The nation is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433, on Tuesday with vibrant festivities and traditional enthusiasm across the country.
Different organisations have drawn up elaborate programmes to welcome the New Year.
Cultural organisations, including Chhayanaut, will host daylong events, with celebrations beginning at Ramna Batamul through the national anthem and the iconic song “Eso Hey Baishakh” at dawn.
Like previous years, the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka will bring out the traditional procession – this time named ‘Baishakhi Shobhajatra’ with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.”
Arrangements have been made to broadcast the programmes on all government and private television channels, radio stations.
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion.
In his message, the President said in the current global context, the country is facing different challenges, requiring greater restraint, patience and responsibility from all.
He also expressed confidence that with combined efforts, honesty and dedication, the nation will be able to overcome challenges and move towards development and prosperity.
Highlighting the spirit of the New Year, the President hoped that all negativity and injustice will be eliminated, allowing truth and beauty to prevail across society.
On this festive and joyous occasion of the New Year, the heartfelt expectation is that all evil and ugliness be eliminated and that the glory of truth and beauty resonate everywhere, he said adding, “May all the sorrows and sufferings of the outgoing year fade away and may the New Year bring pure happiness, peace, and prosperity to both personal and national life.”
Shahabuddin also urged people to strengthen mutual respect, harmony and empathy and to work together to build a non-communal, united and just society.
In his message, the Prime Minister said, “Pahela Baishakh is a unique symbol of our national identity, history, culture, and self-recognition. For centuries, this day has returned every year in our lives, bringing the call of new beginnings. The arrival of the New Year inspires us to leave behind decay and stagnation and move forward with renewed hope.”
Pahela Baishakh is closely linked with agriculture, nature, and the agricultural economy of the region, he said, adding that even in this golden age of information technology, farmers determine their agricultural schedules in harmony with nature.
The thousand-year-old heritage of Bengal, its folk culture, traditions, and values are revitalised through Pahela Baishakh, Tarique Rahman said.
He said as part of its election pledges, the government has already introduced initiatives such as the Family Card, Sports Card, canal excavation programme, and financial assistance schemes for imams, muezzins, khatibs, and religious leaders of other faiths. “From the first day of the Bangla New Year, the Farmer Card programme will also be launched for farmers and the agricultural economy,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed hope that the practice of tolerance, openness, and harmony rooted in the religious and social values and cultures of the people of Bangladesh will further strengthen democracy and consolidate coexistence of diverse opinions.
He also urged all to take pledge to rise above narrowness and self-interest and follow the path of human welfare.
Tarique Rahman also called on all to overcome all past frustrations and limitations and move forward with renewed energy. “May the New Year bring happiness, peace, and prosperity to all. I once again extend my heartfelt greetings to the people of the country.”
To mark the occasion, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will jointly organise a seven-day fair, discussions and cultural events on the academy premises from April 14 to April 20.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation will hold a 14-day traditional Baishakhi fair on its premises starting on April 20.
Special arrangements will be made to serve traditional food in prisons, hospitals and Shishu Poribar alongside cultural programmes for children.
All museums and archaeological sites will remain open to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.
At the local level, Baishakhi Shobhajatra and cultural events will be held in every district and upazila.
Local administration will also organise folk fairs and essay competitions for students at the district and upazila levels, while celebrations will be arranged in union levels.
Educational institutions across the country will celebrate the occasion in a festive atmosphere under their own initiative.
Special programmes and traditional food will also be arranged at hotels and clubs.
Authorities will ensure adequate medical facilities, toilets and safe drinking water around Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park during the celebrations.
Law enforcement agencies will ensure overall security for national as well as district and upazila-level programmes.
Business communities, especially in rural areas are ready to open their traditional 'Halkhata', new account books, while sweets will be distributed among customers to mark the day.
The day is a public holiday.
Different national dailies will publish supplements while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air special programmes, highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.