The nation is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year 1432, today (Monday) with vibrant festivities, cultural programmes and traditional enthusiasm across the country. Marking the advent of the New Year, the government has undertaken elaborate arrangements. People from all walks of life are joining in the celebrations with colourful processions, music, fairs and traditional Bengali attires. Dhaka University is marking the occasion with its customary rally, now renamed ‘Barshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra’, replacing the decades-old name ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’. The renaming was announced during a press briefing at the Faculty of Fine Arts on Friday. This year’s rally is being held under the theme ‘Noboborshe Oikotaan, Fascibader Obosaan’ (Harmony in New Year, End of Fascism), as finalised at a meeting chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Neaz Ahmed on 24 March. Renowned cultural organisation Chhayanaut is welcoming the New Year with its 58th edition of the Pahela Baishakh celebration at Ramna Batamul in the capital. Bangla New Year: Dr Yunus for building peaceful, happy Bangladesh without discrimination Themed “Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy” (My Liberation in Light), the event began at dawn with a soul-stirring rendition of Raag Bhairavi. The two-hour programme is featuring 24 performances, including nine group songs, 12 solo renditions, and three recitations. The event is being broadcast live on Chhayanaut’s official YouTube channel, Facebook page and on Bangladesh Television (BTV). Extending greetings on this joyous occasion, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said that the people of Bangladesh are united in harmony despite differences in belief, religion and custom. “Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, symbolises this harmony. Everyone is celebrating in their own way, upholding their customs and traditions,” he said while laying the foundation stone of Sampriti Bhaban at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery. He emphasised that Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and all ethnic communities from the hills and plains are part of one family, bound by a rich heritage of diversity in language, culture and tradition. Preparations for ‘Ananda Shobhajatra’ nearing completion amid enthusiasm Leaders of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) have also extended heartfelt greetings on the occasion. BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman expressed his hope that the New Year would inspire the nation towards renewed aspirations and achievements. “May the warmth of Baishakh wipe away falsehood, injustice, lawlessness, and unrest,” he said in his message. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir echoed these sentiments, calling Pahela Baishakh a vibrant expression of national unity. “It is a time when animosity is set aside, and hearts are filled with hope and abundance,” he said. Throughout the country, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions are holding cultural events, colourful rallies, and Baishakhi fairs. Business communities, especially in rural areas, are opening their traditional Halkhata (new account books), offering sweets to customers as a gesture of goodwill. The day is being observed as a public holiday.  

Extending greetings to all on occasions of Pahela Baishakh, Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Sunday said they are members of one family upholding harmony as the country is set to celebrate Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bangla New Year, on Monday. "Tomorrow (Monday), the first day of Baishakh, is one of the symbols of this harmony. Everyone will celebrate in their own way in line with their own customs and participate in this festival," he said while laying the foundation stone of "Sampriti Bhaban" at the Dhaka International Buddhist Monastery. Dr Yunus said that despite differences in beliefs, religions and customs, the Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians and the various communities living across the mountains and plains of this country are all part of one family, united by a rich diversity of language, culture and tradition. Spectacular drone show to light up Dhaka on Pahela Baishakh evening Religious Affairs Adviser Dr AFM Khalid Hossain; Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma; Army Chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman; Religious Secretary AKM Aftab Hossain Pramanik; Bangladesh Buddhist Federation Advisory Council Acting Chairman Prof Dr Sukomal Barua and International Buddhist Monastery Deputy Chief Ven Bhikkhu Sunandapriya also spoke at the event. Bangladesh Buddhist Federation hosted the programme with Venerable Dharmapriya Mahathera, the Deputy Chief Patriarch of Bangladesh Buddhist Sangha Council, in the chair. The Chief Adviser said the International Buddhist Monastery is one of the symbols of communal harmony in Bangladesh. Since its establishment, he said, it has been playing an important role in issues related to the national interests of Bangladesh, including Buddhists. With respect to Gautam Buddha's message of non-violence and equality, Dr Yunus said this Buddhist Monastery has been carrying out various public welfare programs including preserving the religious, social and cultural heritage of the Buddhist community in Bangladesh and providing technical education.

