How fashion & handicrafts define Pohela Boishakh's cultural identity

Each festival tends to shape its surroundings with its colours and characteristics. While most festivals in our country don't follow a specific "colour code" for aesthetics, Pahela Baishakh—the celebration of the Bengali New Year—stands out remarkably. It embraces white and red so prominently that the date seems to be visualised in these vibrant hues.

Eid has just passed, and the joy of vacation has already faded from the faces of the capital due to the business all over. The break may be over, but the festivities are far from done. The day to dress in red and white is just around the corner!

Pahela Baishakh—the first day of the Bengali month "Boishakh"—carries deep cultural and social significance. Though widely celebrated today, it wasn't always a festive occasion. Traditionally, it was more of a custom—a day for settling debts and starting fresh. This practice, known as "Halkhata", marked the closing of old accounts and the beginning of new ones.

They moved on, and so did the custom. Decades later, "Halkhata" is no longer part of the celebration. Instead, we now witness a vibrant parade known as "Mongol Shobhajatra"—a symbol of unity, creativity, and hope.

Just as red and green have come to represent our national flag and are often worn on national pride, red and white have become the unmistakable colours of Pahela Baishakh. So much so that even wearing red and white on any ordinary day instantly reminds us of the celebration. It's as if the colours themselves carry the memory of the festival.

Despite the modern era, the saree remains the first choice for celebrating Pahela Baishakh.

Israt Khanam, a college student in Dhaka, shares, "For me, a white saree with bold red borders, jasmine garlands in my hair, and red-and-white bangles are must-haves for going out on this day." For men, a white or red kurta paired with a dhuti—though less common now—also captures the traditional spirit.

But it's not all about tradition. A splash of modern flairs, like stylish sunglasses and accessories inspired by rickshaw art, adds a burst of contemporary colour to the celebration, blending old and new in the most vibrant way.

Aside from fashion, the vibrant street life truly brings Pahela Baishakh to life. Open-air markets, or melas, pop up across the city, offering a delightful mix of traditional crafts and festive energy. These stalls brim with handmade clay jewellery, colourful accessories, wooden crafts, and the ever-popular Nagordola (Ferris wheel), a nostalgic ride that never loses its charm.

One of the main attractions—especially for children—is the matir putul, small clay figurines. Though once meant as toys, these earthy sculptures now double as charming pieces of desi home décor. Tiny elephants painted in rich colours reminiscent of the Sultanate era, along with horses, tigers, lions, cats, and dogs—all lovingly shaped and detailed—are often brought home as tokens of the day. Surprisingly, such items are rarely found outside of this celebration in Dhaka's street markets.

Even the pottery—plates, bowls, and pots—features unique patterns painted in white, available only during this time of year. They reflect tradition and carry the rustic beauty of handmade art that connects the modern city dweller with their rural roots.

Another vibrant attraction is the colourful masks. Once lovingly handcrafted, these masks often come in plastic versions, replacing the originals' charm. Still, they add to the visual celebration of the day.

Another cherished custom is face painting. People, especially the youth, decorate their cheeks and foreheads with aesthetic designs and often write the iconic phrase "Esho He Boishakh", usually in bold white letters. It's another way the festival paints itself across the people celebrating it. This is how all these activities shape the day "Pahela Baishakh".

Of course, like many cultural traditions, Pahela Baishakh hasn't escaped controversy. Some question the celebration as religious interpretations become more intertwined with public discourse. Yet in a country where we proudly say "Baro Mashe Tero Parbon"—thirteen festivals in twelve months—Pahela Baishakh remains a day to live fully, to smile under the summer sun, and to share happiness in all its colourful forms.

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