The country on Tuesday celebrated Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bengali New Year, with vibrant colour and a renewed commitment to cultural heritage and unity.

People from all walks of life took part in day-long festivities across the country, marking the beginning of the new year with traditional programmes, processions and cultural events.

In the capital, Chhayanaut inaugurated the celebrations at dawn with its iconic event under the banyan tree at Ramna Batamul. The program began at 6:15 AM, continuing a long-standing tradition of welcoming the New Year through music and cultural performances.

Meanwhile, the Faculty of Fine Arts at University of Dhaka brought out the traditional procession, named “Baishakhi Shobhajatra” this year, with the theme “Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy.”

Beyond the capital, Pahela Baishakh was celebrated nationwide with colourful processions, folk festivals and cultural programmes organised by various institutions and local administrations.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages marking the occasion.

In his message, the President emphasised the need for restraint, patience and responsibility in addressing current global challenges.

He expressed optimism that collective efforts, honesty, and dedication would help the nation overcome obstacles and move towards development and prosperity.

He also called for strengthening mutual respect, harmony, and empathy to build a just and inclusive society.

The Prime Minister described Pahela Baishakh as a symbol of national identity, history and culture, inspiring people to embrace new beginnings.

He highlighted the festival’s deep connection with agriculture and rural life, noting that farmers still align their activities with nature despite technological advancement.

He also outlined several government initiatives, including family cards, sports cards, canal excavation programmes and financial assistance for religious leaders. He announced that the Farmers’ Card programme would begin from the first day of the new year to support the agricultural sector.

To mark the occasion, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation are jointly organising a seven-day fair, discussions and cultural events from April 14 to April 20.

Additionally, Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation will host a 14-day traditional fair starting April 20.

Special arrangements have been made across the country, including traditional food distribution in prisons, hospitals and childcare centres, as well as cultural programmes for children.

Museums and archaeological sites remain open to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.

Local administrations are also organising processions, fairs and competitions at district, upazila and union levels, while educational institutions are celebrating the day through their own programmes.

Businesses, particularly in rural areas, are observing the tradition of opening new account books, known as Halkhata, and distributing sweets among customers.

Pahela Baishakh is being observed as a public holiday, with special supplements published in newspapers and dedicated programmes aired on television and radio, highlighting the significance of the festival.