Govt to celebrate Pahela Baishakh in inclusive manner this year

The government has taken elaborate programmes to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year, in an inclusive manner this year, involving people from all ethnic communities across the country.

The programmes were finalised during an inter-ministerial meeting on 23 March, chaired by Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in the capital, said an official handout on 8 April.

"For the first time, the government is organising a nationwide inclusive festival to mark Bangla New Year 1432, alongside the traditional new year celebrations of ethnic communities including Chakma, Marma, Tripura, and Garo," the handout stated.

All relevant ministries, divisions, educational institutions, local administrations, municipalities, and cultural bodies will implement the programmes.

Instead of special newspaper supplements, special features highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh will be published this year. Bangladesh Television (BTV), Bangladesh Betar, and other media outlets will air illustrated reports to mark the occasion. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will oversee the coverage.

The celebrations will begin with the national anthem and the iconic song "Esho He Boishakh, Esho Esho" on the morning of 14 April.

As in previous years, Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts will organise its traditional procession and cultural programme. This year's procession will be inclusive and diverse, with participation from ethnic groups such as Chakma, Marma, Tripura, Garo, Manipuri, and others – including female footballers. 

Each community will present their cultural identity through traditional music and instruments. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy will coordinate participation from hill district communities and other ethnic groups.

The procession will be broadcast on all government and private TV and radio channels, including community radio stations.

Several cultural organisations – including Dhaka University's Department of Theatre and Performance Studies, Shurer Dhara, Rishij Shilpigoshthi, Bulbul Lalitakala Academy, Garo cultural groups, and others – will hold events throughout the day. Chhayanaut will host its annual cultural performance at Ramna Batamul at dawn.

Across the country, colourful processions and cultural programmes will be held at the union, upazila, and district levels with wide community participation. Local administrations will organise essay competitions, traditional fairs, and cultural shows. Schools and colleges will host celebrations under their own management.

Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation (BSCIC) will arrange a weeklong Baishakhi fair on the Bangla Academy premises, along with discussions and exhibitions. The Bangladesh Folk Art and Crafts Foundation will hold a traditional fair on its premises.

Traditional Bangla food will be served to prisoners, hospital patients, and children in orphanages. Cultural events for children and exhibitions of prisoner-made goods are also planned.

Bangladesh missions abroad will organise events to mark the new year, and all museums and archaeological sites will be open to the public, with free entry for children, students, and persons with disabilities. A special exhibition on the history and heritage of the Bangla New Year will be held.

Hotels and clubs will offer traditional Bangla meals and host themed events. Cultural institutes and centres representing ethnic minorities will organise programmes independently. Ethnic cultural centres in Rangamati, Bandarban, and Khagrachhari will simultaneously celebrate the Baisabi festival.

A cultural programme and drone show will be held at the South Plaza of the Jatiya Sangsad, organised by Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs. Also, a Chaitra Sankranti concert at Suhrawardy Udyan will feature bands like Miles, Warfaze, Dalchhut, AvoidRafa, Vikings, and Stone Free.

Other activities will include roaming music shows, an art exhibition, and traditional stick-fighting (Lathi Khela). A flower-floating ceremony at Ramna Park will mark the arrival of a procession from the hill complex.

Law enforcement will ensure security nationwide, while fire services, Wasa, and medical teams will provide support. Mobile toilets and clean water will be available around key venues. The government will also promote the cultural significance of Pahela Baishakh through social media and religious institutions.