Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, April 14, 2026 (BSS) - Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1433, was celebrated in Chattogram and its adjacent districts with great enthusiasm and festivity.

The district administration, along with the Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad at DC Hill and Shristala of CRB Hill respectively, various organizations, and educational institutions have organized vibrant programs to welcome the New Year. Colorful rallies were brought out from the local circuit house premises in Chattogram to celebrate the occasion.

A day-long cultural program was held at DC Hill by the district administration with the theme 'New Year Unity, Democracy Resurgence'. The Nabo Barshaw Udjapon Parisad, Chattogram, organized a celebration program at the historic CRB Sirishtala while the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Chattogram district branch also held a day-long program.

On Tuesday at 8:30 am, a vibrant procession organized by the district administration kicked off from the Circuit House premises in the city. The procession made its way to the intersection of Kazir Deuri and Love Lane before concluding at DC Hill.

Thousands of people from various backgrounds, including government and private officials, donned traditional attire and carried colorful decorations, rural symbolic items, placards, banners, and sang "Esho Hey Boishakh Esho Esho" during the main 'Baishakhi' rally to celebrate 'Pahela Baishakh'.

Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, Dr. Mohammad Ziauddin, led the colorful 'Baishakhi' rally, which ended at the DC Hill premises after parading through important streets.

State Minister for Chattogram Hill Tracts and Land, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Abu Sufian, MP, Divisional Commissioner Dr. Ziauddin, Deputy Commissioner Zahidul Islam Miah, and other senior officials were present as chief guests. They emphasized the importance of such events in engaging the new generation with Bengali culture and heritage.

The festive procession featured palanquins, puppets, colorful placards, and folk instruments from rural Bengal, all moving to the beat of music, adding a unique touch to the celebration. 

On the occasion of Bengali New Year, CCC Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain extended his greetings to the people of Chattogram and encouraged them to co-operate in building a beautiful and vibrant port city. 

Mayor Dr. Shahadat made these remarks during the New Year's welcome procession held from the CRB function premises in the city on Monday evening. Teachers, students, officials, employees from various educational institutions, and people from different walks of life participated in the rally. The procession concluded at the same venue after parading through different important city streets. 

Earlier in the day, the district administration organized a discussion at  DC Hill to mark Pahela Boishakh at 9:30 am. Additionally, various events such as processions, folk fairs, puppet shows, bowling, and kabaddi were organized at Chattogram University and Patiya Government College grounds to celebrate the New Year. 

Security measures were heightened throughout Chattogram city, with traffic restrictions in place, particularly in the DC Hill and CRB areas.

Commissioner of Chattogram Metropolitan Police, Hasan Md. Shawkat Ali, emphasized the significance of Bangla New Year as a universal festival for Bengalis and said that adequate preparations had been made to ensure a safe and peaceful celebration of Bengali New Year.

The main program of Pahela Boishakh started after 8:30 am at DC Hill and Shristala of CRB Hill, where artists from Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad performed songs like "Esho hey Boishakh Esho Esho."

Additionally, various socio-cultural, literary organizations, and educational institutions celebrated the Bengali New Year 1433. Improved meals were provided to the residents of hospitals, Chattogram Central Jail, orphanages, children's homes, vagabond centers, and orphanages in the city. Numerous socio-cultural organizations, including Chattogram Press Club, Chattogram University, University of Science and Technology in Chattogram (USTC), and Government Fine Arts College, Borsho Biday O Borsho Sommilon Parishad, marked the day with diverse programs.