The most popular cultural festival bengali in Bangladesh is the Pohela Boishakh, or the Bengali New Year. It is celebrated on April 14 each year; it is the day of newborns, togetherness, and happiness. The festival echoes the Bengali culture with its rich traditions reflected in the colorful parades, colorful dresses, delicious meals and intensive gathering. People gather on the streets in red and white garments singing the old songs and engaging in fairs. Not just a festival of a new year, Pohela Boishakh is also an epitome of national pride and culture of Bangladesh and the unity of its population.
The anticipation towards Pohela Boishakh starts several weeks before the festival. The houses are painted and the decorations are in the traditional patterns known as alpona. Girls are attired in sarees which are also red and white and boys wear panjabis. The day begins with the traditional Mangal Shobhajatra- a colorful procession arranged by the students of Dhaka University and involves masks, motifs, as well as banners of peace and togetherness. With the help of this tradition, which is included in the UNESCO list, the Bangladeshi people combine their spirit and imagination.
Festive Foods and Markets
Bangladesh can never hold a complete celebration without its traditional dishes. During Poheala Boishakh, people eat panta bhaat (fermented rice with fried hilsa fish, lentils, and green chilies). Traditional sweets, handcrafts, toys, and music performances are provided in markets and fairs called Boishakhi Mela, set up in all cities and villages. These fairs rediscover the rural heritage and unify people by food and celebration.
Music, Dance and cultural programs
Cultural plays are part and parcel of Pohela Boishakh. They congregate in parks, open fields and cultural centers with the aim of enjoying songs by Rabindranath Tagore, folk dancing and plays. Popular songs such as the Esho Hey Boishakh reverberate in the air all day, bringing with it positive wishes of the new year. Special shows are aired through radio and TV as well and the festive spirit, enforced to every home.
Essence of a National Unity
Pohela Boishakh cuts across all boundaries of religion and class and brings all Bangladeshis to the common cause of euphoria and freshness. It is not only the beginning of a new year, but identity, strength, and peace are the foundational pillars of the spirit of the nation that celebrate it.
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