Pahela Baishakh
Sights, sounds of Pahela Baishakh to return to Ramna after two years
For the first time after the start of the Covid pandemic two years ago, Chhayanaut will welcome the Bengali new calendar year 1429 with cultural festivities at Ramna Park on April 14 this year.
However, as Pahela Baishakh will be observed during the holy month of Ramadan, the festivities have been scaled down, the cultural institution said Saturday.
Read: BGMEA for promoting culture, heritage to boost country's image globally
"In the past two years, we remained confined to home due to the global pandemic. However, taking stock of the current situation, Chhayanaut has stepped up to welcome the Bengali New Year 1429 with its traditional festivity again at the Ramna Batamul," Chhayanaut President Sanjida Khatun said.
Inspired by the success of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair this year, the institution has started taking adequate preparations to organise its traditional festivity at the Ramna Batamul to welcome the Bengali New Year 1429, Chhayanaut Executive President Dr Sarwar Ali said.
Usually, more than a hundred Chhayanaut performers participate and showcase their musical performances every year at a live event in Ramna.
However, considering the health protocols as well as the month of holy Ramadan, this time "we have reduced the number of performers and the overall duration of our event," Chhayanaut General Secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa told UNB.
Chhayanaut, founded in 1961, has earned global fame for organising the traditional, extravagant cultural festivity of Pahela Baishakh at Ramna Park every year.
Read: Pandemic dampens Pahela Boishakh celebrations in Bangladesh
The only exception was in 1971, during the Liberation War of Bangladesh, then the last two years due to Covid.
The traditional cultural presentation of Chhayanaut marking the Pahela Baishakh – one of the most coveted and long-awaited festivities in Bangladesh – has earned its fame as one of the grandest regular cultural celebrations in the world.
Ronni Ahmmed’s solo exhibition explores mysticism of Sufism
Month-long exhibition ‘NOOR’ by artist and painter Ronni Ahmed recently begun in the capital in both offline gallery and virtual platform.
The exclusive, solo exhibition started on April 14 at Bengal Art Lounge, Gulshan Avenue, marking both the occasions of the first day of Ramadan and Pahela Baishakh 1428.
But the ongoing countrywide lockdown forced the exhibition to go virtual in association with art agency ARTcon.
Showcasing Ahmed's personal and artistic journey toward Sufism, NOOR features 48 paintings and five installations, along with a premiere screening of the film ‘Taslima’s Garden’.
Read Two-month long art show on Sheikh Hasina ends with tributes to Bangabandhu
The works in the exhibition are themed on the mystical and romantic aspects of Sufism, where light and enlightenment are emphasised. An Artificial Intelligence (AI) art project by the artist can also be viewed in a VR tour of his own studio.
Bangalees celebrate Pahela Baishakh virtually amid lockdown
The pomp and colour associated with Pahela Baishakh was absent as people celebrated the event virtually for the second consecutive year amid restrictions imposed to contain the transmission of coronavirus.
The first day of Bangla calendar also saw the country shattering its single-day Covid-19 fatalities record.
With a lockdown in place, festivities and cultural events to mark the Bangla New Year were all held virtually.
Symbolic ‘Mangal Shobhajatra-1428’
The marquee events of the day – the traditional ‘Borsho-Boron’ programme by Chhayanaut and the Mangal Shobhajatra parade by the Faculty of Fine Arts, Dhaka University – have all been cancelled.
Also read: After lives & livelihoods: Covid strikes at culture, with Pahela Baishakh forced indoors
Both Chhayanaut and FFA broadcast pre-recorded programmes on national TV.
The Faculty of Fine Arts pre-recorded a unique, symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra for 1428 with the participation of the State Minister for Cultural Affairs and fewer than 20 people.
They showcased their banner and 100 prop items made by students and teachers, including face shields and masks in the symbolic procession.
Online events
Renowned cultural organisations and institutions including Chhayanaut, the Faculty of Fine Arts, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, Liberation War Museum Bangladesh and many others have observed the day with online festivities and programmes.
Also read: Chhayanaut cancels Pahela Baishakh festivities at Ramna, goes back to virtual celebration with BTV
Chhayanaut had initial plans to arrange and record their programme at the Ramna Park without a live audience at the dawn of April 14, or pre-record the programme before that.
Instead, they broadcast this year’s festivity through a special collaborative programme with Bangladesh Television (BTV) and also on its YouTube channel Chhayanaut Digital - Platform.
Shilpakala Academy also broadcast a live webinar and cultural programme on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel, which was joined by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor.
Liberation War Museum and Wrishiz Shilpi Goshthi also held online programmes on Facebook on the occasion.
