Lesson 6: Pahela Boishakh

‘Pahela Boishakh’ is the first day of Bangla new year. The day is a public holiday.
This day has a special significance for us as it forms a part of Bangalee culture and
tradition. People from all walks of life, irrespective of their ethnic identity or
religious beliefs, celebrate the day with traditional festivities. On this day, the whole
of Bangladesh is in a festive mood. The day inspires people to start life with renewed
hopes and inspirations.
Every year the day is celebrated traditionally. People wake up early in the morning,
have a bath and wear their traditional clothes. Women wear white saris with red

borders and adorn themselves with colourful churis and flowers, while men dress
themselves with pajamas and punjabis. It is a day when people love eating traditional
food.
This day the most colourful event is held in Dhaka. Early in the morning, people in
hundreds and thousands pour in from all directions to attend the cultural function at
Ramna Batamul organised by Chhyanata. The cultural programme begins just with
sunrise and the renowned artists of the country take part in the program that starts
with the famous Tagore-song Esho-he-Boishakh, Esho Esho ........ . Artists also sing
traditional folk songs, and display classical dances with the rhythm of musical
instruments.
People also come to join the colourful processions, the biggest carnival of the
country, organised by the Fine Arts students of Dhaka University. The procession
usually displays the traditional practices of Bangalee culture. The masks and wreaths
worn by the people are so fascinating! Often they symbolise contemporary worries or
happiness in the national life. It attracts increasing number of foreign tourists every
year.
The day is also observed all over the country. Different social and cultural
organisations and educational institutions celebrate the day with their own cultural
programmes.
On this day, newspapers bring out special supplements. There are also special
programmes on the radio and television channels.
The celebration of Pahela Boishakh marks a day of cultural unity for the whole
nation irrespective of caste and creed.