Bangladesh has welcomed another Bengali new year, 1431, amid extensive festivities and cultural fervor.
It is no longer limited to a beginning day of a year, rather it turned into the biggest festival for all Bangalis. People from all walks of life, irrespective of caste and creed, came together to celebrate the major non-communal festival, Pahela Baishakh, on Sunday.
The spirit of the Bengali new year transcended borders as Bengali-speaking people residing around the world are celebrating the occasion. Hence, it emerged as a colourful occasion to celebrate the ethnicity and cultural heritage of Bangalis.
Every year comes with renewed hopes and potential. The new year celebration serves as an inspiration to strive for prosperity in the coming year, putting aside the sorrows of past failures and limitations. It triggers a determination to overcome all obstacles and to take resolute steps towards progress.
There are arrangements for various traditional Bengali dishes at homes. Many people will enjoy Hilsa fish and panta bhat (rice soaked in water) in their breakfast or lunch, along with other traditional items.
There are countless events happening on the streets and places all over the country since the very dawn of the day. In the capital, people took to the streets in large numbers this morning, being adorned with red and white dresses. Women were dressed in red and white sarees, glass bangles, and traditional ornaments, while the male wore Panjabi with a similar color pattern. Many wore headbands printed with the red and green of the national flag.
They will return home today after enjoying the morning programme of Chhayanaut, attending the Mangal Shovajatra, hanging out at different places, and enjoying the afternoon programme of Sammilita Sangskritik Jote on the Shaheed Minar premises, and many others. There are events happening simultaneously in Kushtia as well.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have greeted the nation in separate messages on the Bengali new year and wished for peace and prosperity.
