Poila Baisakh 2023: Celebrations in Bangladesh, Dhaka, And Chittagong

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Poila Baisakh is the most predominant new year festival with cultural connotations. The culturally rich Bengal displays its traditional and cultural side through its celebrations. It is also celebrated with pomp in West Bengal and Bangladesh. Bangladesh has declared a holiday on the Baisakh.

New clothes, temple visits, delicious dinner and quality time spent with loved ones make for a heart warming celebration. Greeting each other by exchanging Shubho Nabo Barsho, which means 'Happy New Year' is mandatory. Fairs and events, organized by groups get you glued to the experience.

Bangladesh

Hindu and Muslim population in Bengal, oblivious of their religious preferences, participate in the Bengali New year which is a declared national holiday. The celebration was a way for Bangaldeshis to flaunt their heritage when they were embroiled in fights with Pakistanis in 1850s.

Businesses let go of their old business ledgers and begin a new financial year by opening a new ledger meant for business. At this time, they invite their loyal customers and gift them with sweets. This event is suitably named as Haal Khata. Haal Khata dates back to the 'Halkhata Mahurat' tradition of the Mughals for collecting back taxes.

It is a 430-year-old tradition that is still cherished by Bengalis. Then there is the Jatra play whererin singers belt out the traditional tunes and songs to keep the occasion lively and enjoyable. Bangladesh viewers immerse themselves in the Jatra which is a very engaging theatrical performance. It consists of dialogue and the songs, which are actually a medley of classical ragas, semi classical ragas and folk tunes.

Dhaka

The festivities begin early in the morning in Dhaka with Chhayanaut performers singing Rabindranath Tagore's song "Esho he Boishakh" under a banyan tree in Ramna. Chhayanaut was established in 1961 after hosting the birth centenary of Ravindra nath Tagore. Chhayanaut 's main focus is the music couple with the study of Tagore. Chhayanaut was the first one to celebrate the Bengali seasons through music.. The musical performance on the first day of Baisakh under the banyan tree in Ramna, revived the glory of Bengali New year. The Mangal Shobha jatra is another feature organized by students of Dhaka University.

Chittagong

According to famous astrologer in Kolkata, Pohela Boishakh celebrations in Chittagong are based on Dhaka's customs. The Mangal Shobhajatra procession is held throughout the city by students from Chittagong University's fine arts institute, and is followed by a day of cultural festivities.Popular village sports are played including horse races, bullfights, cockfights, flying pigeons, boat racing and so on. Some Baishakhi festivals are about wrestling games which are practiced in Chittagong.

West Bengal

The Nobo Borsho, or the new year festival is celebrated in West Bengal, which begins with Pohela Boishakh. This day comes around 14 or 15 April, depending on the traditional calendar of West Bengal Which uses a different solar cycle than Bangladesh's wherein festival comes on 14 April. Celebration in other countries -The Bangladesh Heritage and Ethnic Society of Alberta in Canada have a unique way of celebration. Bengalis in Calgary celebrate Bengali food, attire, and culture on this day. This event is also held in the Sydney Olympic Park by the Bangabandhu Council of Australia.