CHATTOGRAM, April 14, 2023 (BSS) - Pahela Boishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1430, was celebrated in the port city and its adjacent upazilas of the district today in a befitting manner with great enthusiasm and festivity.

The district administration, Chattogram City Corporation and activists of different socio-cultural, professional and business organisations, NGOs, private bodies and educational institutions have chalked out colourful programmes for welcoming the Bengali New Year. 

Marking the celebration, Chattogram district administration and Chattogram City Corporation arranged colourful rallies from Chattogram DC Hill premises. 

Thousands of people of all ages, wearing traditional dresses and carrying festoons, placards, banners and singing "Esho Hey Boishakh Esho Esho" participated in the main 'Baishakhi' rally to welcome 'Pahela Baishakh'.
 
Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakruzzaman led another colourful 'Baishakhi' rally which concluded at Shilpakola academy premises at 9 am today after parading some important thoroughfares. 

District administration also organized a discussion on the occasion of Pahela Boishakh at Shilpakala academy at 10 am today. 
 
Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram Abul Bashar Mohammad Fakruzzaman  presided over the function while  Additional   Divisional Commissioner Dr Prokash Kanti Chowdhury, superintendent of district police SM Sofiullah, representatives from Metropolitan Police and DIG office among  others, addressed the discussion. 

The speakers put emphasis on reviving the past glories of the non-communal rich Bengali culture to uphold the spirit of the War of Liberation and disseminate true national history to the young generations. 

The main programme of Pahela Boishakh began from 6.30AM and continued till 12 PM at Muktamanch of the historic DC hill and CRB Shirishtala from 8 am to 12 pm where artistes of Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad performed the songs including -"Esho hey Boishakh Esho Esho,". 
 
Besides, socio-cultural, literary organizations and educational institutions celebrated the day welcoming the Bengali New Year 1430.
 
Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad began its two-day programme through a colourful procession. Dance, songs, Kabadi, bullfight, cockfight and puppet show were the main attractions of the day. 
 
Ahmed Iqbal Haider, convenor of  Sammilita Pahela Baishakh Udjapan Parishad Chattogram told BSS that  preparations for the festival were made on a short scale due to holy month of Ramadan this year, Artists from around 32 organizations of Chattogram participated in the cultural performances, he added.
 
Improved diets were served to the inmates of all hospitals, Chattogram Central Jail, shishu paribars, vagabond centres and orphanages in the port city. 

Hundreds of socio-cultural organizations including Chattogram Press Club, Chattogram University, University of Science and Technology in Chattogram (USTC) and Government Fine Arts College, Borsho Biday O Borsho Sommilon Parishad, BWA School and College, Global Scholar School and College, Shahitya Parishad and Government City College celebrated the day through various 
programmes.