Pohela Boishakh is more than just the Bengali New Year—it is a national celebration of culture, unity, and identity. Celebrated on April 14th, the day starts with “Shubho Noboborsho” greetings and continues with parades, fairs, music, and traditional food. In Dhaka, thousands gather at Ramna Park to attend the “Mangal Shobhajatra,” a colorful rally organized by the Faculty of Fine Arts. UNESCO has recognized this procession as an intangible cultural heritage, and it features giant paper masks, symbolic animals, and dancers. Across the country, people wear red and white traditional clothes, indulge in panta ilish (fermented rice with hilsa fish), and participate in poetry readings, puppet shows, and folk music events. The celebration embodies the secular spirit of the nation and is attended by people of all religions and backgrounds. It’s the best time to visit Bangladesh if you want to see its culture in full bloom.