Also read: Google celebrates Pahela Baishakh with new doodle
This year, April 14 also marks the first day of the holy month of Ramadan in Bangladesh and some other Muslim countries in the world.
On the occasion, President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina issued separate messages greeting the countrymen and all Bangla-speaking people across the globe.
Prime Minister Hasina urged everyone to follow health guidelines and celebrate Pahela Baishakh at home, in the wake of a surge in Covid-19 cases.
Google celebrates Pahela Baishakh with new doodle
Search engine giant Google is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla new year, by replacing its regular home page graphic with a special doodle for the Bangladeshi surfers.
Today’s Doodle commemorates the festival of Pahela Baishakh, which falls on the first day of the Bengali calendar.
Whether at home or abroad, Bengalis worldwide warmly greet each other with, Shubho Noboborsho, the customary way to wish each other a prosperous and happy New Year.
One of the most traditional Pahela Baishakh celebrations commences after dawn underneath an ancient Banyan tree at Dhaka’s Ramna Park. Mangal Shobhajatra is a radiant carnival procession that begins at the Institute of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.
Also read: Google Doodle pays tribute to Munier Chowdhury on 95th birth anniversary
The festive spirit blends young and old, as they wear colorful masks and parade with massive cutouts of animals as a way to symbolize Bengali cultural diversity, heritage, and identity of the people.
The nation celebrates with street parades, fairs, and grand concerts as a way to unify the Bengalis to welcome another year to come.
But this year, Pahela Boishakh, is being celebrated across the country on Wednesday without outdoor programmes for the second consecutive year due to the coronavirus pandemic. This year, the programmes were cancelled to avoid mass gatherings in a bid to curb the transmission of coronavirus.
Also read: Bangladesh put under complete lockdown amid Covid spike
All television channels aired a special programme in the morning to digitally celebrate the day.
Colorful figures of animals—like the Bengal tiger seen in today’s animated Doodle.
Google Doodle is a special, temporary alteration of the logo on Google’s homepage that is intended to celebrate holidays, events, achievements and people. The doodle was introduced in 1998.
After lives & livelihoods: Covid strikes at culture, with Pahela Baishakh forced indoors
The country will be forced to abandon its traditional Bengali New Year celebration on April 14 for a second consecutive year, as the local outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic witnesses a resurgence, forcing the festive occasion of Pahela Baishakh to be welcomed and celebrated once again through online platforms and symbolic programmes like the last year.
Although millions are bound to be disappointed by the turn of events, most of them would not be surprised that it came to such a pass, where the year 1428 in the Bengali calendar will be ushered in by most people indoors, same as 1427 was a year ago.
With its celebration of the changing of the seasons, rooted in nature through its relation with the spring harvest, and rife with symbolism drawn from the region's flora and fauna, Pahela Baishakh is an essentially outdoor event. No one can look forward to recreating any of its traditional magic in an indoor setting. Besides, Covid restrictions mean very few can even gather under the same roof to be with their near and dear ones at least.
Renowned cultural organizations and institutions including Chhayanaut, the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA) of Dhaka University, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), Liberation War Museum Bangladesh (LWM) and more will observe the day with online-based festivities and programmes, to welcome the new calendar year 1428.
Also read: People’s lives come first: PM Hasina
The marquee events of the dawn are the traditional Borsho-Boron programme by Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul in the capital and the Mangal Shobhajatra parade of the Faculty of Fine Arts (FFA), Dhaka University, which will not be arranged live this year.
However, both Chhayanaut and FFA have informed UNB that they are going to showcase pre-recorded programmes on national televisions in the morning.
First observed in 1989 by FFA as a colourful procession celebrating the Bengali New Year with the participation of people from all walks of life, the annual Mangal Shobhajatra has received the recognition of UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage on November 30, 2016.
With the theme "Kal Bhoyankorer Beshe, Abar Oi Ashe Sundor", FFA was forwarding to celebrate this year's procession and started preparation for making props on April 6, as it could not organize the parade last year due to the lockdown and COVID-19 restrictions.
Also read: Bangladesh’s complete lockdown set to begin on Apr 14; notification issued
Unfortunately, plans for organizing the large procession this year had to be cut down, and instead of cancelling the event, FFA has pre-recorded a symbolic programme at the premises of the Faculty of Fine Arts.
"Initially, the Dhaka University authorities decided to arrange a symbolic event on FFA premises on the day of Pahela Baishakh, as it has always been culturally very significant and this year marks the Golden Jubilee of our Independence. As per the government's directive regarding the lockdown restrictions to curve the ongoing pandemic, we decided and pre-recorded a symbolic Mangal Shobhajatra for 1428 on a very limited scale at the premises of FFA with the participation of our State Minister for Cultural Affairs and fewer than 20 people, showcasing our banner and 100 prop items made by our students and teachers including face shields and masks," Nisar Hossain, Dean of the FFA, told UNB on Tuesday.
