In Dhaka, thousands joined colorful processions wearing masks and traditional dresses. Folklore expert: “Bangla new year celebrations remind us of the communal harmony of the people of this land for many centuries.” Dhaka: Bangladesh’s 170 million people celebrated Bangla New Year 1425, also called “Pohela Boishakh” in local language, meaning the first day of Bengali calendar month “Boishakh.” Listed by UNESCO as part of world heritage in 2016, this is the only festival where the entire nation takes part, irrespective of class, race, religion or belief. In Bangladesh, the first day of the Bengali new year is a national holiday. In past years, the Bangladesh government has announced a festival bonus for employees to add to the jubilations. The celebrations begin at sunrise when people wearing new clothes gather at the main venues around Dhaka University. This year’s procession is the 30th coordinated by the students of Dhaka University to welcome the Bengali new year. Students of university’s Fine Arts Institute made figurines chasing evil spirits. In Dhaka, thousands joined colorful processions wearing masks and traditional dresses. Some carried large symbolic figures of birds and animals made of bamboo. “Mongol Shovajatra,” or the “rally for the sake of wellbeing,” which is organized by the Fine Arts Institute of Dhaka University, has become a major focus of new year celebrations in Dhaka. The day includes festivities such as “Halkhata,” which means updating the business record books for business community, exchanging gifts with family and friends and organizing village fairs. Boishakhi fairs, which depict the lifestyle of rural Bengal complimented with traditional folk songs and plays, are organized in many parts of the capital and elsewhere. “Bangla new year celebrations remind us of the communal harmony of the people of this land for many centuries,” said folklore expert Dr. Shamsujjaman Khan. He said the festival unites the nation against social evils and extremism.