Festivals and celebrations have always played an important role in the life of Bangladeshis. These festivals are part and parcel of Bengali culture and tradition. There are some festivals that are the same as in other countries, and there are also some that are unusual for others.
Here are the lists of interesting festivals celebrated in Bangladesh:
o Pahela Baishakh – it is the advent of the Bengali New Year. It is a joyous celebration that is practiced throughout the country. The Pahela Baishakh, which is in the middle of April, is a public holiday. The celebration is mainly held in Ramna Park, which becomes a colorful and lively place every time the Pahela Baishkah is celebrated.
o Bangladesh Independence Day: It is celebrated every 26th of March and is the biggest state festival celebrated in the country. During the Independence Day of Bangladesh, the country’s capital shows its most festive aspect. Bangladeshis wake up in the early hours of the morning firing guns and prosperous firecrackers to mark the day.
o The day is a very important day for the people of Bangladesh. The country holds a mourning procedure which begins in Dhaka at midnight by singing the song “Amar vaier raktay rangano ekushay february” (February 21, the day stained with the blood of my brothers). Bangladeshis pay homage to the martyrs by placing wreaths at the Shahid Minar.
o Eid-e-Miladunnabi – This celebration commemorates the birth and death of Eid-e-Miladunnabi, who was born and died on the same day which is the 12th Rabiul Awal of the lunar month. Eid-e-Miladunnabi is a national holiday, where Bangladeshis display their national flags on top of all houses and establishments. Special foods are also served in orphanages, hospitals and jails during the Eid-e-Miladunnabi celebration.
o Eid-ul-Azha – a Bangladeshi holiday considered to be the second biggest festival of Muslims. It is held in honor of “Hajj” in Mecca on the 10th of Zilhaj of the lunar month. Worship ceremonies are held throughout the country on this day. The flora and fauna are offered in honor of Hazrat Ibrahim’s vigilance for the ultimate sacrifice of his beloved son to Allah.
o Christmas: it is also celebrated in Bangladesh, popularly known as “Bara Din”, which means Great Day. It is celebrated with a show in Dhaka and in other parts of the country. These are important multi-day meetings held at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Ramna, the Portuguese Church in Tejgaon, the Bangladeshi Church (Protestant) on Johnson Road and the Bangladeshi Baptist Sangha in Sadarghat Dhaka. The churches are lit up with decorative Christmas trees.
These are just some of the holidays and festivals celebrated in Bangladesh. There are a few more others, which are sure to be enjoyed by all visitors and travelers visiting Bangladesh.