Extensive security measures have been taken across Dhaka and the rest of the country over Pahela Baishakh to make sure that the celebrations are safer, smoother and more joyful than in previous years, said Director General (DG) of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) Shahidur Rahman on Sunday. Talking to reporters after inspecting security arrangements at the Ramna Batamul in the capital, the RAB chief said, “Various events will be held tomorrow (Monday) at Dhaka’s Ramna Park, Rabindra Shorobor, Suhrawardy Udyan, Manik Mia Avenue, as well as at district, upazila and village levels across the country. To ensure that these events are held peacefully, we have undertaken all necessary security measures. At the same time, we are monitoring cyberspace to prevent the spread of any misinformation or propaganda.” He said RAB’s patrol teams, including motorcycle units and vehicle patrols, will be deployed, and observation towers will be installed at major venues. Intelligence surveillance is also going on to avert any possible threats. In response to a question, the RAB DG confirmed that there is currently no specific threat or security concern regarding Pahela Baishakh celebrations. “I believe this year’s festivities will be held in a more joyful and secure atmosphere compared to previous years,” he added. He said no specific intelligence has been received indicating any subversive, adding, “Based on intelligence reports, cyber monitoring, and other sources, we have not found any concrete evidence of sabotage. However, RAB is fully prepared to foil any such plans through increased surveillance and monitoring.” DMP identifies DU arsonist, arrest expected before Pohela Baishakh procession To prevent the spread of rumours, provocative messages or false information in the virtual space that may lead to untoward situations, RAB’s cyber monitoring team is maintaining round-the-clock vigilance online, the DG added. Besides, special measures, including mobile courts, will be deployed to prevent incidents of sexual harassment, eve-teasing, or any form of misconduct against women at celebration venues and key locations. The RAB DG said intelligence surveillance has also been intensified to ensure that no domestic or international extremist groups, banned organisations, or anti-state elements can cause any disruptions during the Pahela Baishakh events.

Cultural organisation Chhayanaut is set to welcome the Bengali New Year 1432 with its 58th edition of the traditional Pahela Baishakh celebrations at Ramna Batamul in the capital, upholding the spirit of light, liberation, and cultural unity amid growing global and national challenges. The announcement came at a press conference held at Chhayanaut Sangskriti Bhaban in the capital’s Dhanmondi on Friday afternoon. Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali, Vice President Khairul Anam Shakil, General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa, Joint Secretary Partha Tanvir Naved, and Jayanta Roy were present at the briefing. "This will be our very first Pahela Baishakh event without our recently deceased dearest President Dr Sanjida Khatun. In this year's celebration of togetherness, we urge everyone to keep her in your best wishes," Dr Sarwar Ali said at the press conference. Despite witnessing the erosion of values both at home and abroad, the organization believes in hope and unity. “We dream of togetherness and walking hand in hand. The day will return when we will cherish life as a community, and the journey towards a better world will succeed with love for humanity and the earth,” said General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa. This year’s theme for Chhayanaut’s celebration is “Amar Mukti Aloy Aloy” (My Liberation in Light), and the event will commence at dawn with a performance of Raag Bhairavi. The two-hour-long cultural program will feature a total of 24 performances, including nine group songs, 12 solo renditions, and three recitations. ICCR celebrates 75 years of cultural diplomacy in Dhaka The program has been thoughtfully curated with songs of love for light, nature, and humanity, along with patriotic and inspirational compositions to awaken self-awareness and collective consciousness—symbolizing a call for enlightenment and liberation of the Bengali community. The entire event will be broadcast live on Chhayanaut’s official YouTube channel (youtube.com/@chhayanautbd), Facebook page (facebook.com/chhayanautbd), and on Bangladesh Television (BTV). Law enforcement agencies and the Public Works Department are working diligently to ensure safety and discipline throughout the event. Volunteers and selected members of the Thirteenth Hussars Open Rover Group are also contributing tirelessly alongside Chhayanaut organizers. The overall stage and event design has been coordinated by Chhayanaut alumnus Sujan Chowdhury. Demonstrating all of its vibrant and festive offerings marking the maiden dawn of the new Bengali year 1432, Chhayanaut called for sincere cooperation from all in making this year’s celebration a success.

