Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, April 13, 2025 (BSS) - In the new Bangladesh after the July Revolution, Rangpur city is decked up in festive mode to welcome 'Pahela Baishakh', the first day of the Bengali New Year 1432 tomorrow.

Crowds have increased in markets, shops and shopping malls today ahead of the celebration of this traditional festival, with vendors busy selling 'Baishakhi' clothes and other items.

 The district administration, District Shilpokola Academy, Begum Rokeya University, 'Sangskritik Oikya Parishad', government departments, sociocultural organizations and educational institutions have made new preparations around the 'Pahela Baishakh'.

 Preparations for 'Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra', Baishakhi fairs, kite festivals, and gatherings are almost completed everywhere in grand style. This time, there are rallies, kite festivals, painting exhibitions, rural Baishakhi fairs and games too.

 The celebrations will begin in the morning with the national anthem and the rendition of the 'Eso He Baishakh...' song at the Banyan Tree premises of the Zilla School ground. 

 Artists from Shishu Academy and Shilpokola Academy will perform traditional 'Baishakhi' and cultural programs there while artists of 'Sangskritik Oikya Parishad' on Central Shaheed Minar premises in the city. 

 The district administration will bring out the 'Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra' with participation of hundreds of people carrying festoons, placards, banners and singing 'Baishakhi' and folk songs from Zilla School ground to welcome the Bengali New Year. 

 Originating from the Zila School ground, the 'Borshoboron Ananda Shobhajatra' will reach the Town Hall premises in the Public Library ground after parading the main streets via Jahaz Company intersection in the city. 

 A traditional 'Kabaddi' game will also be arranged in the city.

 In coordination with the district administration, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation and National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh will organise a five-day 'Baishakhi Mela' on the Public Library ground.

 The District Shilpokola Academy and District Shishu Academy will organise essay writing and drawing competitions and colorful cultural functions at their respective office premises in the Town Hall compound. 

 Improved traditional Bangalee diets will be served by the authorities concerned to the inmates of all hospitals, Rangpur Central Jail and 'Shishu Paribars' (orphanages) in the district. 

 
Rangpur Metropolitan Police, District Police, RAB-13 and other law enforcement agencies will ensure leak-proof security during celebrations of the 'Baishakhi' programs.

 In addition, Chikley Water Park, 'Vinnojogot' entertainment centre, Grand Palace and many other elite hotels, amusement parks and clubs in Rangpur city and adjoining areas have taken extensive preparations for welcoming the Bengali New Year 1432. 

 Meanwhile, traders said young girls, adolescents, students, housewives and men are thronging roadside shops, markets and shopping malls in the city at this last moment to purchase 'Baishakhi' goods.

 They are mostly purchasing 'Baishakhi' clothes like red-bordered white and yellow 'saree', colored 'punjabi and shirts, bangles, 'punthi necklace', bands, shoes, cosmetics and other items to beautify them to welcome 'Pahela Baishakh' memorably.
 
Talking to BSS at 'Churi Patti' of Nababganj Bazaar, schoolgirls Aklima, Moushumi, Rumana, Mahbuba and college students Farzana, Julekha and Mahmuda said they were purchasing red-coloured glass bangles, 'punthi necklace', hair bands and cosmetics.

 "Wearing of colorful 'Baishakhi saree', 'punthi necklace' and flower bands at hair bun adds additional enjoyment to get pleasure from 'Baishakhi' celebrations," said Farzana.

 Traders Abdul Latif, Mohibur Rahman, Nur Islam, Akkas Ali, Arman Hossain and Shahidul Haque said they were happy to sell huge glass bangles, 'punthi necklace' and many other Baishakhi items to thronging women, girls and adolescents this time.