The nation is set to welcome Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year 1432, on Monday, with vibrant and inclusive celebrations involving people from all ethnic communities.
Massive crowds are expected to take part in Nobo Borsho festivities across the country, particularly in the capital.
Pohela Boishakh is among the most colorful and significant cultural festivals in Bangladesh, symbolizing the farewell to the old year and the embrace of a new one.
People from all walks of life wear traditional attire on this festive day. Young Bangalee women typically wear white sarees with red borders, adorning themselves with bangles, floral garlands, and tips, while men opt for white pyjamas paired with panjabis or kurtas.
Members of ethnic communities wear their respective traditional attire, proudly showcasing their unique heritage.
For the first time, the government has introduced an elaborate two-day program to celebrate both Chaitra Sankranti and Pohela Boishakh, aiming to ensure inclusive participation.
This initiative includes the active involvement of ethnic groups such as the Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, and others.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, this is the first national-level inclusive festival to celebrate not only the Bangla New Year but also the traditional New Year observances of indigenous communities.
Various ministries, divisions, educational institutions, local administrations, and cultural organizations are working together to implement the planned programs.
On this occasion, Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus extended his greetings to the nation.
Instead of traditional newspaper supplements, special features will be published highlighting the cultural significance of Pohela Boishakh.
Bangladesh Television, Bangladesh Betar, and other electronic and print media outlets will broadcast dedicated programs, coordinated by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The day’s celebrations will officially begin with the national anthem, followed by the traditional song “Esho He Boishakh, Esho Esho” in the morning.
The Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University will organize the traditional Borshoboron Anondo Shobhajatra (New Year joyful procession) at 9am, followed by cultural performances.
This year, the procession will be more inclusive than ever, featuring participation from ethnic communities, female footballers, and cultural groups representing their identities through music and traditional instruments.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will coordinate the participation of cultural troupes from the hill districts and other ethnic communities.
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will ensure that the processions are broadcast live on all government and private television and radio channels.
Numerous cultural organizations, including Chhayanaut, Shurer Dhara, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, and others, will host cultural programs throughout the day.
Chhayanaut will also hold its iconic dawn event at Ramna Batamul to welcome the Bangla New Year.
Colorful processions and events will be held at every union, upazila, and district level, with full participation from ethnic minorities.
Local administrations will also organize essay competitions, cultural programs, and traditional fairs.
Educational institutions will celebrate the occasion in a festive spirit under their own arrangements.
The Bangla Academy and BSCIC will jointly organize a weeklong Boishakhi Fair featuring various cultural events. Similarly, the Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation will host a traditional fair on its premises.
Traditional Bangla meals will be served to inmates in all prisons, patients in hospitals, and children in orphanages.
Special exhibitions will display items crafted by prisoners, while cultural performances involving children will also be arranged.
Bangladesh missions abroad will observe the festival with special programs.
All museums and archaeological sites will remain open to the public. Children, students, and individuals with disabilities will be granted free entry.
A special exhibition on the history and heritage of the Bangla New Year will also be organized.
Hotels and clubs across the country will host events and serve traditional Bangla cuisine.
One of this year’s main highlights will be a colorful drone show and cultural event at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, organized by the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy with support from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
A Chaitra Sankranti concert will take place at Suhrawardy Udyan on the eve of the New Year.
Other attractions will include roving musical performances, an art exhibition, and a demonstration of Lathi Khela (traditional stick fighting).
Security measures have been tightened nationwide.
Law enforcement agencies will be on duty to ensure public safety and facilitate access to all celebration venues.
Fire safety support will also be available.
Local fairs will showcase traditional customs and elements of folk culture.
Authorities have issued clear instructions prohibiting gambling or obscene activities during the festivities.
Special arrangements have been made in and around Ramna Park and Suhrawardy Udyan, including provisions for drinking water, mobile toilets, and medical service centres.
Social media and religious institutions will play a role in raising awareness about Pohela Boishakh as a vital aspect of the nation’s cultural heritage.