Pahela Baishakh observed nationwide
The Bangla New Year 1433 was celebrated across Bangladesh on Tuesday (14 April), with cities and villages alike coming alive in a vibrant display of cultural festivity.
Large crowds, dressed in traditional red-and-white attire, gathered to mark Pahela Baishakh, creating an atmosphere enriched with music, colour and a shared sense of cultural identity.
Celebrations at Ramna Batamul began at 6am with a traditional cultural programme, followed by the Baishakhi Shobhajatra at 9am from the Faculty of Fine Arts at University of Dhaka.
The programme at Ramna Batamul was jointly organised by Chhayanaut and Jatiotabadi Samajik Sangskritik Sangstha, attracting large numbers of participants from early morning.
This year’s procession centred on the theme of overcoming negative forces and aspiring towards a harmonious future.
Striking handcrafted figures—including tigers, elephants and peacocks—alongside symbolic depictions of mother and child, drew widespread attention.
Traditional motifs such as the rooster, dove, horse and the musical instrument dotara reflected ideas of strength, peace and movement.
The origins of the Bengali New Year date back to the reign of Akbar, who introduced the Bangla calendar to streamline agricultural taxation.
Over time, the occasion has evolved into a cornerstone of Bengali cultural identity, with traditions such as “Hal Khata” continuing to symbolise renewal and fresh beginnings.
Ahead of the procession, a well-decorated mounted unit from the Dhaka Metropolitan Police took position at the front, generating considerable public interest.
The presence of uniformed officers on horseback along a designated stretch of the route added to the spectacle.
Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam, who led the unit, said that 20 specially trained horses participated in this year’s procession.
He noted that the horses, primarily thoroughbred riding breeds, are selected for their agility, endurance and controlled behaviour, making them suitable for large public events.
On the ground, many visitors were seen gathering around the mounted unit, with some taking photographs while others observed from a safe distance.
The Baishakhi Shobhajatra, one of the most anticipated highlights of the celebrations, carried the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy”, reflected through masks, motifs and symbolic installations.
In preparation for the event, students of the Faculty of Fine Arts were engaged on 13 April in completing elaborate masks and structures, including a large elephant installation constructed on a temporary wooden framework, symbolising heritage and hope.
As part of the official observance, national newspapers published special supplements featuring messages from the president, the prime minister and senior officials of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, underscoring the cultural significance of the festival.
This year’s celebrations reflected a coordinated national effort, bringing together state initiatives, folk traditions and broad civic participation in a unified cultural observance.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman extended greetings to the nation on the eve of the festival, stating: “Farewell 1432. Welcome Bangla New Year 1433. Pahela Baishakh is the first day of the Bengali New Year.
On this occasion, I extend my heartfelt greetings and congratulations to the people of the country and all Bangla-speaking people around the world.
“May the New Year bring happiness, peace and prosperity to everyone’s lives. Once again, I extend my sincere greetings to the people of the country. Happy New Year 1433,” he added.
