The New Nation - Internet Edition

Today there are no taxes to pay, no old dues to clear up and certainly no zamindar or landlord to please but the age old tradition of celebrating the first day of the Bengali calendar still persists among the Bengalis. First introduced during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar to expedite tax collection the Bengali agrarian calendar has always been welcomed with zest by all and sundry.

Festivities of Pohela Boishakh or Noboborsho, as it is commonly known, are closely related to the rural life of the country. Usually on Pohela Boishakh homes are thoroughly scrubbed and cleaned; special foods are prepared to entertain guests; halkhata or new account books are opened and to celebrate the occasion fairs along with songs and dances are organized.

With the passage of time many traditions have been left behind but still today the first day of Boishakh (first month of the Bengali calendar) is celebrated with enthusiasm and passion especially in the urban areas and the capital of the country. The New Year is traditionally ushered in with Rabindranath Tagore's famous song, Esho, he Boishakh, Esho Esho (Come, O Boishakh, Come, Come) by the Chhayanat artists in Ramna Park followed by a colourful rally with gigantic traditional figures of birds, animals etc. by the students and teachers of Dhaka University's Institute of Fine Arts. Thousands of people from all walks of life and from all ages join in the funfairs and cultural programmes. Women and young girls adorn themselves with flowers and colourful sarees while men dress up in traditional attires. Cheek painting and applying henna with traditional motifs and of course tasting the delights of various street and traditional foods are part and parcel of this colourful festival.

Photos: Abir Abdullah

European Pressphoto Agency

Bangladesh Bureau.