Celebration of Pahela Baishakh

Bangladesh, being a land of different cultures and traditions, a lot of festivals are held here round the year. Among these festivals Pahela Baishakh appears to be a unique and distinctive festival to the people of all classes and religions in Bangladesh. It is celebrated on the first day of Bengali New Year. The main event of the day is to open ‘Halkhata’ or new accounts book by traders and businessmen. The traditional events of Pahela Baishakh include Panta-Hilsa, Baishakhi-mela, Bali-Khela, Merry-go-round, puppet show etc. These events are held both in rural and urban areas. In urban areas different socio-cultural organizations arrange special cultural functions to celebrate the day. In Dhaka, Chhayanata opens the day at the Ramna Batamul in the early hours of the day being attended by hundreds and thousands of people from all sections of the society. Besides, Bangla Academy, IFA of Dhaka University and many other cultural organisations welcome the day in a great festive and joyous mood. Pahela Baishakh reminds us our customs and traditions, our history and heritage. (Words : 174)