Published: 12:36 AM, 14 April 2026 Last Update: 12:49 AM, 14 April 2026
Nation set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh today amid enthusiasm
Students of Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts pass busy time on Monday to complete their preparations on the eve of Pahela Baishakh to be celebrated today. -Mostafizur Rahman, AA
The nation is set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year 1433, today with vibrant festivities and traditional enthusiasm across the country.
In order to welcome the New Year, different organizations have drawn up elaborate programs.
Cultural organizations, including Chhayanaut, will host daylong events, with celebrations beginning at Ramna Batamul through the national anthem and the iconic song "Eso Hey Baishakh" at dawn.
The Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka will bring out the traditional procession - this time named 'Baishakhi Shobhajatra' with the theme "Harmony of the New Year, Revival of Democracy."
Arrangements have been made to broadcast the programmes on all government and private television channels, radio stations.
Meanwhile, President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman issued separate messages on the occasion. To mark the occasion, Bangla Academy and Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation will jointly organize a seven-day fair, discussions and cultural events on the academy premises from April 14 to April 20.
Bangladesh Folk Arts and Crafts Foundation will hold a 14-day traditional Baishakhi fair on its premises starting on April 20.
Special arrangements will be made to serve traditional food in prisons, hospitals and Shishu Poribar alongside cultural programs for children.
All museums and archaeological sites will remain open to the public, with free entry for children, students and persons with disabilities.
At the local level, Baishakhi Shobhajatra and cultural events will be held in every district and upazila.
Local administration will also organize folk fairs and essay competitions for students at the district and upazila levels, while celebrations will be arranged in union levels.
Educational institutions across the country will celebrate the occasion in a festive atmosphere under their own initiative.
Special programs and traditional food will also be arranged at hotels and clubs.
Authorities will ensure adequate medical facilities, toilets and safe drinking water around Suhrawardy Udyan and Ramna Park during the celebrations.
Law enforcement agencies will ensure overall security for national as well as district and upazila-level programmes.
Business communities, especially in rural areas are ready to open their traditional 'Halkhata', new account books, while sweets will be distributed among customers to mark the day.
The day is a public holiday.
Different national dailies will publish supplements while Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar will air special programs, highlighting the significance of Pahela Baishakh.
