Like every other culture, the culture of Bangladesh is a treat to all five senses. We have a special dress code for the day, so all through the day and night on the 14 April, you can see throngs of people going to fun fairs, decked up in their finest red and white attire. We also have special food that is, while not exclusive to Noboborsho, but most popularly eaten then. This comprises pantha bhaat (rice soaked overnight), ilish bhaja (fried hilsha fish), bharta (different kinds of mashes, like potato, tomato, fish and others) and pitha (sweet confections mostly made of milk and flour).

The Youth and Sports Committee of Bangladesh religiously follows the date and celebrates it with the Jamat. This year, too, the team put together a great show at the Ismaili Jamatkhana and Centre with food stalls of popular Bangladeshi snacks like fuchka (pani puri), chatpati (chickpeas gravy), jhalmuri (spiced puffed rice), green mango juice and mango mash with chilli and mustard. The hall was beautifully decorated with hand-made masks. The atmosphere was festive, with famous and well-loved Bangla songs playing in the background, delicious smells wafting in the air and the jamaat, resplendent in shades of red and white.

The program was great with children and adults alike.

Wishing everyone Shubho Noboborsho!