Barisal celebrates Pahela Baishakh with colorful festivities
Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433, is being celebrated with vibrant enthusiasm and cultural festivities across Barishal city. The day began with a lively morning programme at BM School ground, jointly organized by Udichi Shilpi Gosthi and Barishal Natak. From early morning, families-including parents and children dressed in colorful traditional attire-gathered at the venue to welcome the Bengali New Year.
The programme commenced with the iconic Baishakh song "Eso He Baishakh Eso Eso," setting a festive tone for the celebrations. Artists from Udichi performed a series of songs, recitations, and dance performances, showcasing rich Bengali cultural heritage. As part of the program, brave freedom fighters were honored, followed by the rendition of the national anthem. A Baishakhi procession then began, marked by Rakhi Bandhan and the rhythmic beats of dhak.
Later, a colorful procession organized by the Fine Arts Department started from BM School premises. The procession paraded through the main roads of Barishal and concluded at Ashwini Kumar Hall. It featured traditional masks, vibrant crowns, topor, palm-leaf fans, birds, pony horse figures, and various symbols of rural Bengali life. People of all ages enthusiastically took part in the procession. To mark the occasion, a three-day Baishakhi fair has also been arranged at the BM School grounds, attracting visitors from across the city.
Participants expressed hope and optimism for the new year, stating their desire to leave behind past hardships and work collectively toward building a better Bangladesh. Meanwhile, another Baishakhi Shobhajatra organized by the district administration began at 9:00 am from Circuit House, marching through key city roads.
Barishal Divisional Commissioner Md. Mahfuzur Rahman, Deputy Commissioner Md. Khairul Alam Sumon and other officials were present at the event. Law enforcement agencies, both in uniform and plain clothes, have been deployed throughout the city to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of the Bengali New Year.