This year’s Pahela Baishakh celebrations will see participation from 27 ethnic communities alongside Bengali people, making it one of the most inclusive New Year festivities in recent memory, according to cultural adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki. Speaking at a press conference held Wednesday at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, Farooki said the aim is to make this year’s celebrations a reflection of cultural unity across all groups in the country. The press conference was jointly organised by the Ministry of Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma and Prime Adviser’s Office Assistant Press Secretary Suchismita Tithi were present at the press conference. Farooki emphasised that the upcoming celebration would differ significantly from previous years in both content and execution. “The motto of the interim government is ‘Cultural Healing and Cultural Inclusiveness,” he said. “This year, we are celebrating not just one group’s festival but everyone’s.” To ensure inclusivity, planning meetings have already been held with organisations such as Chhayanaut, Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University, BAMBA, Saimum Shilpigosthi, and Surer Dhara. Representatives from political parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, and NCPC were also engaged in meaningful conversations, according to Farooki. Chhayanaut and Surer Dhara will host their traditional events, with Surer Dhara’s programme set to take place at Dhanmondi’s Rabindra Sarobar in an expanded format. Twelve districts will host 'Sadhu Mela' festivals on the Chaitra Sangkranti, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA). Earlier at a press conference on Wednesday at BSA, it was announced that a mega concert will be jointly hosted by BAMBA, BSA and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs at the Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital. Artists will protest the ongoing genocide in Palestine during the Fine Arts faculty’s traditional procession, where 200 guitarists from BAMBA will join in singing “From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free.” In another special feature, the Chinese Embassy will organise a special drone show on Pahela Baishakh evening at Manik Mia Avenue, focusing on themes including the student movement of July 2024 and the country's new beginning. Bangladeshi music artists to perform for peace in Palestine on Pahela Baishakh procession Pahela Baishakh fairs will be organised in 30 districts, with support from the Folk and Crafts Foundation and Bangla Academy, alongside a nationwide celebration of folk theatre featuring performers from diverse communities. Farooki said a key theme of this year’s procession would be agriculture and the role of farmers. “While the middle class started this procession, it was once closely tied to harvest, agriculture and our farmers. We’ve often missed that connection, but this time, we’re bringing everything back,” he said. The adviser also pointed out that Muslim participation in such festivals had previously been unfairly vilified. “That won’t happen anymore. This will be an all-inclusive celebration.” Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma highlighted the festivities in the hill regions, announcing that the government had declared April 13 as a public holiday for Chaitra Sankranti for the first time. “Biju is one of the most important festivals for the Chakma community,” he said, adding that various traditional games and festivities are taking place across Rangamati, Khagrachari, and Bandarban. He also mentioned that the ministry is providing assistance to ensure a successful and joyful celebration in the hill districts while thanking the government for declaring April 13 as a public holiday for Chaitra Sankranti celebrations. Both advisers expressed optimism at the press conference that this year's stacked Pahela Baishakh celebration will not only amuse the netizens but also take the country to a new height.

Over 200 Bangladeshi musicians will come together to express solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine during this year’s Pahela Baishakh procession, singing the iconic lines: "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free." The announcement came at a press conference held on Wednesday at the Seminar Room of the National Theatre Hall in Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) where Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki shared some details of this year's Chaitra Sangkranti and Pahela Baishakh festivities, calling the initiative a “symbolic yet powerful gesture for peace.” “During this Pahela Baishakh we want to stand with the people of Palestine,” Farooki said. “Through music, we will express our wish for a peaceful world.” Prominent members of the country’s music scene and members of BAMBA (Bangladesh Musical Bands Association) including Foad Nasser Babu of Feedback, Kazi Faisal Ahmed and George Lincoln D’Costa of Artcell, Tonmoy Tansen of Vikings, Nigar Sultana Sumi of Lalon, Pinky Chiran of all female band F-Minor, Prottoy from the Rangamati-based band Invocation, and Dalchhut’s manager and lyricist Shahan Kabondho among others attended the press conference. Farooki said over 200 musicians, specifically guitarists, are expected to participate and BAMBA is actively engaging its member bands to join spontaneously. He called on the guitarists and rhythm musicians in and around Dhaka to bring their instruments and take part in the celebration and protest. He urged everyone attending the rally to carry a Palestinian flag, saying, “This year, the world is awaiting to see a new version of our Pahela Baishakh celebrations in this new and inclusive Bangladesh, and we believe the procession including our band musicians will be significant to this year’s celebration because no one else could have taken this stand for the oppressed Palestinians, the way they did.” Warfaze frontman Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, speaking on behalf of BAMBA and the broader rock and band musicians' community, highlighted the historic nature of their participation. “Traditionally, the Chaitra Sankranti and Pahela Baishakh events have not included our band musicians over the years. This year, for the first time, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy have invited us to be part of it - for which we are deeply grateful,” Tipu said. Mangal Shobhajatra may get a new name: Farooki He shared that BAMBA, in association with Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and Cultural Affairs Ministry will host a grand concert on April 13, marking the Chaitra Sankranti at Suhrawardy Udyan in the capital.  Tipu expressed concerns on the global unrest, especially the atrocities in Palestine, and emphasised the musicians' collective message of peace regarding their inclusion this year at the Pahela Baishakh procession. “We want a peaceful world. That’s why we’re taking part in the Baishakh's procession and will sing together in the hope of a better future," Tipu said.

