Pohela Boishakh is being celebrated today, as the nation ushers in the Bengali New Year 1433 with colour, music and renewed hope, leaving behind the weariness of the past year.
With the first light of the morning, the Bengali calendar turns a new page, bidding farewell to 1432 and welcoming a fresh beginning marked by festivity and cultural pride.
Across the country, people step into the new year with a sense of optimism -- embracing the spirit of renewal that defines the festival, one of the most enduring symbols of Bengali identity.
Pohela Boishakh traces its origins to the Mughal era, when Emperor Akbar introduced a revised calendar to align tax collection with the agricultural cycle.
Over time, the practice evolved into a universal celebration, transcending religion and region to become a shared cultural tradition.
Today, April 14 stands fixed as the official date of the Bengali New Year, observed across Bangladesh with vibrant festivities.
Celebrations and cultural spirit
In Dhaka, the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University has prepared its iconic Boishakhi procession, this year themed around harmony and renewal.
Traditional motifs -- including a rooster symbolising awakening, a wooden elephant representing strength, and the dove of peace -- will lead the colourful march through the capital.
The procession is set to begin at 9am from the Fine Arts Faculty, passing key landmarks before returning to its starting point.
Ramna Batamul remains the heart of the celebrations, where Chhayanaut will welcome the dawn with Rabindra Sangeet and cultural performances, continuing a tradition cherished for decades.
Beyond the capital, the festival is being celebrated in towns and villages across the country with fairs, music, traditional food and community gatherings.
Cultural programs, exhibitions and performances have been arranged at district and upazila levels, while museums and heritage sites are open to visitors, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Messages of renewal
On the occasion, President Md Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman have issued messages highlighting the cultural and social significance of the day.
They described Pohela Boishakh as a symbol of unity, secular values and a renewed commitment to progress.
Authorities have taken measures to ensure orderly celebrations, particularly in Dhaka University and surrounding areas, with security arrangements, entry regulations and public facilities put in place.
As the nation celebrates Pohela Boishakh, the festival once again brings together people from all walks of life in a shared expression of culture and hope.
Beyond its rituals and festivities, the day stands as a reminder of resilience -- an opportunity to begin anew, carrying forward the spirit of harmony, inclusiveness and renewal into the year ahead.
