Shushilan’s Celebration of Pohela Boishakh 1432 – Bhola District

Pohela Boishakh, the first day of the Bengali calendar, is a vibrant reflection of the centuries-old tradition, culture, and identity of the Bengali nation. Shushilan celebrates this day with great enthusiasm, both in coordination with the local administration (district and upazila levels) and independently. In continuation of this tradition, on 14 April 2025 (1st Boishakh 1432), all officials and staff members of Shushilan in Bhola district came together in a spirited celebration of the Bengali New Year. Preparations for the event began a week in advance to ensure a festive and inclusive observance. At the invitation of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office (DC Office, Bhola), the Shushilan team joined the New Year’s rally at 7:00 AM. This colorful procession brought together government officials, representatives from NGOs, journalists, and prominent civil society members across the district. The rally was proceeded by the Deputy Commissioner Azad Jahan. At 9:30 AM, all Shushilan staff members assembled at the Deputy Commissioner’s office premises. The internal celebration of Shushilan was inaugurated virtually by the organization’s Chief Executive , Mostafa Nuruzzaman, who shared New Year greetings with the team. Greetings were also extended by Sherina Akther, Deputy Director and Regional Focal for Barishal Division. Following the main event, Shushilan staff arranged a separate rally, showcasing diverse elements of Bengali heritage such as clay pots (kolshi), traditional palanquins (palki), spinning wheels (chorki), kites, and alpana-painted earthenware bringing local culture to life. After the rally, everyone gathered at the Upazila Parishad Auditorium for a festive Bengali lunch. The menu featured Panta bhat, mashed potatoes, shrimp and eggplant preparations, fried eggs, and other traditional delicacies. Seasonal fruit and homemade sweets and Pitha were sold at vibrant food stalls, where senior staff enthusiastically purchased and shared with colleagues. To rejuvenate the gathering post-lunch, a delightful cultural segment was performed by Shushilan staff. The program featured Boishakhi songs, poetry recitations, and dance performances. A notable highlight was a special Bangla New Year’s song written by the Chief Executive Mostafa Nuruzzaman, performed by the team. In the final segment, Upazila Managers shared their reflections on the day’s celebrations. The event concluded with a heartfelt reflections of thanks from Rekha Yesmin, Project Coordinator of the SBC Bhola Team, who expressed gratitude to all for their enthusiastic participation and declared the celebration formally concluded.