Pahela Baishakh
The Bengali New Year day is gaily observed in the cities and villages
throughout the country. This is a most important traditional day of the
nation. Many fairs held in Dhaka as well as all other places. But the
most colorful daylong gatherings are at Ramna Park, Dhaka. The main
attraction of the day is "Panta Bhat" (watered rice) and "Hilsha Fish".
Social and cultural organizations arrange different cultural functions.
Pahela Falgoon
Another traditional day is Pahela Falgoon, the first day of spring, which is observed throughout the country by traditional festivities and colorful programs. Spring fairs, cultural programs and exchanges of greetings and gifts among friends and beloved ones mark the day. People from all walks of life throng the venues of different programs wearing traditional 'spring sarees' and 'Panjabi'. Other programs of the day include exchange of flowers, gifts and 'Rakhi-Bandhan'.
Another traditional day is Pahela Falgoon, the first day of spring, which is observed throughout the country by traditional festivities and colorful programs. Spring fairs, cultural programs and exchanges of greetings and gifts among friends and beloved ones mark the day. People from all walks of life throng the venues of different programs wearing traditional 'spring sarees' and 'Panjabi'. Other programs of the day include exchange of flowers, gifts and 'Rakhi-Bandhan'.
Shaheed Dibosh (Martyrs day) : 21st February
21st February of every year is observed throughout the country to pay
respect and homage to the sacred souls of the martyr's of Language
Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day near Dhaka Medical College
Hospital area to establish Bangla as the state language of Bangladesh
(then East Pakistan). All subsequent movements including struggle for
independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The
Shahid Minar (Martyr's Monument) is the symbol of sacrifice for the
mother tongue.
The UNESCO has proclaimed the day as the International Mother Language Day to be observed globally in recognition of the sacrifices of the martyrs for establishing 'Bangla' (Bengali) as mother tongue. The celebration starts at zero hour and continues for the whole day. The monument is bedecked with flowers and wreaths. Social and cultural organizations arrange different programs including barefooted processions and singing session.
The UNESCO has proclaimed the day as the International Mother Language Day to be observed globally in recognition of the sacrifices of the martyrs for establishing 'Bangla' (Bengali) as mother tongue. The celebration starts at zero hour and continues for the whole day. The monument is bedecked with flowers and wreaths. Social and cultural organizations arrange different programs including barefooted processions and singing session.
Independence Day : 26 March
In
March 26, Independence of Bangladesh was formally declared on the eve
of a 9 month long war of Independence against Pakistan in the year 1971.
After many years of exploitation, both politically and economically,
the Bengali national sentiments led to the massive victory of Sheikh
Mujibur Rahman and the Awami League in the Pakistan National Elections
of 1970. The ruling oligarchs in the then West Pakistan balked at having
to give up the reigns of power to East Pakistanis. They stalled the
installation of the newly elected parliament, and on the dark night of
March 25, 1971 embarked on a genocidal reign of terror aimed at
extinguishing all signs of Bengali nationalism. In the face of this, the
inevitable declaration of independence was announced on 26th March.
The day, 26th
March, is most befittingly observed everywhere of the country. The
citizens of Dhaka and all other places wake up early in the morning with
the booming of guns heralding the day. Leaders of Government and
sociopolitical parties, freedom fighters and people of all level place
floral wreaths at the National Memorial Monument at Savar. Cultural
functions are held by different Socio-cultural organizations. At night
the main public buildings are tastefully illuminated to give the capital
city a dazzling look.
Bijoy Dibosh (Victory Day) : 16 December
On this day, after the nine month long independence war with Pakistan, the occupying armed forces of Pakistan formally surrendered to the freedom fighters of Bangladesh. After declaration of Independence, the fight was on for the people of Bangladesh to achieve independence. Lastly victory comes at a terrible price of 3 million people killed by the marauding armies of Pakistan.
In this day,
like the Independence day, people of all level place floral wreaths at
the National Memorial Monument at Savar and cultural organizations
arrange cultural functions.
Eid-ul-Fitre
The
biggest Muslim Festival observed throughout the Muslim world. This is
held on the day following the Ramadan. The Ramadan is treated as the
month of fasting. After fasting for the whole month, the day is very
much desirable and enjoyable to the Muslim community. On this day all
Muslims go to the Eidgah or Mosque for prayer. Everybody wears new
dress, embrace each other, travel here and there all day long and enjoy
tasty foods.
Eid-ul- Azha
It
is held marking the Hajj in Mokka on the 10th Zilhaj the moon month of
the Muslims. Animals are sacrificed in reminiscence of Hazarat Ibrabim
(AM) preparedness for the supreme sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah.
In the morning everybody complete prayer and then sacrifice their
selected animal(s) to the almighty. On this day the riches distribute
meats and other foods to the poorer. Everybody visit their neighbor and
relatives house and share meat and foods. This day teaches us sacrifice,
love and affection.
Durga Puja
Durga Puja is the biggest festival and has a great significance in
Hindu mythology. Goddess Durga is the symbol of strength. The festival
also symbolizes the victory of the good over evil. Mythology says, when
evil Mohishashur disrupted everywhere and harassed everybody then the
goddess Durga killed him and re-established peace in the earth and
haven. Durga Puja continues for five days and each of the days has some
special importance. During these days each and every house is decorated
and illuminated attractively. This is the time to buy new dress and
enjoy sweets. On these days we get together with our friends, family
member & neighbors and express love for each other.
Janmastami
Janmastami is the birthday of Lord Krishna. Krishna was borne at such a
time when his mother Jashada & father Bashudev were in the prison
of evil Kangso. According to the Hindus mythology, when mischief and
evils started disquieting the human and destroying truth then Lord
Krishna appeared at the earth with an aim to save the truth, salvage the
pious and destroy the false and evils. On this day Hindus implore for
the blessings of Krishna. Everybody gets together, express love and
affection to each other.
Buddho Purnima
Buddhists commemorate the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. This occurs on the first full-moon of the Bengali month of Baishakh.
Buddhists commemorate the birth and enlightenment of Buddha. This occurs on the first full-moon of the Bengali month of Baishakh.
Christmas
Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ
