1. Durga Puja
Bangladeshis are mostly Muslim, but some are dedicated to other devotions, such as Hinduism. Durga Puja, the biggest festival of the Hindu community in the country, continues for ten days with the last three days being the most joyful. Different rituals are observed, including the idol of the goddess Durga immersed in the river. In Dhaka, the big celebrations are held at the Dhakeswari Temple and last for 10 days.
2. Eid-Ul-Fitr
Eid-ul-Fitr is the first day of the Islamic month of Shawwal. It marks the end of Ramadan, which is a month of fasting and prayer. Many Muslims attend communal prayers, listen to a khutba (sermon), and give zakat al-fitr charity in the form of food) during Eid al-Fitr. A feast that marks the completion of the holy month of Ramadan (the month of fasting), this is the largest festival celebrated in Bangladesh. This is one of the major festivals of the Muslim world. Bangladesh is a Muslim-majority country, and the joy and happiness of Eid are spread to all the citizens of the country, regardless of their religion. After one month of fasting, Eid-al-Fitr brings happiness to all the Muslim people in Bangladesh.
3. Independence Day
Every year March 16th celebrates the declaration of Bangladesh’s independence day, and numerous events are held to commemorate the important date. The biggest state festival, the Independence Day of Bangladesh is observed all over the country. All main cities wear a festive appearance. It is a public holiday. The people living in Dhaka wake up early in the morning to the sound of booming guns heralding the day. Leaders of the government, political and social organizations, freedom fighters, and ordinary citizens alike place floral wreaths at the National Martyrs’ Memorial at Savar. Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, and other socio-cultural organizations held cultural functions Sports meets and tournaments were organized including the exciting boat race in the river Buriganga. At night the main public buildings are brightened. Other cities and towns are arranged with the same functions and decoration.
4. Ekushey (Mother Language Day)
People celebrate the festival Ekushey on the 21st day of February every year. Ekushey is known as National Mother Language Day and has been declared International Mother Language Day by UNESCO. The country observes February 21st every year in remembrance of the martyrs of the Language Movement of 1952. Blood was shed on this day in the Central Shahid Minar area to establish Bangla as a state language of Pakistan.
All successive movements including the struggle for independence owe their origin to the historic language movement. The Shahid Minar is the symbol of the supreme sacrifice for the mother tongue. The day is a public holiday. Mourning services begin in Dhaka at midnight at the Shahid Minar with a song that tellingly recalls the sacrifice of the martyrs. The events of the day include processions, song sessions, the placing of flowers at the Minar, and prayer at the graves of martyrs at Azimpur.
5. Pahela Baishakh
Pahela Baishakh, Bengali New Year’s Day is a national festival in Bangladesh. It has colorful events in towns and villages all over the country. The New Year 14 April is a public holiday. The most eye-catching event in Dhaka the capital city of Bangladesh that spreads throughout the day, takes place at Ramna Park. Students related to the Fine Art Institute of Dhaka University organize colorful shows where paper-made animals and masks figure flagrantly. Tournaments, boat races, and other forms of celebration take place surrounded by great delight. People hold many fairs in Dhaka and other towns and villages.
New Year’s Day is the most celebrated. A wide variety of cultural shows and other programs mark the Pahela Baisakh festival. People of Bangladesh eat sweets and dress up in national dress like Kurtha and Saris, wishing everyone a joyous new beginning.
