The first day of Bangla new year is widely known as Pahela Baishakh. It is celebrated in a festive manner in Bangladesh. It is a national holiday. This day has a special significance for us as it forms a part of Bengali culture and tradition. People from all walks of life, irrespective of their ethnic identity or religious beliefs, celebrate the day with traditional festivities. On this day, the whole of Bangladesh is in a festive mood. The day inspires people to start life with renewed hopes and aspirations.
New year's festivities are closely linked with rural life in Bengal. Usually on this day, everything is scrubbed and cleaned.
Baishakhi fairs are arranged in many parts of the country. Various agricultural products, traditional handicrafts, toys, cosmetics as well as various kinds of foods and sweets are sold at these fairs. The fairs also provide entertainment by providing folk songs, Baul, Marfati, Murshidi and Bhatiali songs. Among other attractions of these fairs are puppet shows and merry-go-rounds.
Young women wear white sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers, and tips. Men wear white pyjamas or dhoti and kurta. Many town people, start the day with the traditional breakfast of panta bhat, green chillies, onion, and fried hilsha fish.
The most colourful new year's day festival takes place in Dhaka. Large numbers of people gather early in the morning under the Banyan tree at Ramna Park where Chhayanat artistes open the day with Tagore's famous song, Eso he Baishakh eso eso welcoming Baishakh. A similar ceremony welcoming the new year is also held at the Institute of Fine Arts, University of Dhaka.
Newspapers bring out special supplements. There are also special programmes on radio and television.
In fact, Pahela Baishakh is a symbol of the Bangladesh nationalist spirit and an integral part of the people's cultural heritage.
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