Introduction:
A popular festival in Bangladesh is the Pahela Baishakh. This is the first day of the year. In fact, it is a new year's day which comes annually, and is celebrated all over the country with great fun arid frolic. The Bangla New Year-1420 was not an exception to this rule. It was observed throughout the country with great pomp and enthusiasm.
The festive day:
It is supposed that Emperor Akbar introduced the festival of the Pahela Baishakh. Since then, the people of our country have been celebrating this day every year. Probably it was thought necessary to systematize the revenue-collection of the country with effect from this day of the year. At present, the most important feature of this day is that traders and shopkeepers open a new khata, popularly, known as 'hat khata' (annual account book) and celebrate it by offering sweets to their customers and clients. This is a very happy occasion for them.
The high-lights:
The Pahela Baishakh is a national festival in Bangladesh. It is celebrated by all communities of the nation alike with great enthusiasm. The day is a public holiday. Different socio-cultural organizations chalk out elaborate programs to celebrate the day in a befitting manner. A large number of people wearing traditional dresses attend the programs. National dailies bring out special supplements. The BTV and other private channels telecast special programs. Bangladesh Betar also airs special programs. The Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University brings out a colorful procession from its premises carrying festoons, banners, placards, posters, and wearing masks to welcome the Bangla New Year. Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy, Jatiya Press Club, Bulbul LaIitkala Academy, Liberation War Museum and Bangladesh National Museum organize cultural functions in their respective premises.
Ramna Batamul:
The first program of the festival begins in the capital city at dawn at Ramna Batamul. Chhayanat, a leading cultural organization arranges this program. The famous artists of the country take part in it. Multitudes of people start coming to the venue since early morning to enjoy this program. Temporary food courts are set up there to cater for the special food of the day—the panta and hilsa fish. Baishakhi Mela is a significant attraction of the day.
Across the country:
Similar programs are organized across the country by the local socio-cultural organizations. Baishakhi melas are also held here and there gorgeously. Discussion meetings are held in various schools and colleges. They also organize their respective cultural functions.
Conclusion:
The observance of the Bangla New Year-1420 brought all the people of the country—men and women, young and old— under the same canopy of rejoicing. Of all days, it was a day of joy and merry-making. It bore a great significance in the traditional life and culture of Bangladesh.
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