Bangladesh's music industry, in comparison to previous years, had a comparatively successful year in 2024. This year was celebrated with a plethora of big-scale concerts and programs immediately following the chaotic July Uprising events; however, the industry was busy throughout the year with several noteworthy incidents. On the day before Pahela Baishakh this year, the third edition of Coke Studio Bangla came out to enamour the fans after its first two successful seasons. Developed and curated by the incredible singer, songwriter, and music producer Shayan Chowdhury Arnob, Coke Studio Bangla immediately captivated listeners with three of its releases - ‘Tati’ (Arnob, Oli Boy, Jaya Ahsan and Gonjer Ali), ‘Ma Lo Ma’ (Pritom Hasan, Sagor Dewan, Arif Dewan, Aly Hasan) and the much-acclaimed remake of legendary band Warfaze’s evergreen song ‘Obak Bhalobasha’ by its original singer and former Warfaze vocalist Babna Karim, alongside the current line-up of the band. Showcasing a promising line-up including some of the country’s most popular music stars such as Habib Wahid, Emon Chowdhury and others, Coke Studio Bangla’s third season suddenly went on a lengthy hiatus 7 months ago after the release of ‘Obak Bhalobasha’. Even though the three songs garnered multi-million views, music lovers are still patiently awaiting the rest of the third season, and Arnob told local media that the songs will surely hit the platforms YouTube, Spotify and Facebook of Coke Studio Bangla very soon. 2024 has also been the year of several mega concerts, most notably the much anticipated one-night-only reunion of the popular Bangladeshi band ‘Black’, the eminent Indian-Bengali actor-filmmaker-musician Anjan Dutt’s mesmerizing ‘Anjan Dutt Metropolis Volume-2’, the blissful solo concert of Bappa Mazumder at KIB, the much-hyped throwback concert to the golden days of band music in Bangladesh titled ‘Dhaka Retro’, and several other concerts featuring prominent Bangladeshi bands and music artists including Nagar Baul James, Miles, Artcell, Shironamhin, ARK, KaakTaal and more. Read: Star-studded ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ concert draws massive crowd at Manik Mia Avenue The July Revolution became a significant changemaker in the country’s music industry. Many prominent music artists such as Prince Mahmud, Latiful Islam Shibli, Asif Akbar and others and several bands publicly joined the movement. A number of bands boycotted their future participation in the ousted Awami League’s yearly flagship event, the ‘Joy Bangla Concert’ - and protested on the streets when young rapper Hannan Hossain Shimul (Rapper Hannan) was arrested due to his rebel rap track “Awaaz Utha” that resonated with the rebellious reform movement in July-August. The entertainment industry also protested when popular band ‘Joler Gaan’s vocal Rahul Ananda’s Dhanmondi home was burnt and looted on August 5 as a result of the post-revolution outbreaks of violence. Bangladesh Musical Bands Association [BAMBA] initiated the inaugural major live event, the ‘Mukti Concert’ in remembrance of the revolutionaries and their families who suffered injuries during the student movement, which was later cancelled. However, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) surprised the netizens with the largest open-air concert of the year titled ‘Shobar Agey Bangladesh’ (Bangladesh First), celebrating the 54th Victory Day on December 16 at the capital's Manik Mia Avenue. Interestingly, Bangladesh also welcomed and celebrated several major Pakistani music artists and bands this year, with the ‘Legends of the Decade’ concert featuring Pakistan's rock icon Jal, ‘Magical Night 2.0’ in Dhaka featuring the popular Pakistani music artist Atif Aslam, and the most recent two nights performances of the subcontinent’s eminent singer Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. Back in March this year, the ‘Tecno Spark 20 Series Music Fest’ was headlined by the Indian sensation Badshah, alongside several acclaimed Bangladeshi artists. Venue selection has been a recurring issue in this year’s concert, most notably after the July Revolution and the unavailability of the city’s go-to venue for the concerts, the International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB). Due to mob attacks on shows and other security reasons, many organizers had to shift their concerts to other venues - and the ‘Legends of the Decade’ concert featuring Pakistan's legendary rock band Jal fell victim to this, as the concert - which also marked the long-awaited return of Aurthohin’s Sumon after his life-threatening illnesses, had to be shifted from Purbachal’s Dhaka Arena to the North Court of Jamuna Future Park in Dhaka, which disappointed many concertgoers. Due to these situations, Army Stadium had been the default venue of the later major concerts featuring Atif Aslam, Abdul Hannan and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, but the venue’s strict restrictions (such as the prohibition of cameras-power banks etc) and its location in the busy area of the airport created dissatisfaction among audiences and media professionals. Another venue of the Bangladesh Army, Senaprangon at Mirpur hosted the ‘Dhaka Retro’ concert, but that location too was a hassle for the fans. Read more: Rahat Fateh Ali to perform in concert to raise funds for Shaheed July Smrity Foundation Even though the majority of the artists are not affiliated with politics, several