The press and electronic media were not allowed to broadcast the recording, however, The DU authority will provide a video and press elements of the programme to the press and electronic media tomorrow, he informed.
Also read: Covid-19 in Bangladesh: 69 more die, 6,028 infected
On Monday, Chhayanaut general secretary Laisa Ahmed Lisa stated, “As we could not celebrate Pahela Baishakh 1427 through arranging our traditional cultural festivity under the banyan tree at Ramna Park, we had been preparing and rehearsing to organize the festivity this year without the crowd at the venue and also we had plans to pre-record the programme if the situation restricts us to arrange on that day. Sadly, as we have been observing the recent surge of the pandemic and also as some of our artists are being infected with COVID-19 - we have decided to broadcast this year’s festivity through a special collaborative programme with Bangladesh Television (BTV) as last year."
“The programme will broadcast from 7 am to 8 am, and it will be showcasing a compilation of some of the new and previous performances of Chhayanaut artists, and this year we are featuring performances focusing on the Golden Jubilee of our glorious Independence. Aside from BTV, Chhayanaut will also broadcast the programme on its YouTube Channel Chhayanaut Digital - Platform," she added.
Also read: Chhayanaut cancels Pahela Baishakh festivities at Ramna, goes back to virtual celebration with BTV
Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) will broadcast a live webinar and cultural programme on its official Facebook page and YouTube channel from 11 pm onwards, which is scheduled to be joined by former Cultural Affairs Minister and eminent thespian Asaduzzaman Noor as its chief guest.
BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky will preside over the virtual event, which will also be joined by prominent eductator and writer prof Syed Manzoorul Islam as the speaker and renowned cultural personalities including Nazrul Sangeet maestro Khairul Anam Shakil, folk singer Akramul Islam, Rabindra Sangeet singer Lily Islam, performing students from the Govt Music College and more.
Liberation War Museum (LWM) will also broadcast a virtual programme on its official Facebook page at 11 am.
Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes
Wrishiz Shilpi Goshthi will arrange an online programme on Facebook as well. It will be broadcast at 9 am on Pahela Baishakh, according to legendary folk icon Fakir Alamgir, President of the cultural group.
Earlier, the government restricted all sorts of outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh and asked to organize virtual events for online celebrations. Therefore, all the major outdoor celebrations of Pahela Baishakh are called off for the second consecutive year due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
This year, April 14 also marks the first day of Ramadan in Bangladesh and some other Muslim countries in the world.
Best Baishakhi Offers in Bangladesh 2021
The first day of the Bengali New Year is known as Pahela Baishakh.It's also known as a Bengali folk festival that takes place across the country.Every year on April 14th, the first day of Pahela Baishakh is celebrated.Baishakhi fairs are organized all over the country on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh.The day also celebrates the merchants' traditional accounting new year (Haal Khata). Traders at all levels consider the day as an opportunity to start fresh and they offer a variety of discounts during this festive time.This article discussed the best Baishakhi offers in Bangladesh 2021.
Five places where you can get the best Pahela Baishakh deals and offers
Here are the stores offering some of the best Baishakhi deals for 2021: Daraz, Diamond World Ltd, Sailor, HungryNaki, and Akash DTH.
The perfect time to shop for Baishakh is at the last minute like it is every year. That's when retailers will be desperate to get rid of their stocks. If you can't wait, here's where and shop to save the most money.
1) Daraz Bangladesh
Online super shop daraz seems to have some fantastic gift ideas for the Pahela Baishakh festival. They have a wide variety of products, including clothing, watches, luggage, mobile phones, kitchen pieces, sofa sets, etc. You can order them for yourself or even as a gift for someone you care about. With Baishakhi discounts on daraz, you can save up to 9% on selected products in all categories. To avail the Baishakhi offer, you must first obtain a voucher from the products page.
Also read: Daraz brings 'Baishakhi Mela 1428' campaign
Visit the website: https://www.daraz.com.bd/
2) Diamond World Ltd
If you want to present beautiful jewelry items to your loved ones, you should know that Diamond World Ltd offers discounts of up to 27% on their products. Diamond World, one of the leading jewelry design firms in Bangladesh, has launched a special deal for Pahela Baishakh. If you want to impress someone with a special gift, this will be an excellent option!
