What's happening around town: Dhaka dances into the new year with Pohela Baishakh celebrations
As Pohela Boishakh unfolds across Bangladesh, Dhaka is the heart of the celebration. With vibrant processions, cultural events, and joyous gatherings, the city embraces a day of renewal and togetherness, showcasing the true spirit of the Bengali new year
As dawn breaks on 14 April, Dhaka wakes up to the melodic strains of classical music drifting from Ramna Botmul.
The air is thick with the familiar scent of panta bhaat and fried hilsa, and the streets come alive with thousands dressed in vibrant red and white. It's Pohela Boishakh—the Bengali New Year—and the entire nation is ready to celebrate.
More than just a date on the calendar, Pohela Boishakh is a proud reflection of Bangladesh's cultural soul. It's a day that transcends barriers—bringing together people of all backgrounds, faiths, and communities.
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At the heart of the day's celebration is the colourful Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra, the grand procession organised by the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University. With its larger-than-life replicas of birds, fish, and mythical creatures, the rally has become an iconic expression of unity and hope.
Born in 1989 and now inscribed by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage, the procession is not just a spectacle—it's a statement of peace, solidarity, and national pride.
But the spirit of Boishakh doesn't wait until the 14th to show itself. Across Bangladesh, celebrations begin early. Indigenous and ethnic communities like the Chakma, Marma, Bawm, Tripura, and Santal kick things off with their own Boishakhi fairs and local traditions starting from 4 April.
Their celebrations offer a rich tapestry of folk culture, music, and community gatherings. On 12 April, the festivity spread further with Boishakhi fairs held in 15 selected locations around the country.
A special event in Sreemangal stood out—where tea garden workers joined in, bringing their own vibrant traditions to the mix.
Adding to the celebratory mood, the Nobopran Andolon is hosting a two-day cultural event at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on 13 and 14 April. With music, art, and performances celebrating renewal and creative energy, the event aims to capture the very essence of Pohela Boishakh—a fresh start, a collective joy, and a shared dream for the days ahead.
On the main day, 14 April, Dhaka's schedule is packed. The iconic Ramna Botmul event, hosted by Chhayanaut, will commence at 6:15 AM with songs of Rabindra Sangeet.
At 6:00 AM, the Barshabaran Ananda Shobhajatra will begin, with 28 ethnic groups joining the procession alongside university students and artists.
At 9:00 AM, Dhaka University will host additional cultural programs to welcome the new year.
The celebrations continue into the evening, with a Chinese acrobatic troupe set to perform at the South Plaza of the National Parliament Building, followed by a series of musical performances by both local and regional artists.
Meanwhile, Sohrawardy Udyan will host a grand band show at 6:00 PM featuring a mix of iconic and emerging groups, including Artcell, Lalon, Chirkutt, Cryptic Fate, Avoid Rafa, Warfaze, and bands from the Tripura, Sylhet, and Chattogram regions will join the lineup.
As the capital braces for the joyful chaos of Boishakh, the celebration stands as more than a cultural spectacle. It is a day of reflection and renewal—a collective promise to move forward with hope.
In a time marked by global uncertainty and local challenges, Pohela Boishakh offers a moment of solidarity. Whether it's a child marvelling at a paper tiger or an elderly couple humming age-old songs, the spirit of Boishakh lives in every smiling face.
