Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
A new mode marks the traditional pageantry this time as the Bengali New Year is being celebrated today in Bangladesh with the iconic Mongal Shobhajatra replaced with Barshaboran Ananda Sobhajatra.
After a hitch following the torching of the pivotal sculpture symbolising the ousted 'fascist', the stage was finally reset in tune with the August-5th political changeover to welcome Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the month that ushers in the new year on the Bengali calendar and also the summer season.
An ambiance of celebrations is already in air with the last sunset of spring, as cultural troupes began musical soirees amid tight security bulwarks put up in the capital and in other parts of the country.
Bangladesh is poised to ring in the Bangla New Year 1432 with vibrant celebrations across the country.
The day will be observed with traditional fervour, cultural processions, and festivities that focus the nation's rich heritage.
Pahela Baishakh has been an integral part of Bangladeshi culture since its inception in 1584 under the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar.
Meanwhile, strict security measures have been in place in Dhaka and nationwide to prevent any untoward incident, as this mark the first Pahela Baishakh since the fall of the "fascist" regime of Sheikh Hasina.
Dhaka University Charukala (Department of Fine Arts) is adorned with luscious colours and motifs for the Baishakhi Ananda Sobhajatra (Pahela Baishakh jubilation procession).
Prof Dr Shamima Sultana Lucky of Bangla Department at Jahangirnagar University says the modern-day celebration of Pahela Baishakh dates back to Mughal Emperor Akbar.
An expert on medieval literature, Prof Lucky explains that the Bengali calendar, in its current form, was introduced during Akbar's reign in 1584.
Known as Fasholi Shon (crop-based year) or Bangabda, this calendar was implemented to rationalise tax collection, which previously followed the Arabic Hijri calendar.
"The occasion has evolved significantly since its inception," she says.
Prof Lucky also mentions tradition of Halkhata, where businessmen open new account books to mark the start of the new fiscal year.
"Though we follow the fiscal year from June to July, introduced during the British period, earlier the fiscal year was Baishakh to Chaitra (April- March) depending on the cropping patterns."
Meanwhile, the Bengali New Year festivities commenced with a band show at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital on Sunday evening.
The Faculty of Fine Arts (DU Charukala) has arranged the traditional 'Ananda Sobhajatra' procession, the centerpiece of the national celebrations.
People from all walks of life will join the procession to celebrate Bangladeshi culture. From Monday morning, various events will take place across Dhaka, including celebrations at Ramna Batamul in Ramna Park, Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi, and Manik Mia Avenue, among other locations.
Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Samajik Sanskritik Sangstha (JASAS), the cultural wing of BNP, has also announced a daylong programme.
Chief adviser of the interim government Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus called for celebrating the festival in unison while respecting diverse traditions.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com, talhabinhabib@yahoo.com