Bangladesh Embassy marks Pohela Boishakh

By A Staff Reporter, Kathmandu, Apr. 19: Bangladesh Embassy in Kathmandu celebrated Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year 1433, with great enthusiasm and festivity at the Embassy premises on 17 April 2026. 

Ambassadors and Heads of Mission of various regional countries and beyond, senior officials of the Government of Nepal, diplomats from various resident Missions, prominent Nepali business leaders, the Bangladeshi community in Nepal, and their families joined the celebration. The Secretary General of SAARC graced the event as the guest of honour. 

In welcome remarks, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Nepal highlighted the origin and cultural heritage of Pohela Boishakh, noting that the festival has become universal in Bangladesh, capturing the distinct history, culture, tradition and heritage of Bengali national identity. 

He stated that this festival transcends the religious, societal and geographical boundaries, reflecting the vibrant spirit of our age-old Bengali culture, customs and traditions. Referring to the civilisational linkages between Bangladesh and Nepal emanating from rich tradition, and heritage, the Ambassador noted that this cultural uniqueness provided a strong foundation for collaboration in the area of cultural exchange and tourism in the bilateral ties.  

The guest of honour appreciated the rich cultural heritage and tradition of Bangladesh and stressed the importance of regional cultural exchanges in fostering closer ties among the peoples of South Asia. He termed the festival as the celebration of harmony and uniqueness amid diversity.

The programme featured a cultural performance, including Bangla and Nepali songs, reflecting the deep-rooted cultural affinities between Bangladesh and Nepal. Nepali artist Sabu Lama and students from a Nepali local school performed Bangla and Nepali songs. Fun-filled games for children and a prize distribution ceremony added extra festivity to the event.

The programme highlighted the shared cultural link between Bangladesh and Nepal through their traditional solar calendars and New Year celebrations—Pohela Boishakh in Bangladesh and Naya Barsha, Nepali New Year—both of which fall in mid-April. It was a celebration of the shared civilisational heritage and seasonal rhythms of the region, reinforcing the cultural bonds between the two nations.