From early morning visits to Ramna Batamul to taking part in the vibrant and colourful Mangal Shobhajatra, our beloved celebrities carry countless cherished memories of Pahela Baishakh.

A true Baishakhi spread is about balance and not extravagance. It requires something refreshing, something indulgent, som ething hearty, and plenty that can be shared.

Pahela Baishakh is a sensory explosion of red and white, the rhythmic beat of the dhak, and the collective spirit of the Baishakhi Shobhajatra, originally known as Mangal Shobhajatra.

Every year, the air in Bangladesh transforms as the sun rises on the first of Boishakh. Growing up, I took the books and TV programs literally.

Dressing up for Pahela Baishakh is not easy, as there are a lot of considerations to be made. Baishakhi fashion was once synonymous with red and white, and while this timeless combo still holds a special place in our hearts, recent years have seen a delightful shift.

Pahela Baishakh in Dhaka is characterised by the colourful procession originally known as Mongol Shobhajatra, now officially named the Baishakhi Shobhajatra, Panta- Ilish (the famed fermented rice and Hilsa fish combination) and Halkhata -the opening of the new year’s account books.

Pahela Baishakh, the Bengali New Year, is one of the most widely celebrated cultural occasions in Bangladesh. While its essence lies in welcoming a new beginning through shared traditions, its expression varies from one city to another.

As the sun rises on the first day of the Bengali calendar, Bangladesh transforms into a vibrant canvas of crimson red and white.