Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu celebrates Pohela Boishakh with cultural festivity

By TRN Online, Kathmandu, April 18: The Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated Pohela Boishakh, marking the first day of the Bangla New Year 1433, with enthusiasm and festivity at its premises on Friday.

The event was attended by ambassadors and heads of mission from various regional and international countries, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, diplomats from resident missions, prominent Nepali business leaders, members of the Bangladeshi community in Nepal, and their families. The Secretary General of SAARC attended the event. 

In as the guest of honor. Participation from representatives of countries including India, Pakistan, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka added both national and regional significance to the celebration.

In his welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Bangladesh highlighted the historical origin and cultural heritage of Pohela Boishakh, describing it as a festival that reflects the distinct identity, traditions, and history of the Bengali people. He noted that the occasion symbolizes renewal and transformation, traditionally marked by “hal khata” and new beginnings in social and economic life.

He emphasized that the festival transcends religious, social, and geographical boundaries, representing the vibrant spirit of Bengali culture. The Ambassador also underlined the shared cultural bonds across South and Southeast Asia, stating that such celebrations promote mutual understanding, harmony, and friendship among nations.

Recalling the historical significance of Charayapada, mystical hymns composed by Buddhist monks between the 6th and 12th centuries, he described them as one of the earliest forms of the Bengali language and a shared cultural heritage of humanity. He further highlighted the longstanding civilizational ties between Bangladesh and Nepal, expressing optimism about strengthening cooperation in cultural exchange and tourism.

The guest of honor praised Bangladesh’s rich cultural heritage and stressed the importance of regional cultural exchanges in fostering closer ties among South Asian nations. He described Pohela Boishakh as a celebration of harmony and unity in diversity.

The program featured cultural performances, including Bangla and Nepali songs, showcasing the deep-rooted cultural connections between the two countries. Nepali artist Sabu Lama, along with students from a local school and members of the Bangladeshi community, performed during the event. Activities for children and a prize distribution ceremony added to the festive atmosphere.

The embassy premises were decorated with colorful festoons and traditional Bangladeshi artifacts. Guests were served traditional New Year dishes such as panta-ilish (soaked rice with hilsa fish), along with a variety of sweets and cakes.

The celebration also highlighted the shared cultural traditions of Bangladesh and Nepal, particularly their solar calendars and New Year festivals, Pohela Boishakh and Nepali New Year, which both fall in mid-April. The event concluded with a dinner featuring traditional Bangladeshi cuisine, reinforcing the cultural ties between the two nation.