Pahela Baishakh, marking the onset of Bengali New Year-1431, is joyously observed throughout the nation on April 14, resonating with the vibrant cultural heritage and cherished rituals of the Bangladeshi people.

A significant turnout is anticipated to participate in the “Nobo Borsho” festivities nationwide, with particular enthusiasm in the capital city.

Pahela Baishakh stands as one of the most exuberant festivals, symbolizing the farewell to the old year and the warm embrace of the new.

During this auspicious occasion, individuals from diverse backgrounds adorn themselves in traditional Bengali attire. Women elegantly drape sarees with red borders, complemented by bangles, flowers, and tiklis, while men don payjamas and panjabis.

Commencing the day’s celebrations, a musical extravaganza hosted by Chhayanat, a prominent cultural institution, graced the dawn at Ramna Batamul in the capital.

A highlight of the morning will be the traditional Mangal Shobhajatra procession originating from the premises of Dhaka University’s Fine Arts Faculty.

The day’s festivities will be broadcasted live by Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and various private television channels. Similar Mangal Shobhajatra processions will also grace divisional, district, and upazila levels.

In anticipation of the new year, business communities, particularly in rural areas, are poised to open their traditional “Halkhata,” marking the inception of new account books. Traders will extend sweet treats to customers as part of the celebratory customs.

Ahead of Pahela Baishakh, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conveyed separate messages extending heartfelt greetings to the nation.

Numerous governmental and non-governmental entities, alongside socio-cultural organizations such as Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bangla Academy, and others, will host diverse programs including seminars, exhibitions, quizzes, essays, and art competitions commemorating the festival.

Furthermore, local administrations will organize quiz competitions, cultural events, and folk fairs, adding to the festive spirit.

Traditionally, the day commences with a hearty breakfast of panta bhat (fermented rice), accompanied by green chilies, onions, and fried fish, at various locations including Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Dhaka University campus, and Rabindra Sarobar.

Inclusivity remains a cornerstone of Pahela Baishakh celebrations, with museums and archaeological sites welcoming visitors, including children, students, and individuals with disabilities or autism, free of charge.

In a gesture of compassion, traditional meals will be served to inmates in correctional facilities, patients in hospitals, and residents of orphanages.

Bangladeshi missions worldwide will also organize various events to mark the advent of the Bengali New Year.

To ensure a safe and secure environment for revelers, law enforcement agencies have implemented extensive security measures nationwide.

Pahela Baishakh is observed as a public holiday, providing individuals the opportunity to partake in the festivities and cherish cultural traditions.

Historically, the Bengali calendar finds its roots in the seventh century, attributed to King Shashanka. Later, during the Mughal era, Emperor Akbar modified the calendar for tax collection purposes. Initially, land taxes were collected based on the Islamic Hijri calendar, which, being lunar, didn’t align with agricultural cycles.

To address this, Akbar commissioned the creation of a new calendar, merging elements of the lunar Islamic and solar Hindu calendars, known as Fasholi Shan (harvest calendar).