The Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels has virtually celebrated the Bangla New Year 1428 in advance with the participation of more than eight thousand Bengali and foreign guests from Europe and different corners of the world. Singer Nobonita Chowdhury performed songs from different regions and genres of the country in the event held on Monday, said the Embassy of Bangladesh in Brussels on Tuesday. She rendered songs including Rabindra, Nazrul and Lalon Sangeet, songs of Hasan Raja, Vijay Sarkar, and Bhawaiya, which showcased the richness of Bengali songs to the world. There was a narration in English by the singer on the theme and background of each song for foreign guests.

Considering the upsurge in the country's Covid-19 situation, Dhaka University has formally called off the Mangal Shobhajatra, or March of Good Tidings, a colourful procession at dawn to usher in the Bengali New Year on the University campus. Also read: Pahela Baishakh celebrated without outdoor programmes The university authorities circulated the decision in a press release issued by its public relations office. Students of DU Fine Arts have been organising Mangal Shobhajatra since 1989. The colourful procession, which even made into UNESCO's Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016, has become a signature event of Pahela Baishakh celebration in Bangladesh. Also read: Next Pahela Baishakh celebration in COVID-19 free Bangladesh: Minister Every year, the procession centres on a theme relevant to the country's sociocultural milieu. It usually features various animal-shaped carnival floats, large colourful masks, replicas of birds, butterflies, traditional dolls and other motifs of Bangladeshi culture that highlight the traditional folklore of Bangladesh. Also read: A colourless Pahela Baishakh

Online marketplace Daraz has begun its "Baishakhi Mela" campaign for the fifth time in a row. With the slogan "Jaago Bangali Borshoboroner Anonde," the campaign will continue until April 14, Daraz said Wednesday. Various deals have been offered in multiple categories ranging from fashion and beauty and health to groceries, television and smartphones. Also read: Daraz organises roadshow to celebrate 50 years of Bangladesh's Independence Also, there will be special discounts on the Baisakhi collection like saree, punjabi, and other traditional products.  The campaign offers several attractive deals, including double taka voucher, mega deals, guess and get it free, Tk1428 deals, free shipping, and mega voucher. Also read: Daraz brings Hero Bangladesh on board Also, new customers of Daraz will enjoy exclusive discounts on their orders.  Daraz Bangladesh Managing Director Syed Mostahidal Hoq said, "The Bengali New Year is a significant day for the people of Bangladesh and also all Bengalis living across the globe." Also read: Daraz acquires food delivery Start-up HungryNaki "To enhance the excitement of this day, we are thrilled to bring our new campaign – Boishakhi Mela. It will create an opportunity for customers to heighten their shopping experience by grabbing exceptional deals across a vast range of products." The campaign has been co-sponsored by Bata, Dettol, Lizol, Studiox, Sunsilk, and Xiaomi, read a press release.