Nation celebrates Pahela Baishakh
Pahela Baishakh, first day of the Bangla year, was celebrated amidst traditional fanfare on Sunday.
Leaving behind the gloom of the past and decked in traditional, colourful attire, people poured into the streets, parks and open spaces across the capital and elsewhere in the country to welcome the Bangla year 1426.
Rallies, musical programmes, fairs and festivals drew crowds, who enjoyed the holiday to the fullest.
Like previous years, security measures were put in place on Dhaka University campus, Ramna Park and elsewhere that saw public celebrations.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina firmly hoped that Bangla Nabobarsho will bear good tidings, reported BSS.
“I hope that the new sun of Bangla Nabobarsho 1426 will illuminate the lives of all,” the PM said while exchanging new year greetings with leaders and activists of her party at her Gono Bhaban residence in the morning.
The prime minister also expressed the hope that the advancement of the country will continue and the nation will move forward keeping heads high.
Meanwhile, speaking at a programme arranged by Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha (Jasas) in front of BNP's Nayapaltan central office on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh, BNP standing committee member Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain hoped that the incidents of killing, enforced disappearance and unnatural death will stop with “restoration of democracy” in the new Bangla year.
The festivities began at dawn with artistes of Chhayanaut welcoming the day with the ever familiar Rabindra Sangeet “Esho hey Baishakh, esho esho” at the Ramna Botomul in Dhaka.
Many were seen moving towards Dhaka University to join Mangal Shobhajatra (new year procession), another major attraction of the celebration, brought out by students of DU's Faculty of Fine Arts around 9am.
Chosen foods of the day were, as always, panta bhaat (rice soaked in water) with different kinds of bharta (mashed vegetables) and fried hilsa -- at outdoor celebrations as well as homes.
Different government and non-government organisations like Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Folk Arts and Craft Foundation, Jatiya Press Club and Dhaka Reporters Unity arranged various programmes to observe the Bangla new year.
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