Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Nov 16, 2025 (BSS) – 'Nabanna', an age-old Bengali festival which is observed in late autumn during the harvest of new aman crops, was celebrated with festivity at Bangladesh Rice Research Institute (BRRI) today.

The festival is celebrated on the first day of the Bengali month of Agrahayan. The word Agra means "first," and hayan means "month.

BRRI director general Dr Mohammad Khalequzzaman inaugurated the 'Nabanna' festival as the chief guest by releasing balloons in front of BRRI administration building this morning, according to a BRRI press release.

Later, the chief guest participated in paddy harvesting along with other guests. A colorful rally was organized which paraded different streets of BRRI head quarters. Afterward, a brief discussion was held at the BRRI auditorium.

BRRI director general Dr Mohammad Khalequzzaman attended the discussion as the chief guest while Principal Scientific Officer and Head of BRRI’s rice farming system (RFS) division Dr M Ibrahim chaired the function.

BRRI director (research) Dr M Rafiqul Islam and BRRI DG’s spouse Farzia Ahmed Simmi spoke at the function as special guests. BRRI scientists, officials, employees and workers representatives also spoke on the occasion.

Pitha and rice pudding (kheer) were distributed among the BRRI scientists, officials, employees and workers after the discussion meeting.