Visit the website: https://www.diamondworldltd.com/
3) Sailor
Are you looking for the most stylish Baishakhi Panjabi with an affordable price range? Get the lucrative closet within your budget and enjoy amazing deals and coupons. Sailor is offering a super Baishakhi sale with up to 30% off Just for men's and boy's Panjabi items. If you're searching for a colorful and diverse selection of Punjabi products, you should check out a few of the choices here...
Visit the website: https://www.sailor.clothing/
Also read: Daraz organises roadshow to celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence
4) HungryNaki
When you cook delicious food for the whole family at once, HungryNaki will also bring the best food deals straight to your doorstep. Pick it because it will allow you to spend more time with your family.In the midst of the covid-19 epidemic, HungryNaki and Nagad have come up with a fantastic cashback deal for those who enjoy eating outdoors.You will get a 10% Instant Cashback if you buy food from HungryNaki and pay with ‘Nagad'. The offer is effective from April 1st to April 14th, 2021. During this time, you can take advantage of the offer twice.
Visit the website: https://nagad.com.bd/en/offer/hungrynaki-2/
5) Akash DTH
Do you have a cable tv connection at home? Or maybe you'd like to upgrade the current one. Whatever the issue may be,the Akash DTH has offered you an attractive Baishakhi package that will surely make you happy. Customers who purchase an AKASH connection from the AKASH website during the “Boishakhi Campaign” will get a BDT 800 cashback.This amazing offer will end on 16 April 2021.
Visit the website: https://akashdth.com/
Bottom Line
The Bengali nation's traditional New Year's Day is Pahela Baishakh and the Bengali New Year greeting is "Shubho Noboborsho".Mass people tend to do a variety of shopping for the family to celebrate the Pahela Baishakh festival. Shopkeepers develop attractive promotions in order to increase sales. There are multiple types of offers, and customers buy the things of their choice from the deals. Going shopping in the midst of the covid-19 is unsafe, therefore you should consider online platforms to buy your favorite products. The above-mentioned best Baishakhi offers in Bangladesh 2021 might be just what you're looking for.
GM Quader greets PM on Pahela Baishakh
Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, on Saturday greeted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh.
On behalf of GM Quader, his assistant personal secretary M Abu Tayab and Jatiya Party organising secretary Mamtajuddin took a greeting card to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) at noon, said a press release.
They handed over the card to PM’s protocol officer Md Abu Zafar Raju.
Earlier on Monday last, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina greeted Speaker Dr Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, Leader of Opposition in Parliament Begun Raushon Ershad and Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader ahead of Bangla New Year 1428.
The nation will celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, on Wednesday on a limited scale marinating the government’s directives issued over containing the upsurge in coronavirus cases.
Covid-19: No outdoor Baishakhi celebrations this year
The government has asked everyone not to hold any mass gatherings and outdoor celebrations during Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla calendar, for the second time in a row to curb the spread of Covid-19.
However, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs called on the people to welcome the Bengali New Year 1428 on April 14 with online festivities.
Pahela Baishakh celebrations form an integral part of Bengali culture since they began over six centuries back.
A notification issued by the ministry on Wednesday said, "In line with the instructions issued by the Cabinet Division, following the current Covid-19 situation, it is requested that events be organised on online platforms if possible. Mass gatherings should be avoided at any cost."
Also read: Bangladesh shatters its all-time records of daily Covid cases
All programmes had also been cancelled last year to avoid mass gatherings to curb the spread of Covid-19.
Bangladesh is now seeing a spike in Covid-19 cases and deaths for the last few weeks.
The country saw the highest number of daily infections with 7,626 new cases reported until early Wednesday since the outbreak began in March last year.
Also, the country recorded 63 more deaths from the virus in the past 24 hours, according to the Directorate General of Health Services.
Also read: Pahela Baishakh being celebrated without outdoor programmes
Although the government enforced a 7-day lockdown from Monday restricting people's movement, shutting shops, markets and suspending operations of public transport, people took it lightly and are moving around freely defying the restriction, posing risks of more transmission.
Also, the movement of city buses resumed on Wednesday, two days after the enforcement of the lockdown, as the government has allowed public transport services in city corporation areas.
However, hospitals are struggling to provide treatment to the increasing number of coronavirus patients with their limited resources.
Next Pahela Baishakh celebration in COVID-19 free Bangladesh: Minister
Law Minister Anisul Huq on Tuesday conveyed Pahela Baishakh greetings to all and hoped that the next Bangla new year will be celebrated in the country free of coronavirus.
Pahela Baishakh to be celebrated Tuesday without outdoor programmes
Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bangla calendar, will be celebrated across the country on Tuesday without outdoor programmes due to the coronavirus pandemic.