artists, unfortunately, fell victim due to their political ideology and identity. Artists namely Baby Naznin, Ethun Babu, Monir Khan and several others could not perform on the country's stage for a long time due to their political affiliation with BNP, and these popular artists have now returned to the industry with their full potential after the July Revolution. Several of the movie songs captivated the audiences throughout 2024, and the top chartbusters ‘Dushtu Kokil’ ‘Laage Uradhura’ and ‘Pheshey Jai’ were from Shakib Khan starrer superhit film ‘Toofan’. Many other notable songs also enamoured the audiences including ‘Beche Jaoa Valobasa’ from ‘Deyaler Desh’, ‘Borbaad’ and ‘Rajkumar’ from the film ‘Rajkumar’, ‘Manush Keno Erokom’ (‘Last Defenders of Monogamy’) and ‘Megh Balika’ (‘Kacher Manush Dure Thuiya’), to name a few. At the end of the year, it can be stated that 2024 was an active year in the Bangladeshi music industry, and listeners-concertgoers are looking forward to another wonderful year ahead, hoping to be delighted by a plethora of events.

Dhaka city is still to get its usual look though the city dwellers have started returning to the capital after holidays for Eid-ul-Fitr and Pahela Baishakh. The bustling capital looked empty with most of the roadside shops, shopping malls closed and few public and private vehicles plying the streets in the morning. The government, semi-government, and private offices including banks and financial institutions opened today but there was a low presence of employees. Officials and staff were seen exchanging Eid greetings with colleagues by embracing each other. A small number of buses and private vehicles were seen plying the streets in Malibagh, Shantinagar, Gulshan, Firmgate , Dhamondi, Mirpur  and Shahbagh areas in the morning. Read more: Delicious Bhorta Recipes for This Pahela Baishakh Md Yousuf, an employee of a private bank, said, “Still a festive environment is prevailing in the city. There is no traffic jam or chaos on streets. It took me only 6 minutes to reach Gulshan from Rajarbagh area by car that usually takes 30 to 40 minutes on the other regular days due to traffic congestion. It’s a temporary relief for Dhaka dwellers.”  On the occasion of Eid, April 10, 11, and 12 (Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday) were public holidays. After Eid, there was a weekly holiday on Saturday, April 13, and a Bengali New Year holiday on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh on Sunday, April 14. However, many of the government and private sector workers who went outside Dhaka to celebrate Eid took optional leave. As a result, it will take a few more days to start the proceedings in full swing in the offices, courts, banks, and stock market. Besides, schools and colleges will also open next week. Then the capital will return to normal. Read more: No respite from heat wave in five days: BMD

Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla New year, is being celebrated with great enthusiasm and in a universal festive mood on Friday. The celebration started with Mangal Shobhajatra, headed by DU Vice Chancellor Mohammad Akhtaruzzaman at 9:00 am. The rally was brought out from the Fine Arts faculty of the university and moved around the campus. State Minister for Culture KM Khalid participated in the procession. "Bengali New Year 1430 has appeared with a message of hope and success. Mangal Shobhajatra is our cultural heritage. It is listed in the UNESCO heritage list too. Our struggle for freedom started through cultural movement," said the VC. He said, "The procession is a cultural tradition of the Bengalees. Now it belongs to thr World Heritage. Thus, this cultural heritage belongs to the international community too." "It is a great resource for every person in the world. It is our collective responsibility of all to maintain, preserve and spread it among all. And it reflects inclusive vision and philosophy," he said. "It is a humanitarian and non-sectarian call against all forms of extremism," he added. The two main motifs in this year's rally are child in the mother's lap and blue bull (Nilgai). As the child is safe in the mother's arms there is symbolically the message of global peace. Apart from this, Nilgai has been kept as a symbol of endangered and lost animals. Apart from this, four other motifs have been displayed in the procession. They are tiger, peacock, sheep and deer. Personnel from special security forces ensured the security of Mangal Shovazatra by providing end-to-end protocol to the rally. "You know there have been threats, a lawyer has even filed a case in the High Court to stop the Mangal Shobhajatra. From that point of view, we took every possible measure to ensure the safety," said state minister Khalid. Though the students of the fine arts faculty prepared the festive masks of owls for the Pahela Baishakh celebration, the masks were prohibited to use due to security reasons. To ensure security, movement of all kinds of vehicles except stickered vehicles of DU have been restricted in the campus area. The Suhrawardy Udyan gate near TSC will also be locked till the evening of the first day of Bangla New Year but the gate near Ramana Kali mandir, Bangla Academy, Engineering Institute and Chobir hat gate of Suhrawardy Udyan Will be open for the visitors. Visitors can only enter the campus till 5 pm today then the area will be locked and no one can enter the campus after the specified time but they can exit.  

