NATIONAL FESTIVALS IN BANGLADESH

Bangladesh is rich in culture. We have a long heritage of culture. The people of this country observe different national festivals. These national festivals are related with different histories and struggle of the people.

Pahela Baishak, the first day of bangle New Year is observed throughout the country with traditional festivity. The businessmen and traders open halkhata (fresh account) on that day and entertain their clients and customers with sweets. Different socio cultural organizations chalk out elaborate programmes to celebrate the day. The day’s first programme begins at Ramna Batamul where thousands of people throng to welcome the New Year day.

The students of the institute of Fine Arts bring out a colourful procession wearing masks to welcome the day. They carry placards festoons poster and banners and parade the main roads of Dhaka. Women at home prepare nice foods especially sweets and entertain their relatives. People exchange New Year’s Day greeting and attend different functions. Every one is jolly on that day. Baishaki mela is a special attraction of the day. Baishaki fairs are held at different places of the country. The country wears a festive look on that day.

The 26^th march the independence day of Bangladesh is another national festival. It is a memorable day in the history of our nation. The national flag is hoisted at all public buildings and at the top of all private buildings. The day begins with 31 gun salutes. The main public buildings are illuminated on that occasion. Cultural functions are held at different places. People observe the day with a pledge to build the country.

The victory day is another national festival. After nine months bloody struggle we achieved our independence on the 16^th December, 1971. Three millions people sacrificed their lives in our War of liberation. So, we observe the day in a befitting manner. The national flag is hoisted atop all the houses and the important public buildings and illuminated with colourful lights. On that day the president the prime minister and the leaders of different political parties go to the national memorial at savar and places floral wreaths at the mausoleum.

People pay respect to the martyrs of the War of Liberation by paying wreaths and flowers to the memorial, thus the country wears a festive look on that day. These national festivals are deeply rooted in us. These festivals remind us of our cultural heritage and the valiant struggle of the countrymen for the independence.