As the Bangla nation prepares to bid farewell to the passing year, Saturday heralds the arrival of the traditional Chaitra Sankranti festival, marking the culmination of the Bangla calendar.
Chaitra, the final month of Basanta (spring season) in the Bangla calendar, holds a significant place in the cultural tapestry, particularly in rural areas where its observance spans centuries.
While traditionally more fervently celebrated in rural locales, Chaitra Sankranti has gradually found its way into urban life, becoming a cherished part of the urban lifestyle in recent years.
This auspicious occasion serves as a precursor to the grand festivities of Pahela Baishakh (the first day of the Bangla calendar), symbolizing a symbolic transition from the old to the new year.
Across the country, including the bustling capital, Chaitra Sankranti is commemorated with a myriad of events such as fairs, pitha melas (traditional cake fairs), musical performances, and various cultural festivities.
At the heart of the celebrations lies the revered “Charak puja,” a significant ritual observed in rural Bangladesh alongside the vibrant “Gajon Mela,” both integral components of the day-long Chaitra Sankranti festivities.
As communities unite to partake in these age-old traditions, Chaitra Sankranti serves as a poignant reminder of the rich cultural heritage cherished by the Bangla nation, ushering in hope and renewal with the dawn of the new year.
