Celebrating Pahela Baishakh
In a globalised world, where the dominant cultural practices are supplanting the local ones, the celebration of Pahela Baishakh is an act of self-assertion, courage and conviction on the part of the Bangladeshis. By celebrating the day amid fanfare and a colour galore, the people have highlighted the fact that the indigenous tradition, of which Pahela Baishakh is a part, is very much alive. Again we do not suggest that the mere observance of the rituals does mean that everyone is sincere in his or her commitment to the country. We cannot ignore the fact that the yawning gap between the rich and the poor is getting wider and wider. It could be argued that some people eat watery rice just out of curiosity or as a part of an occasion, whereas the majority toil from dawn to dusk to manage two square meals a day. Notwithstanding this social disparity, we can say that as a nation we have asserted our self- identity by celebrating the first day of the Bengali New Year.
In the wake of the globalisa-tion, we cannot afford to ignore our home-grown traditions and values, because these are an integral part of our culture. Unless we have a deep respect for our culture, we cannot stand up as a nation.
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