The nation is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433, today (Tuesday) with vibrant festivities and traditional enthusiasm across the country.
Shedding the sorrows, fatigue and burden of the outgoing year, the nation is embracing the New Year with renewed energy and optimism.
Deeply rooted in centuries of tradition, Pahela Baishakh has evolved into a universal festival that transcends religion, caste and ethnicity, bringing millions of Bangladeshis together at home and abroad.
The day stands as a powerful expression of cultural identity, patriotism and non-communal harmony. It carries the collective aspiration that darkness and despair will be replaced by light, truth and beauty, while the memories of the past year are left behind.
Different organisations have taken elaborate programmes to welcome the New Year.
Cultural organisations are hosting daylong events, with celebrations beginning at Ramna Batamul through the national anthem and the iconic song "Eso He Baishakh" at dawn.
Like previous years, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University brought out the traditional procession - this time named 'Baishakhi Shobhajatra' with the theme ‘Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy'.
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have greeted the nation, in separate messages, extending New Year wishes to all citizens.
People of all ages are celebrating the day in colourful traditional attire as Baishakhi fairs spring up across the country, featuring traditional games such as Boli Khela (traditional wrestling), lathi khela and ha-du-du.
In Chattogram, the historic 'Jabbarer Bolikhela' is being held at Laldighi Maidan marking its century-old tradition.
In Dhaka, this year's Baishakhi Shobhajatra featured five key motifs- rooster, dotara (folk instrument), pigeon, elephant and horse, symbolising strength, creativity, peace, dignity and movement.
Around 35 musicians performed national songs including the national anthem and 'Eso He Baishakh', while 200 students participated carrying the national flag.
The Ramna Batamul celebration, organised by Chhayanaut, was once again present a morning of songs dedicated to peace, humanity and harmony- continuing one of the most iconic traditions of the day.
Udichi is also marking the occasion at Topkhana Road with a day-long programme of music, poetry and dance, themed 'Let social fascism be destroyed in the fierce spirit of Baishakh', with its main event scheduled at 4:00 pm.
Dhaka South City Corporation arranged cultural programmes under the theme 'Let the lost joys of Bengal return in Baishakh', while Art Pix is staging puppet shows from April 14 to 21 on the Bangladesh Military Museum premises near Bijoy Sarani.
Authorities, including Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) and RAB, have taken special security measures to ensure peaceful celebrations across the capital.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs, along with Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy and other cultural organisations, are observing the day nationwide through a variety of programmes.
The National Press Club and Dhaka Reporters Unity also hosted separate events marking the occasion.
Special arrangements are made to serve traditional food in prisons, hospitals and shishu poribar alongside cultural programmes for children.
All museums and archaeological sites remain open to commoners, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.
At the local level, Baishakhi Shobhajatra and cultural events are being held in every district and upazila.
Local administration is also organising folk fairs and essay competitions for students at the district and upazila levels, while celebrations were arranged in union levels.
Educational institutions across the country are celebrating the occasion in a festive atmosphere under their own initiative.
Special programmes and traditional food are being arranged at hotels and clubs.
Meanwhile, authorities have ensured adequate medical facilities, toilets and safe drinking water around Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park during the celebrations.
Business communities, especially in rural areas have opened their traditional 'Halkhata', new account books, while sweetmeats are being distributed among customers to mark the day.
The day is a public holiday.
Different national dailies published supplements while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar are broadcasting special programmes, highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.
bd-pratidin/GR
