The upcoming Pahela Baishakh and Chaitra Sankranti celebrations will be a bold affirmation of Bangladesh's cultural inclusivity, with active participation from communities across the country, announced Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, renowned filmmaker and cultural affairs adviser to the government.

In two back-to-back press briefings held today at the National Theatre Hall of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) and later at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka, the cultural adviser outlined the government's plans for this year's festivities, describing them as a deeper journey into cultural harmony.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

He said that the Ministry of Cultural Affairs is prioritising cultural healing and inclusiveness, aiming to restore the unity that once defined the nation's vibrant cultural fabric. He noted that the ministry is working both directly and indirectly to ensure that significant cultural and religious events are celebrated with equal respect by all communities.

Farooki declared that this year's Bengali New Year celebrations would bring together not just Bengali citizens, but also 27 ethnic communities from across the country. "Diversity is our most powerful and beautiful asset," he said. "From the hill tracts to the plains, people of every identity will represent their culture and heritage with pride." 

As part of this inclusive initiative, 12 districts will host traditional Sadhu Melas, while Suhrawardy Udyan in Dhaka will stage a grand concert featuring ethnic musical bands such as F Minor (Garo), Laa Rong (Marma), Emang (Tripura), Unity (Khasi), and Invocation (Chakma), performing alongside Bengali bands including Miles, Warfaze, Lalon, Vikings, AvoidRafa, and Dalchhut.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The capital will also see a range of other events: daylong programmes at Shilpakala Academy, Chhayanaut's annual musical gathering at Charukola, Shurer Dhara's performance at Rabindra Sarobar, and the iconic Mangal Shobhajatra (termed as 'Shobhajatra' at the briefing) by Dhaka University's Faculty of Fine Arts. 

This year's Shobhajatra will include a segment dedicated to solidarity with Palestine, where musicians will carry the Palestinian flag and sing songs of resistance, especially the song "From the river to sea, Palestine will be free". A drone show, financed by the Chinese Embassy, will be held under the theme "New Bangladesh in New Year", and Bangla Academy will host a fair as part of the national celebration.

As for the 27 ethnic communities, for the first time, Biju and other ethnic New Year festivals—celebrated by the people of the Chittagong Hill Tracts—have been declared executive holidays. Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs Adviser Supradip Chakma expressed his gratitude to the government, noting that Rangamati, Khagrachhari, and all upazilas in the region are preparing for the festivities with unprecedented enthusiasm. "No one should doubt the government's commitment to inclusivity," he said.

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Farooki added that he will personally attend the Fagua Utsab with tea garden workers in Sylhet to honour their cultural traditions. Emphasising the broader humanitarian message of the celebrations, he urged the nation not to forget about the 1.2 million Rohingyas currently residing in Bangladesh, or the genocide taking place in Palestine. "What you feel and do for the oppressed is a true measure of your culture," he said. "This year, we will celebrate their identities as part of our own."

When questioned about participation from Islamist groups, Farooki stated, "Vilification of Muslims will no longer be tolerated in Bangladesh. This year's New Year celebration is for everyone. However, I don't think any group, political or cultural, will be attending the rally with any banner. This is a people's rally and it will remain as such."

A major concert at Manik Mia Avenue, in collaboration with the Shilpakala Academy and Dhaka North City Corporation, will round off the festivities. With events scheduled from April 10 to 14, this year's Pahela Baishakh celebrations aim not only to welcome the new year with joy but also to reaffirm the country's commitment to cultural unity, diversity, and non-sectarian values.

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