Pahela Boishakh, the first day of the Bangla New Year and the country's key secular celebration is at the door.

Biman Bangladesh Airline offers special discounts on Dhaka-Barisal and Dhaka-Saidpur routes on the eve of Pahela Baishakh.

Thursday was a day of heavy rains in the Moulvibazar area. Like the new tea leaves blooming on every plant, an air of festivity lingered in the tea estates.

Images of different traditional birds, animals, decorated pots and different musical instruments are being made at the department premises to add more colour to the procession.

Every Boishakh -- the first month of the Bangla calendar, people wish to shake off the previous year's gloom and prepare to usher in the New Year with renewed vigour.