The transformation of Dhaka into a vibrant and joyous metropolis on this day revolves around a set of different places and festivities. To mark the occasion, Ramna Botomul becomes an assembly place for millions of people dressed in traditional clothing, regardless of religion, age, gender, caste, or profession from very early in the morning. Renowned cultural organisations host events where traditional Bangalee music greets the new Bangla year.
A swarm of eager individuals can be spotted in and around Ramna Park, TSC, and Dhaka University's Fine Arts Institute. Some tourists and expatriates living in Bangladesh also dress in traditional Bangalee attire to celebrate the new year and participate in the local festivities. In various areas of Dhaka, numerous exhibits with diverse captions, placards, and logos embodying the spirit of Pahela Baishakh are constructed.
'Mangol Shobhajatra,' a lavish parade of colour, melody, and cheerful lively Bangalees at dawn, symbolises the holiday for all that it is placing behind the past year, going forward with commitment, and spreading optimism of well-being.
Even though Dhaka becomes more magical with the spell of different joyous activities, there always looms a difference in the dimensions regarding the case of celebration because of the tranquillity of village life and the hustle and bustle of Dhaka. Mohammad Saiful Islam, a graduate from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at the University of Dhaka who is working with a national daily is ready to accept these differences in the mode of the celebration. With a nostalgic heart, he unpacks a basket of stories regarding the village life celebrations. He emphasises how the mind mapping of the celebration is entirely different as the religious dimension is seemed to be embedded in the village life.
"The psychology behind the celebration is stemmed from the belief that fresh new beginnings ensure smooth sailing throughout the year. From different types of glistening ‘bhortas’ to desert delights, the spectrum of food variety presents an all-encompassing combination of items." Saiful further added, "Authentic Bangalee cuisines like Cholaar dal, Shukhto, Aloo Posto, and Shorshe Ilish are also prepared to have a meal together as a family. Not only buying items of gold and silver on this auspicious day but also traditions like spreading these metals- touched water is also regarded as the sign of fortune. Even though the essence of the celebration is different, the opening of new ‘halkhata’ (account book) by the shop- owners is constant in both cases."
The rituals of village life still play a melancholy tune in his soul as his plans regarding this day are now mostly confined to the orbit of seeking solace in spending quality time by himself. His idea of a perfect Baishakh is something that looks like feasting on sumptuous Ilish or ‘bhortas’ while binging series or movies.
Dhaka becomes a gladiatorial arena for restaurant owners to attract more customers as they submerge themselves in the race of offering alluring discounts. Zakia Jebunnesa is a student of International Relations at Bangladesh University of Professionals. Because of growing up in Dhaka, her life is tied to the vibrant Baishakh of this city. As she continues to pluck her memories, she dives deep into how the practice of visiting Ramna Botomul with family or friends has changed over the course of time.
"We all fall victim to the marketing strategies of the restaurants or cafes who promote their Baishakh platters through discounts or other means. Sometimes, these platters don't even include Bangalee food." She thinks it is important to make the food items more inclusive by keeping an eye on the addition of traditional Baishakh delicacies like 'muri-murki' so that the young generation does not lose the track of their roots. For her, this Baishakh will bring a twist in terms of the tradition of relishing ‘Panta’ in the morning as it will be replaced by savouring mouth-watering iftar items. Unpredictable strokes of the weather or the unbearable traffic jam failed to create any hindrance as hanging out with friends and different parts of Dhaka hopping have also secured a place on her to-do list.
Humaira Afreen, a student of North South University, echoes Saiful while undoing the braids of Pre- Covid Campus Baishakh. As Baishakh is taking place during Ramadan, her plans will revolve around having iftar with family and friends followed by dinner. Roaming around different places will be challenging because of fasting but she looks forward to spending the day surrounded by the warmth of family and friends.
This day comes with a message to spur people on for reconstructing their heritage with its sublime dignity. This Pahela Baishakh is, therefore, a chance for us to turn a new leaf in our life after tackling the almost two-year-long battle with the pandemic. Let Tagore's famous song, 'Esho Hey Baishakh, Esho Esho' reverberate across our social fabric to welcome the new beginning of the year- full of hope and love.
The writer is a student at the Department of International Relations at Bangladesh University of Professionals.
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