A Celebration of Culture And Unity

Pahela Baishakh is more than just welcoming the Bangali New Year, it is a celebration of our culture and unity. On this day, the whole country is adorned with colours of joy -- reds, whites, yellows and oranges. The celebration begins from days before, as artists and sculptors take this opportunity to sell their finest works to help decorate the city, making the welcoming of Naba Barsha even grander. As the day, April 14, begins with the Mangal Shobhajatra and the different cultural programmes scattered across the city, those carrying the spirit of celebration with them take the day to meet friends and families and share the sweets and delicacies that are essential to the day. Bangalis, from all walks of life, from different districts, of different faiths, come together even if it is to give each other company while feasting on a plate of Panta Bhaat. The biggest speciality, though, is that on the first of Baishakh, all Bangalis become one -- in spirit, in joy, in celebration.

Photos: Amran Hossain