Photo: BSS

RANGPUR, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - People from all walks of life, regardless of race, colour, religion, gender and ethnic identity, celebrated Pahela Baishakh in a festive atmosphere today, turning Rangpur into a city of colour, enthusiasm and excitement.

The district administration, District Shilpokola Academy, Sangskritik Oikya Parishad, government departments, socio-cultural organisations and educational institutions chalked out colourful programmes to welcome the first day of the Bengali New Year.

Rangpur Metropolitan Police, District Police, RAB-13 and other law enforcement agencies took adequate steps to ensure watertight security during celebrations of the Baishakhi programmes across the city.

Artists of different organisations simultaneously performed traditional Baishakhi and folk songs and cultural programmes at the Banyan Tree premises of the Zilla School ground and the Central Shaheed Minar premises in the city.

The vibrant celebration of Pahela Baishakh began at 8 am with the national anthem and the rendition of the song "Eso Hey Baishakh..." at the Banyan Tree premises.

Later, the district administration brought out a "Universal Baishakhi Shobhayatra" with the participation of people, including ethnic groups, carrying festoons, placards and banners and singing folk songs from the Zilla School grounds at 10 am.

The procession reached the Town Hall premises after parading the main streets via Kachari Bazar, City Bazar, Paira Chattar, Jahaz Company Intersection and other points along the main city streets.

Divisional Commissioner Md Shahidul Islam and Rangpur City Corporation Administrator Advocate Mahfuz Un Nabi Chowdhury Don attended the procession as chief guest and special guest respectively.

Deputy Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Ruhul Amin, Superintendent of Police Md Marufat Hussaine and Rangpur District Council Administrator Md Saiful Islam also participated in the event.

Officials of the Rangpur divisional and district administrations, Rangpur Range DIG office, Rangpur Metropolitan Police, other government offices, leaders of BNP and other political parties and socio-cultural organisations also participated in the programmes.

The enthusiasm of people of different ages, including children, teenagers and youth, who participated in the Shobhayatra, and the colourful traditional costumes, dancing, singing and chanting created a vibrant atmosphere.

Everyone dressed in yellow, red, green and orange clothes participated in the colourful procession. Women wore flower garlands on their heads and colourful bangles, while children were seen excited.

the joy procession featured artworks including large-scale portraits, bullock carts, horse-drawn carriages, puppets, birds and fish. 

To attract the attention of city dwellers, traditional stick games, fishermen, blacksmiths, ploughs, yokes, wedding palanquins and musical instruments were displayed, along with songs portraying the lost traditions of rural Bengal.

The enthusiastic crowd gathered on both sides of the city streets to watch the Baishakhi Shobhayatra procession.

On this occasion, Bangladesh Small and Cottage Industries Corporation and National Association of Small and Cottage Industries of Bangladesh, with assistance from the district administration, organised a four-day Baishakhi Mela at the city's Public Library grounds.

The District Shilpokola Academy and District Shishu Academy organised essay writing and painting competitions, cultural programmes and award distribution ceremonies at the Town Hall premises.

Dozens of rural fairs, kite festivals, gatherings, painting exhibitions, Baishakhi fairs and sports events were organised in different areas of the city and district on the occasion.

Chikley Lake Water Park, Rangpur Zoo Children's Park, Survi Udyan, Rupkotha Theme Park, Vinnojogot Entertainment Center, Hotel Grand Palace, Hotel North View and other hotels, restaurants, amusement parks and clubs were abuzz with visitors.