The nation will celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the Bangla New Year 1421, amid much enthusiasm and traditional gaiety as thousands of people are expected to join the festivities today (Monday) across the country.From the early morning, people of all ages — men, women and children — in traditional attires, will throng to Ramna Batamul, the main place of attraction and other celebration venues in the capital with singing “Esho hey Baishakh” to welcome the first day of the Bangla year. Different socio-cultural organizations and government institutions have drawn up elaborate programmes to mark the occasion. The programme includes cultural functions, musical soiree, colourful marches and Baishakhi fairs in the capital as elsewhere in the country. The day is a public holiday. The business communities, especially in the rural areas, are ready with their traditional ‘Halkhata’, new account books, to welcome the Pahela Baishakh.Meanwhile, the authorities have taken the centres of celebration in the capital — Ramna Park, Suhrawardy Udyan, Shahbagh Square and Dhaka University campus — under multi-tier security net as thousands of revelers are expected to join ‘Nabo Barsho’ celebrations in these traditional spots as well as other parts of the country.The elite anti-crime force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and police installed close circuit cameras and security arches while plainclothes security personnel were posted alongside the street patrols at the main festival venues, including the Ramna Batamul in the capital. RAB will also patrol by chopper in different strategic points as a stepped-up security measure. With the sun rise, thousands of people will gather under the banyan tree at Ramna Udyan where artistes of cultural organisation — Chhayanaut — sing the traditional Pahela Baishakh song of “Esho hey Baishakh” to welcome the day.The Institute of Fine Arts of Dhaka University (DU) will bring out Mangal Shobhajatra, a procession seeking well-being of all from its campus with decorative replicas of animals as well as elements of Bangali culture in the morning.The carnival goers flock to Baishakhi Mela (fair), a major feature of the celebration. They will be enjoying food like Panta Bhat (rice soaked in water) with hilsha fry, lentil, onion and smoked chilli at places of Baishakhi congregations.According the government programmes, local administrations will organize different programmes, including discussions, cultural functions and Boishakhi Mela, at all the upazilas, district and divisional headquarters across the country.Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will organize three-day function to mark the day while Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Bangla Academy, the Department of Public Library, Bangladesh National Museum, Dhaka University, cultural institutes of the different indigenous people will organize separate programmes.The Bangla year with its first month Baishakh was introduced during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar from 1556-1605AD.President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in separate messages yesterday greeted the nation on the occasion.Bangladesh Betar and Bangladesh television and all private television channels will air special programmes while newspapers publish special supplements highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.
