Photo:BSS

DHAKA, Feb 13, 2025 (BSS) - As a gentle wind sweeps through the air, nature seems to welcome the arrival of Falgun (spring), a season of blooming, as the flowers blossom, bringing a soothing natural scenic beauty that enchants millions of people's heart.

To welcome the season and to mark the first day of the Bengali month of Falgun, all-out preparations in the cultural arena are going on in full swing as rural fairs, circuses, and other traditional rituals are being arranged in the country.

The season Spring, in Bangladesh, is also known as 'Rituraj Basanta,' meaning the king of all seasons as it marks the last season of the Bangla calendar comprising Bangla month of Falgun and Chaitra.

The National Spring Festival Organizing Committee is preparing multiple events in the capital including Fine Arts faculty of Dhaka University (DU), the Mukto Monch in Sector 3 of Uttara, and the Bahadur Shah Park at Old Dhaka.

General Secretary of the committee Manzar Chowdhury Sweet said this year, the festival would be celebrated half a day considering the holy Shab-e-Baraat, (a significant religious observance for the Muslims) as it coincides with the Pahela Falgun at the same day.

"We have decided to hold the festival from 7 AM to noon, omitting the traditional procession, but still maintaining the cultural programs at three locations of the capital," Sweet said, adding, "Though the festivities will be more condensed, all other programs will be observed."

However, the preparations are underway at the Bakultala of Charukala (Faculty of Fine Arts) to decorate the venue, where a series of cultural performances will take place.

The events will include classical music, spring songs, poem recitations, folk songs, and dances where a total of 42 cultural groups will take part. The other two additional venues in the capital will also host similar programs, offering a broad array of cultural expressions to mark the day.

As the celebration of spring (Pahela Falgun) continues to be an essential part of Bengali culture, an annual event that brings together people of all ages, from young to old, in a collective celebration of nature's renewal.

Surprisingly, this year, Pahela Falgun also coincides with Valentine's Day, sparking extra enthusiasm among young couples. As a result, flower vendors in Dhaka are eyeing a surge in demand, and Pahela Falgun also sees a blooming flower business.

Though the traders are expecting usual flow in flower sales, Abul Kalam, president of the Shahbagh Flower Vendor Association, expressed somewhat worries, saying, "This year is different. People have been blocking Shahbagh intersection for various reasons and if the road is closed, no one will come to buy flowers."

Maria Noor, a student at Dhaka University, spoke passionately about the significance of the festival, saying, "Basanta Utsob is a historical and cultural celebration for the Bengali people. The blooming flowers, new leaves, and the gentle breeze of nature are all reminders of the beauty of spring".

"I am excited to see the events happening at Charukala, and I love how Pahela Falgun continues to bring joy to the people of Bangladesh," she added expressing excitement to take part in Pahela Falgun celebration.

Pahela Falgun provides a significant testament to the eternal connection between nature, culture, and the spirit of the Bengali people. The festival will surely remain a cherished moment for all, welcoming a season of hope, beauty, and renaissance.