The Bengali year was introduced during the regime of Emperor Akbar to facilitate revenue collection in the 16th century. Ameer Fateh Ullah Sirajee, member of Akbar's Nabaratna initiated the "crop year" by mixing the solar year with lunar year. It was Sirajee who began counting Bengali Nababarsha from Baishakh after combining Hizri with Bengali year. The name Baishakh was derived from a heavenly body named 'Bishakha.'
Prospects of material folk culture studies and folklife museums in Bangladesh
However, in Bangladesh, the celebration was first shifted in 1988, following a coordinating committee recommendation. It suggested to observe the day on Apr 14, saying that it would be scientific, instead of following 'panjika'. The committee was formed under the supervision of the Bangla Academy in 1963. Veteran academician Dr Muhammad Shahidullah and Dr Meghnad Saha were among the top members.
But, the West Bengal government did not accept that. The citizens there, most of whom are Bengali speakers, still follow the 'panjika'.
Prospects of material folk culture studies and folklife museums in Bangladesh
However, in Bangladesh, the celebration was first shifted in 1988, following a coordinating committee recommendation. It suggested to observe the day on Apr 14, saying that it would be scientific, instead of following 'panjika'. The committee was formed under the supervision of the Bangla Academy in 1963. Veteran academician Dr Muhammad Shahidullah and Dr Meghnad Saha were among the top members.
But, the West Bengal government did not accept that. The citizens there, most of whom are Bengali speakers, still follow the 'panjika'.
The Bengalis await the first day of the 'Nababarsha' with new hopes and aspirations. The students of the Bangla Department at Dhaka University also hosted Chaitra Sankranti in the evening on the university's Arts Faculty premises. The whole nation is set to welcome the New Year and different programmes are chalked out to celebrate the day.Who's who in Bangla literature
The central attraction of Pahela Baishakh is the 40-year old regular programme of Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul. Chhayanaut has finished all arrangements for its programme. Like every year, the musical programme is furnished with devotional and patriotic songs.
The Fine Art Institute of Dhaka University has finished its last minute preparations to bring out a Mangal procession. The arts students make tireless efforts for days to prepare different masks and figures of birds and animals.
The central attraction of Pahela Baishakh is the 40-year old regular programme of Chhayanaut at Ramna Batamul. Chhayanaut has finished all arrangements for its programme. Like every year, the musical programme is furnished with devotional and patriotic songs.
The Fine Art Institute of Dhaka University has finished its last minute preparations to bring out a Mangal procession. The arts students make tireless efforts for days to prepare different masks and figures of birds and animals.
