Bangladesh Celebrates Pohela Boishakh with Cultural Events and Processions

Bangladesh marked the Bengali New Year, Pohela Boishakh, with lively celebrations. Across the country, people participated in cultural events, traditional processions, and community gatherings.

In Dhaka, celebrations kicked off at Ramna Batamul with a cultural program by Chhayanaut. The event began at sunrise with the song “Jago Alok-Lagane,” followed by songs, poetry, and performances by 200 artists. It concluded with the national anthem.

A major highlight was the Baisakhi Shobhajatra procession starting from the University of Dhaka’s Faculty of Fine Arts. The colorful parade included participants of all ages, creating a festive atmosphere. This year’s theme was “New Year’s Harmony, Democracy’s Resurgence,” featuring symbols like a rooster, elephant, pigeon, dotara, and horse, representing renewal, strength, peace, cultural roots, and rural heritage.

The procession passed through landmarks such as Shahbagh, Raju Sculpture, and Bangla Academy before returning to its starting point. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, the Shobhajatra symbolizes Bengal’s unity and cultural identity.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman greeted the nation, emphasizing the festival’s connection to Bangladesh’s agrarian roots. He announced a farmers’ card scheme to improve livelihoods. Security was tight with police deployed across the city, but celebrations remained peaceful.

Participants from diverse backgrounds joined the festivities, expressing support for cultural inclusivity and protesting recent attacks on Baul communities. Pohela Boishakh brought people together, reinforcing shared cultural values and hopes for harmony and prosperity in the year ahead.