Pahela Baishakh today

The nation is celebrating Pahela Baishakh, the first day of Bengali New Year-1424, in a large-scale this year with much enthusiasm and traditional gaiety as the Mangol Shovajatra earned UNESCO recognition as world heritage.

Different socio-cultural organizations and educational institutions, associations of professionals have taken elaborate programmes including cultural functions, processions and Baishakhi fairs in the capital as elsewhere across the country.

However, business communities, especially in the rural areas are ready to open their traditional `Halkhata`, new account books, while sweets will be distributed among customers to mark the day.

President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina have issued separate messages greeting the countrymen on the occasion of Pahela Baishakh.

They wished the Bangla Nababarsha-1424 will bring happiness, peace and prosperity for the country removing all darkness and sorrows.

The day is a public holiday.