Pahela Baishakh

5 documentaries to watch on Netflix this break

Who doesn’t love Netflix documentaries? The suspense and thrill of a well-produced Netflix original leave viewers enchanted, anticipating more. And with the Eid and Pahela Baishakh break coinciding together, now’s the perfect time to gather with friends and family to sit back and binge-watch all that Netflix has to offer!

Pahela Baishakh and the panta bhaat debate

On one hand, it is a traditional dish and PahelaBaishakh is a festival where we celebrate our culture -- not just with songs, crafts, etc., but also with food. Moreover, it is absolutely delicious! You can indulge in it with other deshi delicacies as well, be it with the delightful ilishorthe spicy bhortas. 

Pahela Baishakh celebrations in pictures

On this occasion, people from all walks of life wear traditional Bengali attire. Young women wear sarees with red borders and adorn themselves with bangles, flowers, and tips while men wear payjamas and panjabis.

Pahela Baishakh being celebrated

Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1431, is being celebrated across the country today with festivity, upholding the rich cultural values and rituals of the Bangalees

Ready to counter any militant attack targeting Pahela Baishakh, says Rab DG

Rab DG M Khurshid Hossain reassured public of comprehensive security arrangements for Pahela Baishakh celebrations

Sweets for my sweets / Ushering Baishakh with mishty

Most Dhakaites have a sweet tooth. We just cannot do without a sweet end to our meals, be it licking your fingers on Kashmiri mango achar, tomato chutney, or slurping up the daal (lentil soup) mixed with sweet, jujube and tamarind pickle.

Why we love red and white sarees on Pahela Baishakh

Pahela Baishakh is characterised by vibrant festivities and mouth-watering dishes. For Bengali women, the essence of this day lies in their red and white sarees — an emblem of their unwavering love for tradition through the ages.

Chhayanaut’s call to celebrate humanity this Bangla New Year

Since its inception in the 1960s as a form of resistance against Pakistani rule, Chhayanaut's New Year celebration at Ramna Batamul in Dhaka has become a hallmark event, marking the commencement of the Bangla New Year’s festivities.

From sarees to Boho: Taking up sartorial challenges this Pahela Baishakh

While there is hardly anything as symbolic as hues of red and white for Pahela Baishakh, this year we are excited for something new, something different!

May 14, 2023
May 14, 2023

5 art melas in Dhaka you can't miss out on

Dhaka is a city with a vibrant and dynamic art culture featuring many notable artists, exhibitions, and art spaces. All year round, many art melas celebrate the thriving art scene and we will list 5 of the best ones you simply can't afford to miss! Whether you are a seasoned art connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of art, these melas are definitely going to be a great way to explore.

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

Pahela Baishakh belongs to every Bangalee : Abul Hayat

‘Halkhata’ refers to the ritual of starting a new logbook for one’s business or establishment. Speaking about the tradition, Abul Hayat quipped, “The ritual is still ongoing and I have been invited to a few as well. People have sweets to mark the auspicious event, which I like very much.”

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

A ‘Baishakhi’ rebellion against negativity

In the context of Bangladesh, the festival of Pahela Baishakh is doubly important, as we fought for our right to be Bengali and to speak in Bangla. Therefore, when a legal notice was sent opposing the celebrations of Mangal Shobhajatra, came together to protest that notice.

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

Is there a Bangalee way to celebrate Pahela Baishakh?

The “Bangalee way” in the sense of a single, linear way is a myth at best, and nationalist propaganda at worst.

April 14, 2023
April 14, 2023

Rich history and tradition of our sweets

Taking a sweet voyage across our country would unveil so many hidden gems within our culinary trove. Starting with the central hub,

April 12, 2023
April 12, 2023

A glimpse into the preparations for Mangal Shobhajatra

The Bengali New Year 1430 is just around the corner, and the Faculty of Fine Arts at the University of Dhaka is a hive of bustling activity. All hands are on deck as the preparations for the Mangal Shobhajatra are in full swing.

April 12, 2023
April 12, 2023

'Pahela Baishakh' doesn't belong to any religion: Chanchal Chowdhury

Renowned actor Chanchal Chowdhury has spoken up against the legal notice sent by a lawyer to stop 'Mongol Shobhajatra'.

April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023

From classic to contemporary: Hairstyle trends for Pahela Baishakh

A touch of the right accessories and your braid can become a vital part of your outfit this Baishakh. Braids are easily among the most elegant and timeless hairstyles there are. They come in all kinds of different shapes and most importantly, help to move the hair away from your face on a hot and humid day. Braids have been a popular hairstyle for centuries, and they have been incorporated into Pahela Baishakh celebrations to create a more free-spirited vibe.

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

2001 Ramna Batamul blast: Death row convict Mufti Shafiqur arrested

Rapid Action Battalion today arrested Mufti Shafiqur Rahman, a death row convict in the bomb blasts during Pahela Baishakh celebrations  21 years ago at Ramna Batamul in 2001.

April 14, 2022
April 14, 2022

Why is Pahela Baishakh celebrated on different dates in West Bengal and Bangladesh?

This is the year 1429 in the Bengali calendar. However, since many argue that if Emperor Akbar introduced the Bengali calendar 438 years ago, why is it the year 1429 in the calendar?