A festive spirit swept across the country on Tuesday as thousands of people crowded public spaces to celebrate Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1433, braving intense heat to join the festivities.
Shedding the sorrows and burdens of the outgoing year, people embrace the spirit of renewal, unity, and hope that defines the festival.
Deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions, Pohela Boishakh has evolved into a universal celebration that transcends religion, caste and ethnicity, bringing people together both at home and abroad.
The day stands as a powerful expression of cultural identity, patriotism and non-communal harmony, carrying the collective aspiration for a future marked by light, truth and beauty.
In Dhaka, celebrations began at dawn at Ramna Batamul, where Chhayanaut hosted its iconic programme with the national anthem and the timeless song “Eso He Boishakh,” continuing a long-standing tradition of welcoming the New Year through music and unity.
As in previous years, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University organized the traditional Boishakhi Shobhajatra, themed “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.”
The colourful procession featured symbolic motifs including a rooster, dotara, pigeon, elephant and horse, representing strength, creativity, peace, dignity and movement.
Hundreds of students participated, carrying the national flag, colorful local instruments, while musicians performed patriotic songs.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted the nation with messages of unity and hope.
The President described Pohela Boishakh as a “universal festival of the Bengali soul,” calling for harmony and renewed commitment, while the Prime Minister highlighted its deep connection with the country’s history, culture and agrarian roots.
Across the country, cultural bodies and institutions have organized elaborate programmes.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Bangla Academy and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs are hosting a range of events nationwide.
At Topkhana Road, Udichi holds a day-long programme of music, poetry, and dance, while the Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) has arranged cultural events under the theme of reviving Bengal’s lost joys.
Meanwhile, puppet shows organized by Art Pix are being staged at the Bangladesh Military Museum premises in Bijoy Sarani, adding to the festive appeal.
From early morning, large crowds gathered in Shahbagh, Ramna Park, TSC, and the Faculty of Fine Arts area of Dhaka University, with visitor numbers steadily increasing as the day progressed.
Young men and women dressed in traditional red-and-white attire moved in groups, taking photographs and exchanging greetings.
Many visitors also had “Shubho Noboborsho” painted on their cheeks near the Fine Arts Institute, adding color to the festive atmosphere.
Celebrations spread across the capital
Beyond Shahbagh and Ramna, festivities extended to several other parts of Dhaka, including Hatirjheel, Shahabuddin Park in Gulshan-2, Mugdho Mancha and Diabari in Uttara, Rabindra Sarobar in Dhanmondi, and the 300-feet road area in Bashundhara Residential Area.
Various recreational centers and resorts on the outskirts of Dhaka also witnessed heavy turnout as families and groups of friends gathered to mark the occasion.
Shariful Islam, who visited Ramna Park with his family from Rampura Mohanogor Project Area, said the occasion held special meaning despite the scorching heat.
“The heat is uncomfortable, but the joy of this day is different. Being able to come out together with my family makes it special,” he said.
Flower shops around Shahbagh reported brisk business throughout the day, with roses, marigold garlands, and tuberose sticks in high demand, although several buyers complained about higher prices due to increased demand.
Hatirjheel emerges as major attraction
Hatirjheel emerged as one of the most popular destinations for Pohela Boishakh celebrations, drawing crowds from different parts of the city.
Footpaths and bridges were packed as visitors continued to arrive throughout the afternoon, filling the lakeside area with a festive atmosphere.
People were seen sitting by the water, chatting with friends and family, taking photos, and enjoying boat rides. Rows of boats moving across the lake created a vibrant scene for visitors.
A special boat race organized at Hatirjheel drew significant attention, with crowds increasing further in the afternoon to witness the traditional event.
Several rides, including Ferris wheels, were also set up for children and families, creating a lively environment marked by laughter and excitement.
Despite the intense heat, the festive enthusiasm remained strong. Visitors’ attire reflected the cultural spirit of the day, with many women wearing traditional white-and-red sarees, while men opted for white or light-colored panjabis. Younger visitors were seen in colorful fusion outfits and casual festive wear.
Boishakh celebrations fill Dhanmondi streets with procession, performances
A Pohela Boishakh procession and daylong cultural programme were held in Dhanmondi on Tuesday, organized by Borshoboron Parishad, and was held under the theme “Jagao Pathike, O She Ghume Ocheton” (Awaken the traveller, who lies unconscious in sleep), marking the first day of the Bangla year 1433.
The procession took place along Road 27 in the capital, accompanied by a series of cultural performances aimed at introducing traditional heritage to the younger generation.
Kamal Pasha Chowdhury, a member of the organizing committee, told Dhaka Tribune:
“The government has announced that the Mongol Shobhajatra cannot be held under the name ‘Mongol Shobhajatra’. The one at Charukola is being held under a different name. But culture is not determined by any organization or institution; it belongs to the people. So we have organized it under the name ‘Mongol Shobhajatra’.”
Pohela Boishakh is widely regarded as a celebration of Bangladesh’s non-communal cultural spirit, with the Shobhajatra being one of its most iconic elements.
In November 2016, the procession initiated by the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka was recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage.
Although the tradition formally began in Dhaka in 1989 as “Anondo Shobhajatra,” it was renamed “Mongol Shobhajatra” in 1996.
Its roots trace back even earlier to Jessore, where a similar New Year procession was organized in the mid-1980s by an institution named Charupith, featuring puppets, animal motifs, and traditional musical elements.
Over the decades, the procession has been known by different names “Borshoboron Shobhajatra,” “Anondo Shobhajatra,” and more recently “Boishakhi Shobhajatra” but its festive spirit has remained unchanged.
Demand for water surges amid heat
With temperatures remaining high throughout the day, demand for drinking water and fresh coconut water surged across major celebration venues.
Vendors selling bottled water and green coconuts reported strong sales, with coconuts priced between Tk120 and Tk150.
Moin Rahman, a coconut vendor near Shahbagh, said demand remained consistently high.
“Because of the heat, demand for coconuts is very high. Sales have been good since morning,” he said.
Heightened security measures
Law enforcement agencies maintained heightened security across major celebration points in the capital.
Sub-Inspector Rafiqul Islam of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police, deployed in the Shahbagh area, said additional personnel were assigned to ensure public safety.
“Extra police personnel have been deployed at important locations so that people can celebrate safely,” he said.
Traffic Sergeant Mahmudul Hasan said special arrangements were made to manage congestion caused by large crowds.
“Some roads were partially restricted to vehicles to allow safe pedestrian movement,” he added.
Celebrations spread beyond the capital
Beyond the capital, celebrations are being held in every district and upazila, with Boishakhi fairs featuring traditional games such as boli khela, lathi khela and ha-du-du.
In Chittagong, the historic Jabbarer Bolikhela at Laldighi Maidan continues its century-old tradition.
Educational institutions, local administrations and cultural groups organized processions, fairs and competitions, while special programmes are also being arranged in hospitals, prisons and child center, to ensure inclusive celebrations.
Museums and archaeological sites across the country have been opened to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.
Business communities, particularly in rural areas, have opened traditional halkhata (new account books), distributing sweets among customers as part of the celebration.
The day was a public holiday, with special supplements published in newspapers, while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar are airing special programmes highlighting the significance of Pohela Boishakh.
From bustling city centres to rural fairs, the festival once again underscores the enduring cultural spirit of Bangladesh—uniting people in celebration, tradition and hope for the year ahead.