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Cultural arena set to celebrate Pahela Baishakh
Daily Sun Report, Dhaka
Published: 14 Apr 2026, 12:00 AM
With festivity, tradition and a renewed sense of cultural identity, the nation is set to welcome Bengali New Year 1433 through a wide array of colourful programmes across the country.
From dawn musical gatherings and traditional processions to theatre performances, fairs and televised specials, this year’s Pahela Baishakh promises a rich blend of heritage and contemporary expression, bringing together artistes, cultural organisations and audience in a collective spirit of renewal.
As always, one of the main attractions will be the traditional celebration at Ramna Park. The iconic programme at Ramna Batamul, organised by Chhayanaut, will be held from 6:15am to 8:25am. The programme will feature eight ensemble songs, 14 solo performances and two recitations, continuing a cherished cultural legacy.
The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged a five-day programme marking Chaitra Sankranti 1432 and the New Year. Organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the event includes cultural festivals, performances by small ethnic communities and a vibrant Baishakhi fair on the academy premises.
The celebrations began on 13 April with Chaitra Sankranti. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury inaugurated the event as the chief guest. On the same day, the Bangladesh Folk Art Exhibition opened at Gallery-4 of the National Art Gallery.
Today’s main programme at the academy will begin at 4:00pm at the National Theatre Auditorium. A colourful procession accompanied by traditional dhak-dhol will take place, followed by a cultural segment opening with the chorus rendition of “Esho He Boishakh.” The lineup will include poet songs, Gazi songs, Gambhira and Baul performances, alongside music and dance presentations by ethnic communities and popular artistes.
The third day will feature a cultural programme by the Bangladesh Nationalist Social and Cultural Organisation (JASAS), with music direction by Ethun Babu. A special acrobatic display by the academy’s Rajbari team is also scheduled. On the fourth day, audiences will enjoy performances by ethnic groups and a puppet show titled “Bacherer Biye” by Bishwaroopa Putulnach Party at the Experimental Theatre Hall.
The event will conclude with a grand finale, including a choreographed performance of “Esho He Boishakh” featuring 50 dancers, followed by musical performances and a screening of the popular Bangla film Beder Meye Josna, directed by Tozammel Haque Bakul.
Meanwhile, theatre troupe Swapnadal will stage two shows of Chitrangada at the academy’s Studio Theatre Hall. Based on a story from the Mahabharata, the play was written by Rabindranath Tagore.
In another highlight, Channel i, in collaboration with Surer Dhara, will host “Hajaro Konthe Borshoboron” at Rabindra Sarobar from the morning. The programme will feature performances by noted artistes including Rafiqul Alam and Konal.
Popular band Chirkutt will perform at several university campuses, adding youthful energy to the celebrations.
Television channels, including Bangladesh Television, have also arranged special daylong programmes featuring music, dramas, documentaries and cultural shows. Additionally, a Bangla-dubbed micro-drama titled “True Love in Disguise” (Chhoddobeshi Bhalobasha) will premiere on Deepto Play, further enriching the festive entertainment lineup.
Altogether, this year’s Pahela Baishakh promises a vibrant, inclusive celebration of Bangla culture and identity across the nation.
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