Md. Lavlu Sheikh, Lalmonirhat

As in previous years, a grand four-day celebration has been organized at the Shaheed Abul Kashem College premises in Boro Bari, Lalmonirhat Sadar Upazila, to welcome Pahela Baishakh 1432, the Bengali New Year. 

The festival, arranged by the Noboborsho Udyapan Parishad, features a wide range of cultural and traditional events that highlight the rich heritage of Bengali New Year.

Organizers shared that the festival aims to showcase the history and traditions of Pahela Baishakh through various programs across the four days.

The celebrations began on Monday, 1st Boishakh, with a joyous New Year parade at 7:00 AM, followed by Panta Bhaat (traditional rice and water dish) at 9:00 AM. In the afternoon, the crowd enjoyed traditional stick fighting at 2:00 PM, followed by the historic horse race at 2:30 PM, marking the conclusion of the first day’s festivities.

On Tuesday, the second day, events began at 9:00 AM with a swimming competition, followed by Ha-du-du, traditional rope weaving with “chokorchal” and “utkun” fibers, and Tush (cowhide tossing) games. The second round of the horse race was held at 2:00 PM.

Wednesday, the third day, featured long jump, Ha-du-du, “Chokorchal” weaving, “Jhaki Jal” net weaving, “Chengu Penti” (bamboo foot games), and a cockfight. Other highlights included Tush games, “Batul Throwing”, high jump, and kite flying. The third round of the horse race concluded the day at 2:00 PM.

The final day, Thursday, will see the grand finale of the Ha-du-du competition at 1:00 PM, followed by the final round of the horse race at 2:00 PM, officially ending the four-day celebration.

Speaking to the press, Ranajit Kumar Roy, Member Secretary of the organizing committee, stated, “Preparations are in full swing, including constructing entry gates, decorating roads and grounds, and arranging seating for visitors.” He also confirmed that Asadul Habib Dulu, former State Minister and Organizing Secretary of BNP’s Rangpur Division, will be present throughout the program along with senior representatives from the administration of Rangpur, Kurigram, and Lalmonirhat.

Nazmul Huda Limon, convener of the organizing committee, said that preparations for Pahela Baishakh 1432 are nearly complete. “Every day, we are expecting around a hundred thousand visitors here in Boro Bari, and we’ve organized a massive cultural festival to welcome them,” he added. Hundreds of volunteers have also been mobilized to ensure the festival is conducted in a respectful and orderly manner.

To ensure public safety, Lalmonirhat Sadar Police Officer-in-Charge Nurun Nabi confirmed that law enforcement is fully prepared. He stated, “We are taking all necessary measures to provide security throughout the festival.”

In parallel celebrations, Lalmonirhat District Police organized a special festive meal (preetibhoj) on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh at the Police Lines. The event was led by Superintendent of Police Md. Tarikul Islam, who shared the New Year joy with officers and their families.

Meanwhile, Lalmonirhat District Administration, led by Deputy Commissioner A.H.M. Rakib Hayder, organized a vibrant procession across the town, which was also attended by SP Md. Tarikul Islam and other senior officials.

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