge number of people gorged themselves on delicacies -- Panta Bhat (rice soaked in water) with different types of bhartas (mashed preparations) hilsha fry, lentil and smoked chilli -- at places of Baishakhi congregations and at homes as well.
Nawshin Akhter, who went to the DU campus with her family, said, "We enjoyed a lot this year. The security measures were tight and we felt safer."
BANGLADESH MISSIONS CELEBRATE
Bangladesh missions abroad also celebrated Pahela Baishakh amid much fanfare, festivity and gaiety.
According to press releases received from different missions, including New Delhi, Bangkok, Manila, Deputy High Commission in Mumbai, colourful celebration programmes were arranged in respective missions which include, Mangal Shobhajatra, Baishakhi Mela (fair), musical soiree and cultural show.
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