Pahela Baishakh

#Events / 5 art melas in Dhaka you can't miss out on

Dhaka is a city with a vibrant and dynamic art culture featuring many notable artists, exhibitions, and art spaces. All year round, many art melas celebrate the thriving art scene and we will list 5 of the best ones you simply can't afford to miss! Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of art, these melas are definitely going to be a great way to explore.

Pahela Baishakh belongs to every Bangalee : Abul Hayat

‘Halkhata’ refers to the ritual of starting a new logbook for one’s business or establishment. Speaking about the tradition, Abul Hayat quipped, “The ritual is still ongoing and I have been invited to a few as well. People have sweets to mark the auspicious event, which I like very much.”

A ‘Baishakhi’ rebellion against negativity

In the context of Bangladesh, the festival of Pahela Baishakh is doubly important, as we fought for our right to be Bengali and to speak in Bangla. Therefore, when a legal notice was sent opposing the celebrations of Mangal Shobhajatra, came together to protest that notice.

Is there a Bangalee way to celebrate Pahela Baishakh?

The “Bangalee way” in the sense of a single, linear way is a myth at best, and nationalist propaganda at worst.

A glimpse into the preparations for Mangal Shobhajatra

The Bengali New Year 1430 is just around the corner, and the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka is a hive of bustling activity. All hands are on deck as the preparations for the Mangal Shobhajatra are in full swing.

'Pahela Baishakh' doesn't belong to any religion: Chanchal Chowdhury

Renowned actor Chanchal Chowdhury has spoken up against the legal notice sent by a lawyer to stop 'Mongol Shobhajatra'.

From classic to contemporary: Hairstyle trends for Pahela Baishakh

A touch of the right accessories and your braid can become a vital part of your outfit this Baishakh. Braids are easily among the most elegant and timeless hairstyles there are. They come in all kinds of different shapes and most importantly, help to move the hair away from your face on a hot and humid day. Braids have been a popular hairstyle for centuries, and they have been incorporated into Pahela Baishakh celebrations to create a more free-spirited vibe.

2001 Ramna Batamul blast: Death row convict Mufti Shafiqur arrested

Rapid Action Battalion today arrested Mufti Shafiqur Rahman, a death row convict in the bomb blasts during Pahela Baishakh celebrations  21 years ago at Ramna Batamul in 2001.

Why is Pahela Baishakh celebrated on different dates in West Bengal and Bangladesh?

This is the year 1429 in the Bengali calendar. However, since many argue that if Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar 438 years ago, why is it the year 1429 in the calendar?

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

5 art melas in Dhaka you can't miss out on

Dhaka is a city with a vibrant and dynamic art culture featuring many notable artists, exhibitions, and art spaces. All year round, many art melas celebrate the thriving art scene and we will list 5 of the best ones you simply can't afford to miss! Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of art, these melas are definitely going to be a great way to explore.

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

Pahela Baishakh belongs to every Bangalee : Abul Hayat

‘Halkhata’ refers to the ritual of starting a new logbook for one’s business or establishment. Speaking about the tradition, Abul Hayat quipped, “The ritual is still ongoing and I have been invited to a few as well. People have sweets to mark the auspicious event, which I like very much.”

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

A ‘Baishakhi’ rebellion against negativity

In the context of Bangladesh, the festival of Pahela Baishakh is doubly important, as we fought for our right to be Bengali and to speak in Bangla. Therefore, when a legal notice was sent opposing the celebrations of Mangal Shobhajatra, came together to protest that notice.

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

Is there a Bangalee way to celebrate Pahela Baishakh?

The “Bangalee way” in the sense of a single, linear way is a myth at best, and nationalist propaganda at worst.

April 12, 2023
April 12, 2023

A glimpse into the preparations for Mangal Shobhajatra

The Bengali New Year 1430 is just around the corner, and the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka is a hive of bustling activity. All hands are on deck as the preparations for the Mangal Shobhajatra are in full swing.

April 12, 2023
April 12, 2023

'Pahela Baishakh' doesn't belong to any religion: Chanchal Chowdhury

Renowned actor Chanchal Chowdhury has spoken up against the legal notice sent by a lawyer to stop 'Mongol Shobhajatra'.

April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023

From classic to contemporary: Hairstyle trends for Pahela Baishakh

A touch of the right accessories and your braid can become a vital part of your outfit this Baishakh. Braids are easily among the most elegant and timeless hairstyles there are. They come in all kinds of different shapes and most importantly, help to move the hair away from your face on a hot and humid day. Braids have been a popular hairstyle for centuries, and they have been incorporated into Pahela Baishakh celebrations to create a more free-spirited vibe.

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

2001 Ramna Batamul blast: Death row convict Mufti Shafiqur arrested

Rapid Action Battalion today arrested Mufti Shafiqur Rahman, a death row convict in the bomb blasts during Pahela Baishakh celebrations  21 years ago at Ramna Batamul in 2001.

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

Why is Pahela Baishakh celebrated on different dates in West Bengal and Bangladesh?

This is the year 1429 in the Bengali calendar. However, since many argue that if Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar 438 years ago, why is it the year 1429 in the calendar?

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

Bangladesh celebrates Pahela Baishakh 1429 in full swing after 2 years

After two years of Covid-19 pandemic related restrictions, the welcoming ceremony of Bangla New Year began this morning (April 14) with numerous shades and colours.