In the middle of Dhaka, under the shade of the Ramna Batamul, the essence of Pohela Boishakh came into being again this year, as a large group of people came together at dawn to celebrate the coming of the Bengali New Year, where the President of Chhayanaut, Sarwar Ali gave a message of celebration but much deeper than just a celebration, as he expressed that he sees Pohela Boishakh as not only a celebration of song, colour and ritual but also as a celebration of identity “This day defines who we are”, Sarwar Ali stated with reference to how this festival continues to connect the Bengali culture to all generations to come.
Beyond Just a Celebration
The Chhayanaut program was filled with song, both group as well as solo, performed by the members of Chhayanaut and poetry read, as has been tradition for the last sixty years, all had gathered for the event; it felt as though we gathered together in this quiet act of unity through the presence of all different walks of life, all celebrating our common heritage and identity through music.
Sarwar Ali notes that Pohela Boishakh creates an opportunity for people to reflect on the past, renew for the year to come and be hopeful for the year ahead. As we continue to live in a rapidly changing world, a time such as this provides us with an opportunity to come back and reflect on who we are as a culture.
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Remembering Painful Chapters
The sense of unease within the celebration was felt by those who attended as Sarwar Ali shared stories about the recent attacks on artistic spaces. He spoke of the destruction of musical instruments at Chhayanaut’s cultural centre, as well as those that took place at Udichi and other institutions and how they have left scars on our cultural community.
He reminded us of the horrific memories of when the Ramna Batamul was attacked in 2001 to illustrate that even places of joy are not safe from violence. “These are not attacks on just buildings and instruments,” he stated, “but they are on our culture and our voice.”
A Call for Courage and Continuity
Despite these attacks, one message remained clear throughout Sarwar Ali’s speech; we will not allow culture to be silenced.
The continued observance of Pohela Boishakh is proof of the resilience of our collective cultural community. No matter how difficult the times may have been – during either the Bangladesh Liberation War or during the COVID-19 pandemic – the celebration will remain a testament to the enduring spirit of our festival.
Holding on to What Matters
Through the many hours spent enjoying musical performances and poetry on the streets, the significance of Pohela Boishakh has become even clearer. It serves as a reminder of one’s origins, provides an opportunity to celebrate language, culture, and express a defiance (albeit perhaps quietly) towards anyone wishing to eliminate them.
