Boishakh Checklist

Another year, another boishakh.Time to bid adieu to the old and welcome in the new. For most of us, this means a day of celebration. Dressing up in ornate saris, decked with flowers, travelling around the city and having a good time with friends and family has become a signature way to spend the day. Be it a visit to the Dhaka University campus or just catching up with loved ones throughout the city, here are a few things to keep in mind for the day.

Winter is long gone by now and the blazing heat of summer has started to show its head. It is quiet easy to forget the heat while having a good time, but remember to stay hydrated throughout the day – carry a bottle of water or stop for a refreshing "daab er pani" on the road. Starting off the new year in a fun way is no excuse to fall sick from dehydration the next day. Vitamin C also helps you keep hydrated so when you look for the drinks on the road go for citric ones. It is also the season of mangoes and the savoury raw mango bhorta from the road would not go amiss. 

Speaking of the sun, carry a pair of shades to go with the outfit. The right pair of shades will not only add to your look, they will protect your eyes and stop you from having to squint throughout a rickshaw ride. It will also be wise to use sun screen since boishakh festivities are the best outdoors. 

Though the rain and storm is not upon us yet, the kalboishakhi has been known to come out of the blue. Carry a small umbrella just in case you get caught in a sudden downpour. And even if the rain never comes, an umbrella might come in use in the sun. Of course you will still be drenched and sweaty by the time you get home. Stay as cool as you can throughout the day and when home take a long, cold shower to wash off the grime – start the new year fresh. 

Boishakh means eating outside. But while food maybe there for all on the road, provisions for washing your hands will be scarce. Carry wipes or hand sanitisers with you so that after eating, you don't have to walk around with oily, greasy hands. Hygiene is also an important factor. Be careful about what you eat.  

There will be traffic on the road as people everywhere will be out to celebrate. Plan your journeys accordingly and factor in time for being stuck in traffic for long hours. Every year, there are a lot of stories about getting pickpocketed on this day, so be vigilant while in crowds.

Let no amount of sun, rain or traffic stop you from celebrating the day to the fullest. Head out, catch up on cultural programmes, hang out with friends and indulge in "panta ilish" – spend the day the way it is meant to be spent. A little precaution and planning goes a long way, be safe and be prepared.