Bhorta (mashed) food items are an integral part of Bengali cuisine. Especially, during the scorching heat of summer days, bhorta made with vegetables, greens, or peels can keep the body cool and the mind at peace. Besides, bhorta items can be made with fish that are either boiled, steamed, baked, charred, or lightly fried. During Pahela Baishakh, or Bengali New Year, Bangladeshis love to eat different bhorta items along with panta rice and fried hilsa fish. Let’s take a look at 10 mouth-watering bhorta recipes to celebrate this Pahela Baishakh. 10 Tasty Bhorta Recipes for Pahela Baishakh Egg-Potato Mashed Recipe (Dim-Aloo Bhorta) Ingredients Potatoes - 3-4, egg - 1 (boiled), onion - 1/8 cup (chopped), dry red chilies - 4 (as you like), salt - ½ teaspoon, and mustard oil - 2 tbsp. Preparations First, wash potatoes and eggs properly. Now boil potatoes in 4 cups of water for 20 minutes in a deep pan. Then add the egg and cook for another 12 minutes. When the potatoes become tender and the egg boils well, take them out of the hot water. Don’t put potatoes in the hot water for a long time as they will be too soft and moist by absorbing water. Then peel the potatoes and egg after they cool down.  Now, take a bowl and mash the potatoes and egg. Meanwhile, take another bowl and mash roasted red chilies, and onion. Add the red chili mixture to the potato-egg mash and combine it well. Finally, add mustard oil and continue mashing till the potatoes have a sticky texture. Garnish and serve with plain rice. Read More: 11 Summer Iftar Drink Recipes to Fight Dehydration. Mashed Almond Recipe (Badam Bhorta) Ingredients ½ cup almonds, 4-5 chilies (dry roasted), ⅛ cup chopped onion, ½ teaspoon salt, and 2 tbsp mustard oil. Preparations First, fry the almonds. Wait until the almonds become cool. After cooling, grind them. Then add onion slices, pepper, and salt to the almond batter. Finally, pour mustard oil and mix the combination well again. Enjoy with rice. Read More: The Ultimate Dining Experience: Dhaka Cloud Kitchen & Catering Services operating in Gulshan, Banani, Baridhara and Bashundhara Mashed Lentil Recipe (Dal Bhorta) Ingredients 1 cup Masoor Daal, 2 cloves garlic, ½ tsp turmeric powder, ⅛ cup chopped onions, 1 tsp salt (as needed), 1/8 cup coriander leaves (chopped), 2-3 tbsp mustard oil, and 3-4 dry red chili. Preparations First, wash and clean the lentils. Now boil 1 cup of lentils with 2 cups of water in a deep pan for 8-10 minutes. Skim off the foams that come on top of the lentils during cooking. After boiling, add the turmeric and garlic to the pan. When water decreases, minimize the heat and cover the pan. As soon as the water has completely evaporated, remove the pan from the stove.  Meanwhile, fry dry chilies in another pan, and when they become blackish-brown, remove the pan. Now mash the roasted chilies and put salt into them. Add chopped onion, coriander leaves, and mustard oil to the mixture of boiled lentils and mashed dried chili. Now mash the mixture thoroughly by hand. Add extra salt if needed. Enjoy the bhorta with rice. Read More: Delicious Jackfruit Recipes to Try Out Today