Chaitra Sankranti today

People across Bangladesh are observing Chaitra Sankranti today, which marks the last day of the Bengali calendar year.

This day represents farewell and renewal, as people say goodbye to the old year’s tiredness, suffering, and negativity, and stand at the doorway of a new year with hope.

The final day of Chaitra reflects the changing season. The intense heat of the month symbolises the end of the old cycle. Dry leaves and seasonal sounds are linked with the arrival of a new beginning.

In rural areas, the day is celebrated in a lively way. People complete old accounts and prepare to open new account books, known as Halkhata. Families cook traditional vegetarian food, including dishes made with fourteen types of leafy vegetables and roasted grain (chhatu). These traditions symbolise purity and a fresh start.

For followers of Hinduism, the day has religious importance. They perform rituals, worship Shiva, observe fasting, and take part in different religious practices.

Indigenous communities in the hill regions celebrate this time with three-day festivals. They observe 'Chaitra Sankranti' and the New Year with traditional celebrations, showing the cultural diversity of the country.

Although city life has changed, rural traditions are still alive. Fairs, folk theatre, puppet shows, folk songs, and bioscope performances make the day festive. Cultural organisations also work to pass these traditions to the younger generation.

This year, various programmes are being held across the country. The Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy has arranged folk art exhibitions, traditional dances such as Dhamail, Jari songs, Pot songs, and poetry recitations. A folk theatre play titled 'Rahim Badsha Rupban Konya' is also being staged.

Chaitra Sankranti is an important cultural day for Bengalis. It represents both farewell and hope, as one year ends and another begins.