Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year 1433, is being celebrated with festivity, enthusiasm and widespread participation in Khulna today. Photo: BSS

KHULNA, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year 1433, is being celebrated with festivity, enthusiasm and widespread participation in Khulna today.

Marking the day, Khulna district administration organized a day-long programme including a New Year reception, Baishakhi Shobhajatra, discussion meeting, prize distribution, traditional fair and cultural functions.

In the morning, a colourful Baishakhi Shobhajatra started from the Railway Station premises and paraded through different streets of the city before ending at Shaheed Hadis Park.

Government and non-government officials, members of socio-cultural organizations, teachers, students and people from all walks of life took part in the procession.

A discussion meeting, cultural programme, prize distribution ceremony and traditional fair were later held at Shaheed Hadis Park marking the occasion.

Speaking at the event, Acting Divisional Commissioner Mohammad Nazmul Haque said Pahela Baishakh is a universal festival and an integral part of Bengali cultural heritage.

He said the New Year inspires people to forget past grievances and begin anew with fresh hopes.

He also expressed hope that through fair and peaceful elections, the country would continue on its democratic journey, calling for united efforts to build a developed Bangladesh.

Khulna Deputy Commissioner Hoore Jannat presided over the event. 

Additional Divisional Commissioner (Development) Abu Sayeed Md. Monjur Alam and officials from various government and non-government offices, along with representatives of socio-cultural organizations, teachers, students and professionals, attended the event.

On the occasion, traditional Bengali food was distributed among patients at district hospitals, inmates of the district jail and children at government orphanage centres.

Cultural programmes were also arranged for children, while inmates of the jail showcased handmade crafts and staged cultural performances and drama.

Educational institutions across the district also celebrated the New Year in a festive atmosphere under their own arrangements.

A day-long traditional fair was held at Shaheed Hadis Park, while similar programmes were observed in upazilas across the district.