Dhaka, April 15 – Pahela Baishakh, the first day of the Bangla new year which is synonymous with colour and jubilant celebrations involving the whole nation, were not seen on Tuesday, the first day of the Bengali month of Baishakh due to lockdown enforced by the law enforcing agencies in view of the coronavirus pandemic.This year, the streets and park that become overcrowded with enthusiastic visitors fell silent as the government called off all programmes to avoid mass gatherings as a precautionary measure to prevent the transmission of coronavirus.
The eerie silence reminds everyone of the country’s arduous fight against the virus that has infected more than 1,000 people and killed 46 in Bangladesh till date.
The people are optimistic about celebrating the next Pahela Baishakh with colourful programmes.
The places that draw huge crowds during Pahela Baishakh with processions, makeshift shops selling dry food items, handicraft products and toys including kites were missing. It is a stark contrast to the usual celebrations.
The Shahbagh area witnesses large crowds and colourful processions every year on Pahela Baishakh remained deserted.
None visited the Ramna Park area of Dhaka, a popular spot for people celebrating Pahela Baishakh, as the government cancelled all celebrations to prevent the spread of coronavirus. Ramna Green did not host the traditional ‘Panta (watered rice) fried Ilish (hilsa) delicacy as there was none to savour those.
The Teacher-Students Centre area of the Dhaka University, which remains filled with people celebrating Pahela Baishakh, was empty this year due to the lockdown enforced because of the coronavirus pandemic. – News Desk with UNB
