Bangladesh is ablaze with vibrant festivities as Pohela Boishakh, heralding the onset of Bangla New Year 1431, unfolds across the nation on Sunday, marking a jubilant celebration of Bangali culture and customs.
A multitude of revelers, predominantly in Dhaka, are expected to partake in the festivities, embracing the rich tapestry of Bangali traditions.
Pohela Boishakh, characterized by its kaleidoscope of colors, symbolizes the Bangalis’ farewell to the old year and embrace of the new, resonating with cultural fervor.
In observance of this auspicious occasion, individuals from all walks of life don traditional Bangali attire, with women draping themselves in white sarees adorned with red borders and embellishing their attire with bangles and flowers, while men opt for white pyjamas paired with panjabis or kurtas.
The day’s festivities commenced in the capital with a melodious rendition by Chhayanaut, a premier cultural organization, at Ramna Batamul at the break of dawn, setting the stage for a day replete with cultural revelry.
The iconic Mongol Shobhajatra, originating from Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty premises, embarked on its ceremonial procession, a poignant symbol of unity and festivity, with broadcasts of the celebrations aired on Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and private television channels nationwide.
The resplendent Mongol Shobhajatra, a UNESCO-acclaimed masterpiece of intangible cultural heritage, will traverse divisional, district, and upazila levels, extending the spirit of tradition to grassroots communities.
In rural enclaves, businesses are poised to inaugurate their traditional “Halkhata,” unveiling new account books while treating patrons to delectable sweets as a gesture of goodwill.
Echoing the sentiment of the nation, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed their heartfelt greetings to the populace on the eve of Pohela Boishakh.
As revelers throng iconic locales like Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, and Dhaka University, among others, stringent security measures, overseen by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Director General M Khurshid Hossain, are in place to ensure a safe and secure celebration.
To mitigate potential risks, RAB has bolstered its presence across event venues nationwide, urging attendees to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity promptly.
Amidst the revelry, the Ministry of Home Affairs emphasized the importance of adhering to stipulated timelines, with all festivities mandated to conclude by 6 pm, while stringent measures against misinformation and undesirable activities underscore the government’s commitment to fostering a safe and joyous celebration for all.
